Patent Grant
11787510
The present invention generally relates to an adjustable console for a boat, and more specifically to a boat console that folds down flush with the boat deck when not needed increasing the available usable deck space and removing potential obstructions during recreational boating activities. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, a boat console is a structure located on a boat deck that houses a boat's controls, such as steering, ignition, trim control, radio, antennas, and other electronic devices, switches, etc. Typically, the steering console is a permanent fixture of a boat that cannot be moved, adjusted, or lowered. As boats, especially smaller ones, are limited in usable space, the steering console can be quite a hindrance. Most steering consoles on smaller boats are center mounted which significantly limits the usable deck space.
Not only do boat consoles interfere with casting while fishing, they reduce the overall amount of space available on deck for standing or relaxing. Fishermen are often forced to cast from the front or sides of the boat from awkward stances close to the water which can be less safe. Boating enthusiasts would benefit from additional usable space while on the water for fishing or other recreational activities.
Accordingly, there is a great need for a way to increase space on a boat deck. There is also a need for a boat console that is stowable out of the way when not in use. Similarly, there is a need for a boat console that folds down flush with the deck that increases usable deck space. Further, there is a need for a way to limit interference from a boat console while fishing or during other water recreation.
In this manner, the improved adjustable console of the present invention for a use with a boat accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution for increasing usable deck space. A primary feature of the adjustable console is a stowable steering console. The present invention allows the console to fold down flush with the boat deck thereby increasing usable deck space. Finally, the improved adjustable boat console of the present invention is capable of ensuring that the steering console is not an obstacle for fishing enthusiasts and allows individuals to walk around or relax on deck more easily.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an adjustable boat console for use with a boat. The adjustable boat console is configured to move between an operating position and a stowed position. The adjustable boat console comprises a housing, a pivotal connecting component, and an adjusting component. The housing comprises a pair of sides, a back plate, and a control panel.
The housing is movably connected to a deck of the boat by the pivotal connecting component. The pivotal connecting component is a hinge or other similar moving joint that connects to the back of the housing allowing the housing to articulate. The housing is movable between an operating position and a stowed position by the adjusting component. The adjusting component is configured to raise and retract the housing. The back of the housing moves between a parallel orientation with the deck when retracted and an angled or perpendicular orientation when raised.
The adjustable boat console may further comprise a securing component. The securing component is configured to lock the housing in the stowed position. The adjustable boat console further comprises an adjusting component support member. The adjusting component support member is positioned between and is attached to the pair of sides of the housing. The adjusting component is attached at one end to the adjusting component support member and to the boat at the other end.
The adjusting component comprises an adjusting member. The adjusting member comprises a foot end and an adjusting end. The foot end is attached to the boat and the adjusting end attaches to the adjusting component support member. The adjusting end is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member raising the housing from the deck. The adjusting end is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member downward to lower the housing toward the deck.
The adjusting component may further comprise a second adjusting member. The second adjusting member comprises a foot end and an adjusting end. The foot end is attached to the boat and the adjusting end attaches to the adjusting component support member. The second adjusting end is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member raising the housing from the deck in conjunction with the first adjusting member. The second adjusting end is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member downward to lower the housing toward the deck in conjunction with the first adjusting member.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a system for adjusting a boat console of a boat between an operating position and a stowed position. The system comprises a boat deck and an adjustable boat console. The boat deck comprises a central opening configured to accept the adjustable boat console. The adjustable boat console is pivotally connected to the deck along a forward edge of the central opening. The adjustable boat console is configured to move between an operating position and a stowed position.
The adjustable boat console comprises a housing, a pivotal connecting component, and an adjusting component. The housing comprises a pair of sides, a back plate, and a control panel. The back of the housing is movably connected to a deck by the pivotal connecting component. The pivotal connecting component is a hinge or other similar moving joint that connects to the back of the housing allowing the housing to articulate.
The housing is movable between an operating position and a stowed position by the adjusting component. The adjusting component is configured to raise and retract the housing. The back of the housing moves between a parallel orientation with the deck when retracted and an angled or perpendicular orientation when raised. When retracted, the housing is retained within the central opening with the back in line with the deck.
