Patent Application
20190100288
Marine vessels are water-borne vehicles such as ships, boats, hovercraft, submarines, and the like. Marine vessels are usually capable of propelling themselves over or through the water using an engine, oar, sail, or the like. However, there are some marine vessels that do not have propulsion capabilities. Examples of such vessels include those that merely float such as certain rafts, and the like.
Most marine vessels can be described as either a ship or a boat. Although ships are typically larger than boats, the distinction between those two categories is not always determined by size. Ships are typically large ocean-going vessels while boats are smaller and typically travel mostly inland or on coastal waters, but this distinction is not absolute.
Many marine vessels include sleeping accommodations or at least an area where the occupants can sit, rest, and relax. Some vessels include full-blown living quarters with a kitchen, bedroom(s), bathroom(s), and the like. Space in a marine vessel is limited so every effort is made to maximize the use of the space that is available. One way to maximize space is to use furniture that converts from one type to another type. For example, the area used as a dinette in the day may be converted into a bed at night.
One problem with maximizing space in this manner is that the convertible furniture must be customized for the dimensions of each marine vessel or, alternatively, the marine vessel must be designed using standardized dimensions. The former works but it is relatively expensive to custom design each piece of convertible furniture. The latter usually isn't an option because other design criteria often take precedence over satisfying the size requirements of the convertible furniture.
It would be desirable to develop modular convertible furniture, especially sofa/sleeping furniture, that can be used with any suitable marine vessel. It would be especially desirable for the convertible furniture to be freestanding and capable of being moved to various locations in the marine vessel.
A marine vessel includes a convertible sofa that can be moved between a sofa position or configuration and a bed position or configuration. The convertible sofa includes a seat portion coupled to a back portion using a rollover mechanism. The seat portion can be fixed in position and the back portion can be configured to rotate or tumble from an upright position to a flat position. The convertible sofa is in the sofa position when the back portion is in the upright position and is in the bed position when the back portion is in the flat position.
The marine vessel can include a plurality of convertible sofas. In some embodiments, the marine vessel includes a first convertible sofa and a second convertible sofa coupled together as a freestanding unit. In this configuration, the seat portion of the first convertible sofa and the seat portion of the second convertible sofa can be fixed in a spaced apart relationship to each other. The first convertible sofa and the second convertible sofa can be coupled together in any suitable manner such as by a rigid wall that extends from one end of the first convertible sofa transversely to one end of the second convertible sofa.
The convertible sofa can include a seat portion having a front side and a rear side and a back portion having a top side and a bottom side. The convertible sofa can be movable between a sofa position where the back portion is upright and the bottom side of the back portion rests on the rear side of the seat portion and a bed position where the back portion is flat and the top side of the back portion is adjacent the front side of the seat portion.
The convertible sofa can be positioned in the marine vessel in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, two convertible sofas are positioned opposite each other so that when they are in the sofa position the sofas face each other and an aisle is formed between the sofas. When the convertible sofas are in the bed position they combine to form a single bed that extends between both convertible sofas.
In some other embodiments, the convertible sofa can be coupled to the wall of the marine vessel. The convertible sofa can be oriented parallel or transverse to a lengthwise direction of the marine vessel. It should be appreciated that numerous other configurations are also contemplated.
The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. The summary and the background are not intended to identify key concepts or essential aspects of the disclosed subject matter, nor should they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whether the recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in the summary and/or addresses any of the issues noted in the background.
The preferred and other embodiments are disclosed in association with the accompanying drawings in which:
A number of embodiments are disclosed of a marine vessel comprising a convertible sofa. It should be appreciated that the marine vessel can be any suitable marine vessel capable of supporting and transporting a sofa either inside the vessel, on the deck, or elsewhere. Examples of suitable marine vessels include ships and boats of any size and configuration. In some embodiments, the marine vessels include houseboats, personal recreation boats, ski boats, fishing boats, cruise ships, and the like.
The convertible sofa includes a seat portion and a back portion and can be configured to move between a sofa position and a bed position. The convertible sofa also includes a rollover mechanism coupling the seat portion and the back portion together. The convertible sofa moves from the sofa position to the bed position by rotating the back portion from an upright position where the back portion forms a seat back to a flat position where the back portion extends outward adjacent to the seat portion. The top surface of the back portion is generally aligned with the top surface of the seat portion when the convertible sofa is in the bed position.
The configuration and operation of the various embodiments of the convertible sofa are described in greater detail below.
