Patent Application
20180229816
This document relates to seating assemblies for boats. For example, this document relates to seating assemblies that can be configured in a variety of different arrangements.
Recreational boating is a popular leisure activity in the United States. More than 87 million U.S. adults participated in recreational boating in 2014, using a boat for sports activities such as fishing and water skiing, and/or to travel. These boats are classified into several categories: sailboats, personal watercrafts, sterndrive boats, inboard boats, and outboard boats.
This document describes seating assemblies for boats. For example, this document describes seating assemblies that can be configured in a variety of different arrangements. In one seating assembly configuration described herein, a forward-facing seat and a rearward-facing seat are arranged back-to-back. In another configuration, the seating assembly can be arranged as an essentially flat surface that can serve, for example, as an expansive sun bathing platform. In still another configuration, the seating assembly can be configured in a comfortable lounging arrangement that can be forward-facing or rearward-facing.
In one aspect, this disclosure is directed to a watercraft seating assembly. The watercraft seating assembly includes a seat bottom including an upper seating surface, and multiple seatback members that are reconfigurable between (i) forming back-to-back seats and (ii) forming a substantially flat surface. The multiple seatback members include a first seat back member movable in relation to the seat bottom and a second seatback member movable in relation to the seat bottom. While the multiple seatback members are forming the back-to-back seats, the first seat back member has a first seat back surface facing forward and a second seat back surface facing rearward. While the multiple seatback members are forming the back-to-back seats, the second seat back member has a third seat back surface facing forward and a fourth seat back surface facing rearward. While the multiple seatback members are forming the substantially flat surface, the upper seating surface, the second seat back surface, and the third seat back surface each comprise portions of the substantially flat surface.
Such a watercraft seating assembly may optionally include one or more of the following features. While the seating assembly is forming the substantially flat surface, the upper seating surface may be between the second seat back surface and the third seat back surface. While the seating assembly is forming the back-to-back seats, the second seat back surface may face the third seat back surface. The first seat back member and the second seat back member may be movable in relation to the seat bottom independently of each other. The first seat back member and the second seat back member may be each pivotable in relation to the seat bottom. While the seating assembly is forming the back-to-back seats, a forward portion of the upper seating surface and the first seat back surface may form a forward-facing seat, and a rearward portion of the upper seating surface and the fourth seat back surface may form a rearward-facing seat. The forward-facing seat and the rearward-facing seat each accommodate at least three seated passengers. The seating assembly may be configurable in a forward-facing lounge seat arrangement in which: (i) a forward portion of the upper seating surface and the second seat back surface comprise a substantially flat lounge seat surface and (ii) the third seat back surface comprises a lounge seat back. The seating assembly may be configurable in a rearward-facing lounge seat arrangement in which: (i) a rearward portion of the upper seating surface and the third seat back surface comprise a substantially flat lounge seat surface and (ii) the second seat back surface comprises a lounge seat back.
In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a watercraft seating assembly. The watercraft seating assembly includes: (i) a seat bottom member; (ii) a first seat back member movable relative to the seat bottom member; and (iii) a second seat back member movable relative to the seat bottom member. The seating assembly is configurable in a substantially flat configuration in which the seat bottom member is disposed between the first and second seat back members. The seating assembly is also configurable as two back-to-back seats each comprising a portion of the seat bottom member and either the first seat back member or the second seat back member.
Such a watercraft seating assembly may optionally include one or more of the following features. The seating assembly may be reconfigurable from the substantially flat configuration to the back-to-back seats configuration by pivoting the first and second seat back members toward each other. The first and second seat back members may each pivot at least 60 degrees when reconfiguring from the substantially flat configuration to the back-to-back seats configuration. The seating assembly may be reconfigurable from the back-to-back seats configuration to the substantially flat configuration by pivoting the first and second seat back members away from each other. The first and second seat back members may each pivot at least 60 degrees when reconfiguring from the back-to-back seats configuration to the substantially flat configuration.
In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a watercraft that includes a deck and a seating assembly attached to the deck. The seating assembly includes: (a) a seat bottom member; (b) a first seat back member movable relative to the seat bottom member; and (c) a second seat back member movable relative to the seat bottom member. The seating assembly is configurable in a substantially flat configuration in which the seat bottom member is disposed between the first and second seat back members. The seating assembly is also configurable as two back-to-back seats each comprising a portion of the seat bottom member and either the first seat back member or the second seat back member.
