Patent Grant
12037084
This invention pertains to boat seats. More particularly, this invention pertains to a boat seat mounting stand that is attachable to a boat seat pedestal mount type support structure to provide for attaching an umbrella or other accessories for use with the boat seat.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a boat seat mounting stand includes a sleeve member, an accessory member, an angular brace, and a horizontal brace for attaching an umbrella or other accessory to a typical pedestal mount boat seat, is provided. The sleeve member and the accessory member include adjustment handle configurations for securing to the pedestal mount and for securing an umbrella. The boat seat mounting stand provides for support and rotation of the attached umbrella around the boat seat. An umbrella is attachable to the boat seat mounting stand frame for providing shade when fishing in bright sun, rain, or hot weather.
In one embodiment, a pedestal mount of a typical pedestal mount boat seat extends through the sleeve member of the boat seat mounting stand and is attached to a boat deck in a typical mounting fashion.
According to one embodiment, the sleeve member and the accessory member are hollowed out tubular or cylindrical structures, while the horizontal brace member is a flat or plate structure extending between the sleeve member and the angular brace, and the angular brace member is a tubular structure extending between the sleeve member and the mid-section of the accessory member. The boat seat mounting stand is easily attached or detached from a typical boat seat.
In another embodiment, the boat seat mounting stand is adapted for securing a tray or other type accessory within reach of a fisherman or occupant of the boat seat.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the present disclosure.
The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which:
A boat seat mounting stand for a boat seat that provides for attaching an umbrella and/or other accessories to a boat seat support structure is disclosed. An umbrella is attachable to the boat seat mounting stand frame for providing shade when fishing in rain, bright sun, or hot weather.
The boat seat mounting stand 100 also includes adjustment handle 150a and adjustment handle 150b for use in securing the sleeve member 110 to a boat seat pedestal. A similar adjustment handle 150c is provided for securing an accessory such as an umbrella stand within the accessory member 120.
In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve member 110 is a hollow, tubular structure having an opening of sufficient diameter along its length providing for a typical boat seat pedestal mount to extend entirely through the interior of the sleeve member 110. The hollow opening of the sleeve member 110 is of sufficient diameter that a pedestal mount of a typical boat seat can extend through the entire length of the sleeve member 110 opening. In various embodiments, the length of the sleeve member 110 is less than the length of the pedestal mount of a standard or typical pedestal mount boat seat.
In a typical embodiment, the sleeve member 110 is a hollow, tubular structure having an opening of sufficient diameter along its length providing for a typical boat seat pedestal to extend entirely through the interior of the sleeve member 110. A typical boat seat is secured to a boat seat pedestal mount that extends through the sleeve member 110 and is attachable and removable from the deck or floor of a boat. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve member 110 is a cylindrical or tubular structure so that the installation of the boat seat mounting stand 100 simply requires removal of the boat seat and/or pedestal mount from the floor or deck of the boat, insertion of the pedestal mount through the sleeve member 110, and then reattaching the pedestal mount to the floor or deck of the boat. Alternatively, installation can also be achieved by removing the boat seat from the pedestal and sliding the sleeve member 110 over the pedestal mount, and then reattaching the boat seat.
In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory member 120 is a cylindrical or tubular structure open at both ends. An umbrella stand or other type accessory is inserted into the open upper end of the accessory member 120 and adjusted vertically by utilizing the adjustment handle 150c to tighten the adjustment bolt 152c into or through the adjustment nut 154c to secure the adjustment bolt 152c against or into the umbrella stand 30 and hold it in place at the desired height relative to the level of the boat seat 20. To raise or lower the umbrella height, one simply loosens the adjustment bolt 152c via the adjustment handle 150c, adjusts the umbrella height, and then tightens the adjustment bolt 152c again.
In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory member 120 is open at both ends of the cylindrical structure. In other embodiments, it is envisioned that the lower end of the accessory member would be substantially closed to provide a lower support for the inserted rod of an accessory. In one embodiment, the end would have a small hole to allow for drainage so that the accessory member 120 does not fill with water or such.
The sleeve member 110 and the accessory member 120 each include adjustment configurations and/or adjustment mechanisms for securing the respective sleeve member 100 or accessory member 120 to a cylindrical structure within each. For example, the sleeve member 110 is typically secured to a boat seat pedestal, and the accessory member 120 is typically secured to an accessory such as an umbrella stand. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment configuration or adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment handle, an adjustment bolt, and an adjustment nut. The adjustment handle is secured to one end of the adjustment bolt, and the adjustment nut is secured to the respective sleeve member 110 or accessory member 120. Adjustment is made by inserting the adjustment bolt into the adjustment nut and tightening as necessary.