The freestanding nature of the convertible sofa unit 20 provides a number of advantages. One advantage is that it holds the convertible sofas 22, 24 at a fixed distance from each other. This is beneficial because it ensures that when the convertible sofas 22, 24 are moved from the sofa position to the bed position, the portions line up to form a comfortable bed without any gaps. Another advantage is that it makes it easy to install the convertible sofa unit 20 in the marine vessel 30 compared to installing each convertible sofa 22, 24 separately. Yet another advantage is that it allows the convertible sofa unit 20 to be easily repositioned in the marine vessel 30.
The convertible sofas 22, 24 are coupled together by a rigid side wall 26 extending between the convertible sofas 22, 24. The rigid side wall 26 can have any of a number of suitable configurations.
As shown in
It should be appreciated that the convertible sofas 22, 24 can be coupled together using a variety of configurations of the rigid side wall 26 other than that shown in
It should be appreciated that the convertible sofas 22, 24 can be coupled together in a variety of ways that do not involve a rigid side wall. It is generally desirable, however, to couple the convertible sofas 22, 24 together in a rigid manner. For example, the convertible sofas 22, 24 can be coupled together using a rigid piece of angle iron or the like without forming a wall between the convertible sofas 22, 24.
In some embodiments, the convertible sofas 22, 24 include ends 34, 35, respectively, that are not configured to be coupled together. They can be configured to not include any hardware or other components that allow them to be coupled together. These embodiments are configured to keep the aisle 32 open on at least one side at all times. This makes it possible for users to easily reach the convertible sofas 22, 24.
Each convertible sofa 22, 24 includes a seat portion 36 and a back portion 38. The seat portion 36 is coupled to the back portion 38 by way of a rollover mechanism 40 positioned at each end 28, 34 of the first convertible sofa 22 or each end 29, 35 of the second convertible sofa 24. The mechanisms 40 are referred to as rollover mechanisms because they cause the back portion 38 to rollover or rotate approximately 270 degrees as the convertible sofa 22, 24 moves from the sofa position to the bed position.
At a high level, the rotation of the back portion 38 can be described as follows. The back portion 38 begins by rotating forward from an upright position shown in
The back portion 38 continues moving forward and rotating until it is again positioned in an inverted straight vertical position where the top side 42 is now at the bottom and the bottom side 44 is at the top (a position intermediate of those shown in
It should be noted that the same surface that faces outward from the back portion 38 when the convertible sofa 22, 24 is in the sofa position faces upward from the back portion 38 when the convertible sofa 22, 24 is in the bed position. This is desirable because it allows the same cushioning to be used to support the user when the convertible sofa 22, 24 is in the sleep position and in the bed position.
The operation of the rollover mechanism 40 is described in greater detail as follows. Each rollover mechanism 40 includes a first arm 50 and a second arm 52 both of which are coupled to the seat portion 36 and the back portion 38. The shape of the arms 50, 52 and the locations at which they are coupled to the portions 36, 38 is what causes the back portion 38 to move in the manner described above.
The arms 50, 52 are rigid components that have a dogleg shape and a fixed length. The arms 50, 52 can be made of any suitable material but are preferably made of metal such as steel. The seat portion 36 and the back portion 38 each include at least one frame 54, 56, respectively. The arms 50, 52 are coupled between the frames 54, 56 of the portions 36, 38.
The first arm 50 is coupled to the seat portion 36 at a location that is closer to the front side 46 of the seat portion 36 than the location where the second arm 52 is coupled to the seat portion 36. Likewise, the second arm 52 is coupled to the seat portion 36 at a location that is closer to the rear side 48 of the seat portion 36 then the location where the first arm 50 is coupled to the seat portion 36.
The first arm 50 is coupled to the back portion 38 at a location that is closer to the bottom side 44 of the back portion 38 than the location where the second arm 52 is coupled to the back portion 38. Likewise, the second arm 52 is coupled to the back portion 38 at a location that is closer to the top side 42 of the back portion 38 than the location where the first arm 50 is coupled to the back portion 38.
In this embodiment, each seating arrangement includes a first convertible bed 80 and a second convertible bed 82 positioned opposite each other in a manner that is similar to the convertible sofas 22, 24 shown in
It should be appreciated that the marine vessel 30 can have numerous other configurations. The embodiments shown in the Figs. only show a few select configurations from the many that are contemplated.
General Terminology and Interpretative Conventions
Articles such as “the,” “a,” and “an” can connote the singular or plural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (or other similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to be exclusive—e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).
The term “and/or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x and/or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and/or” or “or” are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items.
The terms have, having, include, and including should be interpreted to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising. The use of these terms should also be understood as disclosing and providing support for narrower alternative embodiments where these terms are replaced by “consisting” or “consisting essentially of.”