Such a watercraft may optionally include one or more of the following features. The two back-to-back seats may comprise a first seat that faces toward a front of the watercraft and a second seat that faces toward a rear of the watercraft. The seating assembly may extend laterally across a majority of a beam of the watercraft. One or more storage compartments may reside under the seat bottom member and above the deck. The watercraft may also include: one or more first motorized actuators that pivot the first seat back member when the seating assembly is reconfiguring between the back-to-back seats configuration and the substantially flat configuration; and one or more second motorized actuators that pivot the second seat back member when the seating assembly is reconfiguring between the back-to-back seats configuration and the substantially flat configuration. The first and second seat back members may each pivot at least 75 degrees when reconfiguring between the back-to-back seats configuration and the substantially flat configuration.
Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this document can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. First, in some implementations the seating assemblies described herein are highly versatile. As such, the seating assemblies can advantageously provide utility and enjoyment in a variety of circumstances. For example, the seating assemblies described herein can be configured as back-to-back seats, a sun bathing platform, and as lounge seating. Hence, the seating can be configured in a multitude of differing arrangements, however the user desires.
Second, in some embodiments the seating assemblies described herein can be constructed to have whatever width a user desires and/or whatever is suitable for a particular watercraft. Accordingly, the seating assemblies can be designed for a single occupant or for multiple occupants. In some embodiments, the seating assemblies can be constructed to laterally span a majority of, or even all of, a boat's beam distance.
Third, in some embodiments the seating assemblies described herein can be designed to facilitate storage under or within the seating assembly. In some embodiments, drawers under the seating assembly can be included. In particular embodiments, the seat bottom, or a portion thereof, can be movable to provide access to one or more storage areas incorporated into the seating assembly.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description herein.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout.
This document describes seating assemblies for boats. For example, this document describes seating assemblies that can be configured in a variety of different arrangements. In one seating assembly configuration described herein, a forward-facing seat and a rearward-facing seat are arranged back-to-back. In another configuration, the seating assembly can be arranged as an essentially flat surface that can serve, for example, as an expansive sun bathing platform. In still another configuration, the seating assembly can be configured in a comfortable lounging arrangement that can be forward-facing or rearward-facing.
Referring to
In the depicted embodiment, the seating assembly 100 laterally spans a majority of the beam (width) of the boat 10. A walkway 14 can be provided along the side of the seating assembly 100 in some embodiments (on either the port side or starboard side). In some embodiments, a walkway is provided along a longitudinal middle portion of the boat 10 such that two seating assemblies 100 are positioned laterally across the boat 10 with a fore-aft walkway in between the two seating assemblies 100. In some embodiments, the seating assembly 100 spans essentially an entirety of the beam of the boat 10.
The seating assembly 100 can be constructed in a variety of widths. In some embodiments, the width of the seating assembly 100 accommodates a single occupant. In the depicted embodiment, the seating assembly is wide enough to accommodate about three or four occupants side-by-side. It should be understood that the seating assembly 100 can be constructed to have any suitable width, e.g., to accommodate one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more than eight occupants side-by-side.
The seating assembly 100 can be configured in multiple arrangements. In the depicted configuration, the seating assembly 100 is configured as a forward-facing seat 110 and a rearward-facing seat 140 that are arranged back-to-back. Hence, one or more occupants can be seated in the forward-facing seat 110 and one or more additional occupants can be seated in the rearward-facing seat 140, simultaneously if so desired.
The seating assembly 100 includes a seat bottom 120, a first seat back member 130, and a second seat back member 150. As described further below, the first seat back member 130 is movable in relation to the seat bottom 120. Also, the second seat back member 150 is movable in relation to the seat bottom 120. Moreover, the first seat back member 130 is movable independently from movement of the second seat back member 150. That is, the first seat back member 130 can be moved while the second seat back member 150 is maintained in a stationary location (in relation to the seat bottom 120). Similarly, the second seat back member 150 can be moved while the first seat back member 130 is maintained in a stationary location (in relation to the seat bottom 120). And, if so desired, the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 can be moved simultaneously (in relation to the seat bottom 120).
The seat bottom 120 includes an upper seating surface 122. In particular, the seat bottom 120 includes a forward portion of the upper seating surface 122a and a rearward portion of the upper seating surface 122b. The forward portion of the upper seating surface 122a forms the forward-facing seat 110 along with the first seat back member 130. The rearward portion of the upper seating surface 122b forms the rearward-facing seat 140 along with the second seat back member 150.
In the depicted configuration, the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 are both located in their full upright positions such that the seating assembly 100 forms the back-to-back seats 110 and 140. From there, the first seat back member 130 can be moved forward and downward, and the second seat back member 150 can be moved rearward and downward. By moving the first seat back member 130 and/or the second seat back member 150 to particular locations, a variety of different seating configurations can be attained, as described further below.
