SYSTEM FOR STOWING AND DEPLOYING AN ACCESSORY ON A WATERCRAFT

Abstract

Systems for stowing and deploying an accessory on a watercraft are provided. More particularly, systems for providing watercraft, such as pontoon boats (or other watercraft), with deployment mechanisms for deploying marine accessories are provided. Such accessories can be deployed from a recessed location, such as a compartment within or underneath a deck of the watercraft.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous systems for stowing and deploying an accessory on a watercraft. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous systems and related methods for providing watercraft, such as pontoon boats (or other watercraft), with deployment mechanisms for deploying marine accessories. Such accessories can be deployed from a recessed location, such as a compartment within or underneath a deck of the watercraft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Recreational watercraft such as pontoon boats are well known in the art. Boats can be used for a variety of activities—recreation, fishing, waterskiing, etc. Oftentimes boats are optimized for a particular activity. For example, a recreational boat such as a pontoon may not have a fishing trolling motor because such motor reduces the usable space for recreation on the boat. If a fishing trolling motor is provided, it limits other usage of the boat. Various attempts have been made at designing modifications for pontoon boats to make the boats more versatile.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a system for stowing and deploying an accessory on a watercraft.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.

A system for stowing and deploying an accessory is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a compartment, a support structure, and an actuating mechanism. The compartment holds the accessory for stowage. The support structure supports the accessory in the compartment and assist in deploying the accessory from the compartment. The actuating mechanism actuates the support structure and accessory from the compartment. In some embodiments, a ledge or landing pad may be provided to receive the support structure when the accessory is deployed.

In use on a watercraft, the compartment may be provided below the deck of the watercraft. This may be as a self-contained compartment, in a tube of a pontoon, or other. The compartment may be positioned such that an accessory deployed from the compartment is deployed at a location suitable for use. For example, when the system is used to stow a trolling motor, the compartment may be located such that, when deployed, the trolling motor may be inserted into water surrounding the boat. In some embodiments, no compartment may be used and the accessory, such as a trolling motor, may be stowed under a watercraft deck and not be in an enclosed compartment.

In one embodiment, the support structure is an arm and the actuating mechanism is a pivot mechanism. The accessory is coupled to the arm and the arm is located in the compartment, with the accessory extending downwardly, when stowed. The pivot mechanism is provided at a first end of the arm and fixedly attached to the compartment or the watercraft. The arm is rotated about the pivot mechanism to deploy upwardly from the compartment. Rotation of the arm continues until the arm contacts the deck, at approximately 180° from its stowed position in the compartment. The arm may be fixed to the deck via a latch or other fixation element. The accessory may be rotated outwardly to extend from the arm, away from the compartment, and towards an edge of the watercraft.

This rotation can be assisted by gas shock or spring components that offset the mass of the deployment mechanism and accessory in order to make it easier to deploy. Alternatively, the mechanism can be powered by a linear actuator so that by the push of a button the mechanism rotates from the stowed to deployed position.

In another embodiment, the support structure coordinate with a sliding support structure and the actuating mechanism comprise one or more lift spring assists. The accessory is coupled to the support structure and the support structure moves along the sliding support structure. In the stowed position, the accessory, support structure, and sliding support structure are folded downwardly against an interior wall of the compartment. During deployment, the lift spring assists are used to lift the sliding support structure and support structure upwardly. After the initial lift, the support structure and accessory are provided over the sliding support structure in a retracted position. Continued deployment involves moving the support structure along the sliding support structure and onto a ledge, into an extended position. The accessory may be rotated about a deployment roller to extend from the support structure, away from the compartment, and towards an edge of the watercraft.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a watercraft, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2a illustrates an interior of a compartment of the system of FIG. 1 with the compartment in a stowed position.

FIG. 2b illustrates a cutaway view an interior of a compartment of the system of FIG. 1 with the compartment in a stowed position.

FIG. 3a illustrates a deployment mechanism of the system of FIG. 1 with the deployment mechanism in an upright position.

FIG. 3b illustrates a zoomed in view of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 3c illustrates an alternative view of a deployment mechanism of the system of FIG. 1 with the deployment mechanism in an upright position.

FIG. 4a illustrates an accessory deployed on a deck using the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4b illustrates a watercraft having an accessory deployed on a deck using the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5a illustrates a bracket and latch for securing an accessory in a stowed position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5b a bracket and latch for securing an accessory in a stowed position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6a illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a pontoon boat, the system having a deployment assist.

FIG. 6b illustrates the system of FIG. 6a in a stowed position.

FIG. 6c illustrates the system of FIG. 6a in a partially deployed position.

FIG. 6d illustrates the system of FIG. 6a in a deployed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a view of a system for deploying and stowing an accessory having holes for receiving wires of the accessory, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a watercraft, in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an interior of a compartment of the system of FIG. 8 with an accessory stowed therein.

FIG. 10a illustrates the system of FIG. 8 with an accessory in a lifted and retracted position.

FIG. 10b illustrates the system of FIG. 8 with an accessory in a lifted and retracted position.

