Configurable Observer Seat For A Boat

Abstract

A boat, having a stern having a transom, includes one or more configurable seats operable to face to the rear, face forward, or lay flat. Each transom seat includes first and second portions. A first portion may function as a seat bottom with the second portion functioning as a back support. In a rear facing configuration the first portion functions as a seat bottom, is generally flat and is closest to the boat stern while the second portion is inclined at an angle relative to the first portion and is closer to the bow. In a forward facing configuration the second portion functions as a seat bottom, is generally flat and is closest to the boat bow while the first portion is inclined at an angle relative to the second portion and is closer to the stern. Both first and second portions can lay relatively flat in another configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to seats proximate the transom of a boat particularly configurable for rear-facing seating, forward facing seating, or a flat configuration.

2. Description of the Related Art

The following description of various embodiments of boats and seating is not to be construed in any way as limiting the subject matter of the appended claims. Boats, particularly sport boats tow watersport enthusiasts such as water skiers, wakeboarders, surfers or the like. For skiers or wake boarders the enthusiast holds a tow line attached to the stern of the boat. The boat often generates a wake following the boat stern as the boat moves through the water and the enthusiast navigates the wake as the boat moves.

Observers in the boat watch the enthusiast during the activity and often a dedicated observer is required by law. A convenient location to observe the skier, wakeboarder, surfer or the like is from the boat transom. During the watersports activity (e.g. skiing, wakeboarding, surfing) it is desirable to have an rear facing seat while observing. When the watersports activity is not taking place it is often desirable to have a forward facing seat. In some cases, particularly 30 when the boat is not moving, it is desirable to have the transom relatively flat to provide a space for movement, laying down, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problems and issues discussed above are largely addressed by the configurable seat in accordance with the present invention. One embodiment contemplates a boat with a transom at the stern. Preferably the transom includes an upper surface for at least a portion thereof. A configurable seat is positioned proximate the transom surface. The configurable seat preferably includes a first portion positioned towards the stern and a second portion proximate the first portion and positioned towards the bow. Each seat portion includes a pivotable support coupled to the portion for positioning the first portion at an angle relative to the surface. Such structures permit at least three configurations: a seat rear facing configuration, a seat forward facing configuration, and a seat flat configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a boat including a pair of transom configurable seats according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the stern of the boat shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the boat shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is the cross-sectional view of the boat shown in FIG. 3 with a configurable seat in a rear (aft) facing configuration;

FIG. 5 is the cross-sectional view of the boat shown in FIG. 3 with a configurable seat in a forward facing configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the configurable seats shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with an rear facing configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the configurable seat shown in FIG. 6 in a forward facing configuration.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed.

While a number of embodiments are described in connection with the present invention, it is not the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Terms used herein have their commonly understood meaning in the art. For example, forward is a direction towards the bow (front of the boat), and rear (aft) is a direction towards the stern (rear of the boat). Inboard is a direction toward the centerline of the boat and outboard is a direction away from it. Starboard is the right side of the boat when aboard and facing the bow, while port is the left side of the boat when aboard and facing the bow. A boat transom is generally the vertical reinforcement of the stern of the boat.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a sport boat 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The sport boat 10 includes a bow 12, a stern 14 and a transom region 16. The transom region 16 includes starboard configurable seat 20 and port configurable seat 22. A conventional swim platform 24 is depicted adjacent the transform region 16. A cockpit region 18 is shown forward (towards the bow) of the transform region 16. Starboard and port observer areas 26, 28 are also shown incorporated into the transform region 16 between the swim platform 24 and cockpit 18. FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the port and starboard seats 22, 20 and observer areas 28, 26.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the centerline of the boat 10 with the view towards the port seat 22. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the transform 16 includes an upper, generally flat surface 30 in the area of the port seat 22. The flat surface is generally above the seat level of the driver's seat (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 3 the port seat 22 is shown in a flat configuration. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the surface 30 extends between the observer area 28 and cockpit 18.