The adjustable boat console may further comprise a securing component. The securing component is configured to lock the housing in the stowed position. The adjustable boat console further comprises an adjusting component support member. The adjusting component support member is positioned between and is attached to the pair of sides of the housing. The adjusting component is attached at one end to the adjusting component support member and to the boat at the other end.
The adjusting component comprises an adjusting member. The adjusting member comprises a foot end and an adjusting end. The foot end is attached to the boat within the central opening and the adjusting end attaches to the adjusting component support member. The adjusting end is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member raising the housing from the deck. The adjusting end is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member downward to lower the housing toward the deck.
The adjusting component may further comprise a second adjusting member. The second adjusting member comprises a foot end and an adjusting end. The foot end is attached to the boat within the central opening and the adjusting end attaches to the adjusting component support member. The second adjusting end is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member raising the housing from the deck in conjunction with the first adjusting member. The second adjusting end is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member downward to lower the housing toward the deck in conjunction with the first adjusting member.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a boat steering console. The boat steering console can be folded down approximately flush with the boat deck at the push of a button. The folded console eliminates the interference caused by the console when fishing from the boat. The invention creates approximately between nine and twelve or more additional square feet of fishing platform on a boat when in a stowed position.
The adjustable boat console is designed to create more space for fishing on a boat by enabling users to raise and lower the steering console as needed. The adjustable boat console is comprised of a control/steering console capable of folding or articulating completely flat and parallel to the boat deck, thereby creating more boat deck square footage for a user to stand on while fishing. The adjustable boat console is typically powered by a motor that articulates the control console up and down and may be button activated. The adjustable boat console may be made from an aluminum or fiberglass so that it is sturdy enough to walk on. It may be raised and lowered within a few seconds.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As illustrated in
The housing 110 is movably connected to the deck 20 by the pivotal connecting component 120. The pivotal connecting component 120 is typically a hinge, piano hinge, or other similar movable joint that connects the deck 20 to the back plate 116 of the housing 110 along an edge of the opening 30. This connection allows the housing 110 to articulate along the joint so that the housing 110 is movable between the operating position and the stowed position when manipulated by the adjusting component 130.
The adjusting component 130 is configured to raise and retract the housing 110 out of the opening 30 away from the deck 20. The back plate 116 of the housing 110 moves between a generally parallel orientation with the deck 10 when retracted and an angled or perpendicular orientation when raised. As such, the back plate 116 is approximately flush with the deck 20 when the housing 110 is in the stowed position and is either angled or approximately perpendicular to the deck 20 when the housing 110 is in the operating position.
The adjustable boat console 100 may further comprise a securing component 170. The securing component 170 may be a pin, latch, or other locking mechanism configured to lock the housing 110 in place when in the stowed position. The adjustable boat console 100 further comprises an adjusting component support member 160. The adjusting component support member 160 is positioned between and is attached to the pair of sides 112 of the housing 110. The adjusting component support member 160 may be a crossbar or other similar horizontal connector spanning the pair of sides 112. The adjusting component 130 is attached at one end to the adjusting component support member 160 and to the boat 10 at the other end. The adjusting component 130 may be powered by a motor, battery, or other power source.
The adjustable boat console 100 may further comprise a securing strap (not shown). The securing strap is attachable to the adjusting component support member 160 with a multi-hole bracket (not shown) and is configured to help keep the housing 110 in an upright position. This is advantageous as it provides tension on the adjustable boat console 100 by triangulating the force for vibrations that occur when driving the boat 10.
The adjusting component 130 comprises an adjusting member 140. The adjusting member 140 comprises a foot end 142 and an adjusting end 146. The foot end 142 comprises an attachment element 144 for attaching the foot end 142 non-movably to the boat 10, typically somewhere within the opening 30. The adjusting end 146 attaches an adjusting member engaging connector 162 on the adjusting component support member 160.
The adjusting end 146 is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member 160 raising the housing 110 from the deck 10. The adjusting end 146 is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member 160 downward to lower the housing 110 toward the deck 10. The adjusting member 140 is typically a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electro-mechanical actuator.