It is also envisioned that other type fastening mechanisms, as is known in the art, can be utilized for securing the respective sleeve member 110 to a boat seat pedestal, and similarly for securing an accessory within the accessory member 120.
The sleeve member 110 includes adjustment nuts 154a and 154b attached to and each covering an opening into the sleeve member 110. A respective adjustment bolt 152a and 152b corresponding to adjustment handles 150a and 150b respectively are used to secure the sleeve member 110 in place on the boat seat pedestal mount. While the illustrated embodiment includes two adjustment handle configurations, it is envisioned that a single adjustment handle configuration may sometimes suffice. In such a configuration, a single adjustment handle configuration including an adjustment handle and its corresponding adjustment bolt are utilized for securing to an adjustment nut on the sleeve member 110 as with the accessory member 120.
The accessory member 120 includes an adjustment nut 154c attached at and covering an opening into the accessory member 120. An adjustment bolt 152c and an adjustment handle 150c are used to secure an accessory, such as an umbrella stand, within the accessory member 120.
In the illustrated embodiment, each adjustment handle 150a and 150b and 150c is a cylindrical or tubular structure affixed to the head of a corresponding adjustment bolt 152a and 152b and 152c. The respective adjustment handle 150a and 150b and 150c are utilized to turn or screw the adjustment bolt 152a and 152b and 152c into the respective threaded adjustment nut 154a and 154b and 154c, at either the sleeve member 110 or the accessory member 120. It should also be noted that the adjustment handles 150a and 150b and 150c could also be bar type structures, flat structures, wing nut type grips, or any other handle type structure suitable for turning and securing a bolt type structure to a nut.
In the illustrated embodiment, the respective adjustment handles 150a and 150b and 150c are of sufficient length to provide the torque necessary for securing the respective adjustment bolt 152a and 152b and 152c into the respective threaded adjustment nut 154a and 154b and 154c.
In the illustrated embodiment, each adjustment handle configuration provides for securing the boat seat mounting stand 100 to the pedestal mount structure for a typical boat seat in a fishing boat or other type boats using similar pedestal mount structures. The adjustment handles 150a and 150b are utilized to tighten the adjustment bolts 152a and 152b into and/or through the respective adjustment nuts 154a and 154b and into the pedestal mount structure of the fishing boat. The adjustment nuts are affixed to corresponding openings substantially equidistant from either end of the sleeve member 110 to provide balance in securing the boat seat mounting stand 100 to the pedestal mount. Securing the boat seat mounting stand 100 to the pedestal mount ensures that the mounting stand 100 rotates with the boat seat as the user turns or rotates the seat. Of course, if the adjustment bolts are not tightened sufficiently to secure the mounting stand with the pedestal mount, then the boat seat mounting stand 100 will swing freely and independently of the boat seat.
In the illustrated embodiment of the boat seat mounting stand 100, an angular brace 130 extends from the lower or base end of the sleeve member 110 to the mid-section of the accessory member 120. In typical embodiments, the angular brace 130 is a cylindrical or tubular structure welded or otherwise affixed at or near one end of the sleeve member 110 and at the other end to the mid-section of the accessory member 120. Extending the angular brace 130 up from near the base of the sleeve member 110 provides for lifting the accessory member 120 to a higher elevation relative to the base of the sleeve member 110.
A horizontal brace 140 extends substantially perpendicularly from near the upper portion of the sleeve member 110 toward and connecting to the angular brace 130 near its upper end and typically below the level of the mid-section of the accessory member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal brace 140 is a flat, plate type structure that is welded or otherwise affixed at one end to the upper portion of the sleeve member 110 and is welded or otherwise affixed along the angular length of the angular brace 130 as it extends angularly toward the mid-section of the accessory member 120.
In various embodiments, the boat seat mounting stand 100 components are constructed from materials that can be welded or otherwise affixed to each other, such as aluminum, stainless steel, steel, galvanized steel, plastic or other suitable materials that provide the strength, rigidity, and durability necessary for a structure to provide support for an umbrella stand 30 or any other accessories to be utilized with the boat seat mounting stand 100. It should be noted that many materials are suitable for providing the strength, rigidity, and durability of the structure while maintaining the ability to attach an umbrella 30 or other type accessory for use with a boat seat on a boat seat pedestal mount.
It should be appreciated that the intent is for an umbrella stand 30 to be securable to the accessory member 120 of the boat seat mounting stand 100. Of course, any other type accessory that includes a pole type stand can also be inserted into and secured within the accessory member 120.
The umbrella stand 30, or any other similar type structure that includes a pole type stand is attachable to the accessory member 120 of the boat seat mounting stand 100. In the illustrated embodiments, the umbrella stand 30 is attachable to the boat seat mounting stand 100 via sliding the stand of the umbrella stand 30 down inside the accessory member 120. The umbrella stand 30 is secured via adjustment of the adjustment handle 150c to secure the adjustment bolt 152c into or through the adjustment nut 154c and into the umbrella stand 30 as described above.