In more detail, FIG. 3 includes a aft-facing, lean back waterfall 29 and a forward-facing, cockpit lean back 31. In some embodiments, the waterfall 29 and cockpit lean back 31 may have portions hinged at their upper end. This allows users the option to flip up portions of the waterfall 29 and cockpit lean back 31. Alternatively, inserts can be slidingly engaged with waterfall 29 and cockpit lean back 31. That is, in FIG. 3 and insert can be attached to the upper portion of waterfall 29 or cockpit lean back 31.

Examining and comparing FIGS. 4 and 5, an observer 32 is shown in the port configurable seat 22 of boat 10. FIG. 4 depicts the port seat 22 in a rear facing configuration, while FIG. 5 depicts the port seat 22 in a front facing configuration. As can be seen in FIG. 4, in the rear facing configuration the port seat 22 the observer's feet are disposed in the observer area 28 while in the front facing configuration the observer's feet are in the cockpit 18.

Generally speaking, as seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 the port seat 22 has a first portion 36 positioned proximate surface 30 and a second portion 38 positioned proximate surface 30 and near the first portion 36. A first pivotable support 40 is connected to the first portion 36, while a second pivotable support 42 is connected to the second portion 38.

Turning to FIG. 7, the first pivot support 36 pivots about an axis 44. The second portion 38 pivots about a second axis 38. The hinges 48 on the second portion 38 are outside the axis 44, which permits the spacing between first and second portions 36, 38 to be adjusted for comfort, stability and strength. That is, the pivot axis 44 can be nested within the second axis 38 if desired. Some embodiments might include additional support between the first and second portions 36, 38.

Each pivotable support 40, 42 has a latch 50 which allows the respective first and second portions 36, 38 to be angled and locked into position at multiple angles relative to horizontal. For example, in FIG. 7 pulling on latch 50 allows first portion 36 to be angled perpendicular to the horizontal or lowered to a flat horizontal position. Releasing the latch 50 locks the pivot support 40 in its current position. This allows the first and second portions 36, 38 to be angled separately and independently. Therefore, the seat 22 (and 24) can be positioned at least into three configurations—flat, forward facing, or rear facing.

Claims

1. A boat comprising: a stern having a transom;the transom having an upper surface for at least a portion thereof;a configurable seat positioned proximate the transom surface including: a first portion positioned towards the stern,a first pivotable support coupled to the first portion for positioning the first portion at an angle relative to the surface,a second portion proximate the first portion and positioned towards the how,a second pivotable support coupled to the second portion for positioning the second portion at an angle relative to the surface.

2. The boat of claim 1, wherein with the first portion in a flat configuration and the second portion in an angled configuration the seat comprises a rear facing configuration.

3. The boat of claim 1, wherein with the second portion in a flat configuration and the first portion in an angled configuration the seat comprises a forward facing configuration.

4. The boat of claim 1, wherein with the first portion in a generally flat, horizontal configuration and the second portion in a generally flat, horizontal configuration the seat is in a generally flat, horizontal configuration.

5. The boat of claim 1, including one or more additional portions between the first and second portions.

6. The boat of claim 1, the pivot axis of one of the portions relative to horizontal is nested within the pivot axis of the other portion.

7. A boat comprising: a stern having a transom support structure with an upper surface above the seat level of the driver's bottom seat;a configurable seat positioned proximate the upper surface with a first portion positioned towards the stern and a second portion proximate the first portion and positioned towards the bow;a pivot support coupled to each portion and to the transom which allows each seat portion to be angled independently relative to the upper surface and permits at least a seat rear facing configuration, a seat forward facing configuration, and a seat flat configuration.

8. A boat comprising: a stern having a transom support structure with an upper surface above the seat level of the driver's bottom seat;a configurable seat positioned proximate the upper surface with a first portion positioned towards the stern and a second portion proximate the first portion and positioned towards the bow;the first portion including an aft facing waterfall with an extension that extends upward above said upper surface.

9. The boat of claim 8, the second portion including a forward facing cockpit lean back with an extension that extends upward above said upper surface.

10. The boat of claim 8, the extension comprising a hinged portion that pivots upward.

11. The boat of claim 8, the extension comprising an insert that attaches to the upper portion of the waterfall.

12. The boat of claim 9, the cockpit lean back extension comprising a hinged portion that pivots upward.

13. The boat of claim 9, the cockpit lean back extension comprising an insert that attaches to the upper portion of the waterfall.