The adjusting component 130 may further comprise a second adjusting member 150. The second adjusting member 150 comprises a foot end 152 and an adjusting end 156. The foot end 152 comprises an attachment element 154 for attaching the foot end 152 non-movably to the boat 10, typically somewhere within the opening 30. The adjusting end 156 attaches an adjusting member engaging connector 162 on the adjusting component support member 160.
The adjusting end 156 is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member 160 raising the housing 110 from the deck 10 in conjunction with the first adjusting member 140. The adjusting end 156 is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member 160 downward to lower the housing 110 toward the deck 10 in conjunction with the first adjusting member 140. The second adjusting member 150 is typically a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electro-mechanical actuator.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in an additional embodiment thereof as illustrated in
The adjustable boat console 230 comprises a housing 240, a pivotal connecting component 250, and an adjusting component 260. The housing 240 comprises a pair of sides 242, a back plate 246, and a control panel 244. The back plate 246 of the housing 240 is movably connected to a deck 210 by the pivotal connecting component 250. The pivotal connecting component 250 is typically a hinge or other similar movable joint that connects the deck 220 to the back plate 246 of the housing 240 along the forward edge 224 of the opening 220. This connection allows the housing 240 to articulate along the joint so that the housing 240 is movable between the operating position and the stowed position when manipulated by the adjusting component 260.
The housing 240 is movable between the operating position and the stowed position by the adjusting component 260. The back plate 246 of the housing 240 moves between a parallel orientation with the deck 210 when retracted and an angled or perpendicular orientation when raised. As such, the back plate 246 is approximately flush with the deck 210 when the housing 240 is in the stowed position and is either angled or approximately perpendicular to the deck 210 when the housing 240 is in the operating position.
The adjustable boat console 230 may further comprise a securing component (similar to 170). The securing component may be a pin, latch, or other locking mechanism configured to lock the housing 240 in place when in the stowed position. The adjustable boat console 230 further comprises an adjusting component support member (similar to 160). The adjusting component support member is positioned between and is attached to the pair of sides 242 of the housing 240. The adjusting component support member may be a crossbar or other similar horizontal connector spanning the pair of sides 242. The adjusting component 260 is attached at one end to the adjusting component support member and to the boat 10 at the other end. The adjusting component 260 may be powered by a motor, battery, or other power source.
The adjusting component 260 comprises an adjusting member (similar to 140). The adjusting member comprises a foot end (similar to 142) and an adjusting end (similar to 146). The foot end comprises an attachment element (similar to 144) for attaching the foot end non-movably to the boat 10, typically somewhere within the opening 220. The adjusting end attaches an adjusting member engaging connector (similar to 162) on the adjusting component support member.
The adjusting end is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member raising the housing 240 from the deck 210. The adjusting end is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member downward to lower the housing 240 toward the deck 210. The adjusting member is typically a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electro-mechanical actuator.
The adjusting component 260 may further comprise a second adjusting member (similar to 150). The second adjusting member comprises a foot end (similar to 152) and an adjusting end (similar to 156). The foot end comprises an attachment element (similar to 154) for attaching the foot end non-movably to the boat 10, typically somewhere within the opening 220. The adjusting end attaches an adjusting member engaging connector on the adjusting component support member.
The adjusting end is configured to extend outward pushing against the adjusting component support member raising the housing 240 from the deck 210 in conjunction with the first adjusting member. The adjusting end is also configured to retract inward pulling the adjusting component support member downward to lower the housing 240 toward the deck 210 in conjunction with the first adjusting member. The second adjusting member is typically also a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electro-mechanical actuator.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the adjustable boat console 100 and system 200 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the adjustable boat console 100 and system 200 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the adjustable boat console 100 and system 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the adjustable boat console 100 and system 200 and their components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the adjustable boat console 100 and system 200 and their various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the adjustable boat console 100 and system 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the adjustable boat console 100 and system 200 is designed to be applied.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/009,121, which was filed on Apr. 13, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3992070 | Dunn | Nov 1976 | A |
| 4957056 | Martin | Sep 1990 | A |
| 7140314 | Kamio | Nov 2006 | B2 |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210316821 A1 | Oct 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63009121 | Apr 2020 | US |