Referring to
In the depicted embodiment, the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 are individually pivotable in relation to the seat bottom 120. In particular, the first seat back member 130 can be pivoted in relation to the seat bottom 120 to sweep through an angle 112 (and/or portions of the angle 112), and the second seat back member 150 can be pivoted in relation to the seat bottom 120 to sweep through an angle 142 (and/or portions of the angle 142). In some embodiments, the seat back member 130 and 150 can be positioned stationary and detained for use at any location along the sweep angles 112 and 142.
In the depicted embodiment, the angles 112 and 142 are about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angles 112 and/or 142 in a range of about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, or about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, or about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, or about 70 degrees to about 90 degrees, or about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, or about 50 degrees to about 70 degrees, without limitation.
The movements of the first seat back member 130 are driven by one or more actuators 135. The movements of the second seat back member 150 are driven by one or more actuators 155. In the depicted embodiment, the actuators 135 and 155 are electric motor driven linear actuators. In some embodiments, other types of actuators can be used such as, but not limited to, rotary actuators, hydraulic actuators, gear motors, and the like. In the depicted embodiment, there are two actuators 135 (one on each side of the first seat back member 130) and two actuators 155 (one on each side of the second seat back member 150). In some embodiments, a single actuator 135 and/or 155 is used for a respective seat back member 130 and/or 150.
User-control of the actuators 135 and 155 can be facilitated using various types of user interface controls. In some embodiments, one or more switches (e.g., push buttons, toggle switches, and the like) can be located on a nearby bulkhead or other portion of the boat 10. In some embodiments, the one or more switches can be located at the cockpit area of the boat 10. In particular embodiments, a wired or wireless remote control unit can be used to actuate movements of the seat back members 130 and 150. In some embodiments, particular configurations of the seating assembly 100 can be stored in memory and, in response to a single button push, the seating assembly 100 will move the first seat back member 130 and/or the second seat back member 150 as needed to attain the particular configurations.
While in the depicted embodiment, the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 are pivotable in relation to the seat bottom 120, in some embodiments the first seat back member 130 and/or the second seat back member 150 can be movable in other ways. For example, in some embodiments the first seat back member 130 and/or the second seat back member 150 can be translated along (moved along) a track, detached and then reattached in the desired location, or otherwise movable.
The seating assembly 100 includes a base 102. The base 102 supports the seating portions of the seating assembly 100, and mounts the seating assembly 100 to the deck 12 (
In some embodiments, the base 102 is designed to facilitate space for storage under the seat bottom 120. For example, in the depicted embodiment one or more drawers are located under the forward portion of the upper seating surface 122a, and the rearward portion of the upper seating surface 122b can be pivoted to access storage space there below.
The first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 include arms 132 and 152 respectively. The arms 132 and 152 are pivotably linked to the one or more actuators 135 and 155 respectively. The arms 132 and 152 mechanically support the other portions of the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150, and facilitate the movements of the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 in relation to the seat bottom 120. In some embodiments, the arms 132 and 152 are constructed of materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel (e.g., SAE 316, etc.), aluminum, plated steel, composite materials, and the like, and combinations thereof. The first seat back member 130 includes a first seat back surface 134 that faces forward while the seating assembly 100 is configured as back-to-back seats (as shown in
When the seating assembly 100 is configured as back-to-back seats, the first seat back surface 134 and the forward portion of the upper seating surface 122a comprise the forward-facing seat 110. Also when the seating assembly 100 is configured as back-to-back seats, the fourth seat back surface 154 and the rearward portion of the upper seating surface 122b comprise the rearward-facing seat 140.
As depicted by the broken lines in
Referring to
In the substantially flat surface configuration, the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 are pivoted fully downward. In result, the second seat back surface 136 is substantially coplanar with the upper seating surface 122, and the third seat back surface 156 is substantially coplanar with the upper seating surface 122.
If the user desires, one or both of the first seat back member 130 and the second seat back member 150 can be pivoted upward a little (e.g., about 5-10 degrees) to provide slight elevation for a comfortable headrest, or a footrest. In one such example, the first seat back member 130 can be pivoted upward about 10 degrees to provide a pillow-like headrest for occupants who are laying on the seating assembly 100 with their feet at the rearward end of the seating assembly 100 (i.e., near the third seat back surface 156).
Referring to
Referring to
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features, that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system modules and components in the embodiments described herein should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.
Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/458,894, entitled “RECONFIGURABLE SEATING FOR WATERCRAFT,” filed Feb. 14, 2017. The disclosure of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62458894 | Feb 2017 | US |