It should be noted that the boat seat mounting stand 100 located at the rear of the boat 10 is of a reverse configuration from the boat seat mounting stand 100 at the front of the boat 10. That is, the adjustment handles 150a and 150b for the sleeve member 110 and the adjustment handle 150c for the accessory member 120 are situated on the opposite (right) side of the pedestal mount for the boat seat 20 at the rear of the boat 10. As such, in this configuration, the adjustments are on the right side of the boat seat 20 and to the right of anyone utilizing the boat seat 20. For the previously discussed configuration, the adjustments are on the left side of the pedestal mount and to the left of anyone utilizing the boat seat 20. It should be apparent, that the respective adjustment nuts 154a and 154b for the sleeve member 110, along with the corresponding adjustment bolts 152a and 152b and the corresponding adjustment handles 150a and 150b can be situated optimally on either side of the sleeve member 110 for effective utilization and adjustment. Similarly, the adjustment nut 154c, along with the corresponding adjustment bolt 152c and the corresponding adjustment handle 150c, may be situated on either side of the accessory member 120 for effective utilization and adjustment in securing an umbrella stand 30 or any other suitable accessory having a tube type stand structure. There is also no requirement that the adjustment handle 150c for the accessory member 120 be situated on the same or corresponding side as for the sleeve member 110. That is, the adjustment handle 150c may align with or be opposite the adjustment handles 150a and 150b for the sleeve member 110.
In the illustrated embodiment, the boat seat mounting stand 100 provides for attaching an umbrella stand 30 to the boat seat mounting stand 100 for use with the boat seat 20. It should be noted that the boat seat mounting stand 100 is adaptable for other type accessories where the added convenience of rotating the various type accessories around the boat seat 20 is a desirable feature. For example, the boat seat mounting stand 100 could also be adapted for securing a tray or tackle box within reach of a fisherman or occupant of the boat seat 20. It should be readily apparent that many other uses and/or accessories can be secured to the boat seat mounting stand 100 via the use of a pole stand adapted to the accessory and further adapted for insertion into the accessory member 120.
The umbrella stand 30 is a standard umbrella such as is used for providing shade and is similar to those found and/or utilized on beaches and lakes. The umbrella stand 30 is a pole type umbrella stand that is attachable to the accessory member 120 of the boat seat mounting stand 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the umbrella stand 30 is attachable to the boat seat mounting stand 100 via inserting the umbrella stand 30 within an upper opening of the accessory member 120. The umbrella stand 30 is secured via an adjustment handle 150c as described above.
The pedestal mount of the fishing boat 10 extends through the sleeve member 110. The pedestal mount is then attached to a boat deck or floor via any of the standard methods known in the art for attaching a pedestal mount to a boat or deck.
It should be noted also that the boat seat mounting stand 100 provides for rotating the attached umbrella with or separate from the boat seat 20. That is, the boat seat mounting stand 100 may be rotated so that the umbrella provides for shade to the fisherman at the best desired orientation. For rotation of the umbrella consistent with the boat seat 20, the adjustment handles 150a and 150b are utilized to secure the adjustment bolts 152a and 152b against the pedestal mount. For free rotation of the umbrella separate from the boat seat 20, the adjustment handles are utilized to release the adjustment bolts 152a and 152b away from the pedestal mount while still maintaining a connection between the respective adjustment bolts 152a and 152b and the adjustment nuts 154a and 154b.
The fishing boat 10 can be of any conventional construction that includes a pedestal mount boat seat. In the illustrated embodiment, the fishing boat 10 is an open fishing boat having a raised rear deck or platform and a raised front deck or platform for attaching a boat seat 20.
From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a boat seat mounting stand 100 including a sleeve member 110, an accessory member 120, an angular brace 130, and a horizontal brace 140, for attachment to a boat seat mounting pedestal and capable of supporting an umbrella stand 30 or other accessory has been provided. The boat mounting stand 100 is attachable to a boat seat 20 via merely extending the mount pedestal of the boat seat 20 through the sleeve member 110 and attaching the mount pedestal to the boat deck or floor in typical fashion.
While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/052,617, entitled “Boat Seat Mounting Stand,” filed Jul. 16, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4318567 | Guthier | Mar 1982 | A |
| 4645167 | Hardwick | Feb 1987 | A |
| 9555862 | Sutherland | Jan 2017 | B1 |
| 9821889 | O'Neal | Nov 2017 | B2 |
| 10059407 | Ingalls | Aug 2018 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220017184 A1 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63052617 | Jul 2020 | US |