FIG. 11 illustrates the system of FIG. 8 with the accessory in a partially extended position.

FIG. 12a illustrates the system of FIG. 8 with the accessory in a lifted and extended position.

FIG. 12b illustrates a cutaway view of the system of FIG. 8 with the accessory in a lifted and extended position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a deployed and extended position.

FIG. 14 illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a retracted position.

FIG. 15a illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a partially rotated position.

FIG. 15b illustrates a cutaway view of illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a partially rotated position.

FIG. 16a illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a partially rotated position.

FIG. 16b illustrates a cutaway view of illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a partially rotated position.

FIG. 17a illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a fully rotated position.

FIG. 17b illustrates a cutaway view of illustrates a support structure of the system of FIG. 8 and an accessory in a fully rotated position.

FIG. 18 illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a watercraft where the accessory is in a stowed position, in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates the system of FIG. 18 with the accessory deployed forwardly.

FIG. 20 illustrates the system of FIG. 18 with the accessory rotated upwardly.

FIG. 21 illustrates the system of FIG. 18 with the accessory deployed.

FIG. 22 illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a watercraft, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates bottom view of a watercraft including the system of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates an interior of a compartment of the system of FIG. 22 with the system and an accessory in a stowed position.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 illustrating portions of the system and a deployable accessory.

FIG. 26 is a cutaway isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 illustrating portions of the deployable trolling motor and related mechanism.

FIG. 27a illustrates the system of FIG. 22 with the accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 27b illustrates an alternative view of the system of FIG. 22 with the accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 28 illustrates the system of FIG. 22 with the accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 29 illustrates the system of FIG. 22 with the accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative view of the system of FIG. 22 with the accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 31 illustrates a portion of the accessory and deployment mechanism of FIG. 22 in a deployed position.

FIG. 32 illustrates the deployment mechanism of FIG. 22 in a deployed position and the accessory manipulated to be in the water.

FIG. 33 illustrates a portion of the accessory and deployment mechanism of FIG. 22 in a deployed position.

FIG. 34 illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a watercraft with the accessory in a stowed position, in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 35 illustrates an interior of a compartment of the system of FIG. 34 with an accessory stowed therein.

FIG. 36 illustrates a cutaway view of the compartment and portions of the system of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 illustrates a cutaway view of the compartment and portions of the system of FIG. 34.

FIG. 38 illustrates the system of FIG. 34 with an accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 39 illustrates an alternative view of the system of FIG. 34 with the accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 40 illustrates another view of the system of FIG. 34 with the accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 41 illustrates yet another view of the system of FIG. 34 with the accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 42 illustrates a further view of the system of FIG. 34 with the accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 43 illustrates the system of FIG. 34 with an accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 44a illustrates an alternative view of the system of FIG. 34 with the accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 44b is another of the system of FIG. 34 with the accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 45 illustrates aspects of the system of FIG. 34 and an accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 46 illustrates further aspects of the system of FIG. 34 and an accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 47 illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a watercraft with the accessory in a stowed position, in accordance with yet another embodiment.

FIG. 48 illustrates bottom view of a watercraft including the system of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 illustrates a cutaway view of a watercraft including the system of FIG. 47

FIG. 50 illustrates a cutaway view of a container of the system of FIG. 47 having an accessory stowed therein.

FIG. 51 illustrates an alternative cutaway view of the system of FIG. 47.

FIG. 52 illustrates the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 53 illustrates another view of the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 54 illustrates a further view the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 55 illustrates an alternative view the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 56a illustrates aspects of the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 56b illustrates aspects of the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a mid-deployment position.

FIG. 57 illustrates the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 58 illustrates aspects of the system of FIG. 47 with an accessory in a deployed position.

FIG. 59 illustrates a system for deploying and stowing an accessory on a watercraft with the accessory in a stowed position, in accordance with a further embodiment.

FIG. 60 illustrates an alternative view of the system of FIG. 59.

FIG. 61 illustrates an alternative view of the system of FIG. 59.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous systems for stowing and deploying an accessory on a watercraft. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous systems and related methods for providing watercraft, such as pontoon boats (or other watercraft), with deployment mechanisms for deploying marine accessories. Such accessories can be deployed from a recessed location, such as a compartment within or underneath a deck of the watercraft.

Systems and related methods for providing watercraft, such as pontoon boats (or other watercraft), with deployment mechanisms for deploying marine accessories are disclosed. Such accessories can be deployed from a recessed location, such as a compartment within or underneath a deck of the watercraft, including, for example, within a pontoon tube. Stowing an accessory in a recessed location, with easy deployability of the accessory from the recessed location, provides increased accessibility to the deck, in particular, to enhance user safety and utility of the watercraft. More specifically, with accessories stowed out of the way, prime activity space on the deck of the watercraft is preserved and people are able to use the deck of the boat without concern of tripping over or colliding with the accessory. At the same time, such stowing and deploying of an accessory allows a watercraft, such as a pontoon, to have enhanced functionality, for example for fishing.