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood to be modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
All disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth), which values can be expressed alone or as a minimum value (e.g., at least 5.8) or a maximum value (e.g., no more than 9.9994).
All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values (either alone or as a minimum or a maximum—e.g., at least <value> or no more than <value>) or any ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range expressed individually (e.g., 15.2), as a minimum value (e.g., at least 4.3), or as a maximum value (e.g., no more than 12.4).
The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase “as used in this document shall mean” or similar language (e.g., “this term means,” “this term is defined as,” “for the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean,” etc.). References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.
Any methods described in the claims or specification should not be interpreted to require the steps to be performed in a specific order unless expressly stated otherwise. Also, the methods should be interpreted to provide support to perform the recited steps in any order unless expressly stated otherwise.
The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described in this document.
Joining or Fastening Terminology and Interpretative Conventions
The term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
The term “coupled” includes joining that is permanent in nature or releasable and/or removable in nature. Permanent joining refers to joining the components together in a manner that is not capable of being reversed or returned to the original condition. Releasable joining refers to joining the components together in a manner that is capable of being reversed or returned to the original condition.
Releasable joining can be further categorized based on the difficulty of releasing the components and/or whether the components are released as part of their ordinary operation and/or use. Readily or easily releasable joining refers to joining that can be readily, easily, and/or promptly released with little or no difficulty or effort. Difficult or hard to release joining refers to joining that is difficult, hard, or arduous to release and/or requires substantial effort to release. The joining can be released or intended to be released as part of the ordinary operation and/or use of the components or only in extraordinary situations and/or circumstances. In the latter case, the joining can be intended to remain joined for a long, indefinite period until the extraordinary circumstances arise.
It should be appreciated that the components can be joined together using any type of fastening method and/or fastener. The fastening method refers to the way the components are joined. A fastener is generally a separate component used in a mechanical fastening method to mechanically join the components together. A list of examples of fastening methods and/or fasteners are given below. The list is divided according to whether the fastening method and/or fastener is generally permanent, readily released, or difficult to release.
Examples of permanent fastening methods include welding, soldering, brazing, crimping, riveting, stapling, stitching, some types of nailing, some types of adhering, and some types of cementing. Examples of permanent fasteners include some types of nails, some types of dowel pins, most types of rivets, most types of staples, stitches, most types of structural ties, and toggle bolts.
Examples of readily releasable fastening methods include clamping, pinning, clipping, latching, clasping, buttoning, zipping, buckling, and tying. Examples of readily releasable fasteners include snap fasteners, retainer rings, circlips, split pin, linchpins, R-pins, clevis fasteners, cotter pins, latches, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO), hook and eye fasteners, push pins, clips, clasps, clamps, zip ties, zippers, buttons, buckles, split pin fasteners, and/or conformat fasteners.
Examples of difficult to release fastening methods include bolting, screwing, most types of threaded fastening, and some types of nailing. Examples of difficult to release fasteners include bolts, screws, most types of threaded fasteners, some types of nails, some types of dowel pins, a few types of rivets, a few types of structural ties.
It should be appreciated that the fastening methods and fasteners are categorized above based on their most common configurations and/or applications. The fastening methods and fasteners can fall into other categories or multiple categories depending on their specific configurations and/or applications. For example, rope, string, wire, cable, chain, and the like can be permanent, readily releasable, or difficult to release depending on the application.
Drawing Related Terminology and Interpretative Conventions
The drawings shall be interpreted as illustrating one or more embodiments that are drawn to scale and/or one or more embodiments that are not drawn to scale. This means the drawings can be interpreted, for example, as showing: (a) everything drawn to scale, (b) nothing drawn to scale, or (c) one or more features drawn to scale and one or more features not drawn to scale. Accordingly, the drawings can serve to provide support to recite the sizes, proportions, and/or other dimensions of any of the illustrated features either alone or relative to each other. Furthermore, all such sizes, proportions, and/or other dimensions are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values.
Spatial or directional terms, such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the described subject matter may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.
The entire contents of each of the documents listed below are incorporated by reference into this document. If the same term is used in both this document and one or more of the incorporated documents, then it should be interpreted to have the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources unless the term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning in this document. If there is an inconsistency between any of the following documents and this document, then this document shall govern. The incorporated subject matter should not be used to limit or narrow the scope of the explicitly recited or depicted subject matter.
U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/565,995, titled “Marine Vessel Having a Convertible Sofa,” filed on 29 Sep. 2017.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62565995 | Sep 2017 | US |