In various embodiments, such accessories may be electric trolling motors, coolers, refrigerators, speakers, control consoles, anchors, sun shades, swim platforms, ladders/steps/ramps for boarding the boat, seating items (chairs, benches), tables, and the like.

Reference now will be made in detail to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.”

Several embodiments of systems for stowing and deploying an accessory are discussed herein. It is to be appreciated that these are exemplary only and that variations therefrom will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Moreover, aspects of the various embodiments may be combined in manners not specifically discussed herein. While the illustrated embodiments show a watercraft that is a pontoon boat with a flat deck, it is to be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be adapted to other types of watercraft to provide improved deployment of marine accessories, including but not limited to an electric trolling motor, via a deck of the watercraft or other location within the watercraft. Further, while in some embodiments a tritoon boat is depicted, systems for stowing and deploying accessories may be used on a pontoon having two tubes or on any other suitable watercraft. The disclosed implementations of deployment mechanisms can be used to deploy a marine accessory through a sidewall of a marine vessel, such as a hull or cabinet, for example. Various types of watercraft can be designed to include such deployment systems, such as pontoon boats, V-hulls, personal watercraft, fishing boats, and the like.

Using systems for stowing and deploying an accessory with a watercraft such as disclosed herein, the accessory is stowed in an out of way location, opens up deck space, and does not impede trailering of the watercraft or putting the watercraft on a boatlift. In many embodiments, the system is described as including a compartment or cabinet below the deck of the watercraft for stowing the accessory. The compartment may include 2 side walls, 2 end walls, and a bottom surface. A cover or door may be provided for closing the compartment. In other embodiments, the “compartment” may not be a generally enclosed box and instead may comprise a mounting structure that allows stowage away from the usable deck space.

In many embodiments, systems for stowing and deploying an accessory disclosed herein comprise a compartment for stowing the accessory, a support structure for supporting the accessory an to assist in deploying the accessory from the compartment, and an actuating mechanism for actuating the support structure and accessory from the compartment. In some embodiments, the accessory remains fixedly attached to the support structure in both the stowed position and the deployed position.

Embodiments disclosed herein specifically reference a trolling motor. This is for exemplary purposes only and it is to be appreciated that any accessory may be stowed and deployed using a deployment system as described herein. Further, while the embodiments shown illustrate deploying the accessory towards the front of the watercraft, the deployment system may be positioned in alternative positions on the watercraft such that accessory is deployed to a different location relative the watercraft.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a watercraft with a system for stowing and deploying an accessory in accordance with a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the support structure comprises an arm and the actuating mechanism comprises a pivot structure. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, the accessory and the arm of the deployment system are inverted in the stowed position. They are pivoted about the pivot structure to be moved to an upright configuration and lowered about the pivot structure to the deck of the boat when in a deployment position.

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of watercraft 10 including a deck 12, a compartment (also referred to as a locker) 14, and pontoon tubes 16. The compartment 14 may be provided with a cover 18. The cover 18 may be hinged or otherwise removable (or partially removable) from the compartment 14 to provide access to the compartment 14. In the embodiment shown, lifting the cover 18 provides access to the compartment 110. The compartment 14 may include a generally closed container or box that is attached to a lower side of the deck 12.

Accessories may have a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, an accessory may be closed in the compartment. In a deployed position, the accessory may be in a use position on or near the deck. The system may include a mechanism for moving the accessory from the stowed position to the deployed position. The compartment may include support structure and latching, shown and described with respect to FIGS. 5a and 5b, for stowing an accessory in a secure position. Movement from the stowed position to the deployed position may be manual, may be fully powered, or may be manual with an assist, such as a spring assist.

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate the interior of the compartment 14, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2a illustrates the interior of the compartment 14 in a stowed position. FIG. 2b illustrates a section cut view of the interior of the compartment 14 with an accessory 20 stowed therein. FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate the compartment 14, the cover 18, and a deployment mechanism. A latch release 22 may be provided on the cover 18 that forms a release handle for the latch holding the deployment mechanism in a stowed position. When the latch is released, the support structure or arm is free to move towards a deployed position. In some embodiments, the cover may be provided as a soft close cover by using soft close hinges.

The deployment mechanism includes an arm 26 and a pivot structure 28. The accessory 20 is operably connected to the arm 26. The arm 26 includes a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the pivot structure 28. The pivot structure 28 may be secured to the compartment or to the watercraft. In the embodiment shown, when the accessory is a trolling motor, the motor portion 29 of the accessor is proximate the second end of the arm 26. The trolling motor rotates up and out, generally about motor portion 29, once the arm is on the deck. Such final rotation may be considered a final step in deployment.

As shown, in a stowed position, the arm 26 extends from the pivot structure 28 in a horizontal position with the accessory 20 being oriented parallel thereto. In the embodiment shown, the accessory 20 is a trolling motor and a shaft of the trolling motor is oriented parallel to the arm 26. An opening 30 may be provided in the arm 26 through which a fixation element 34 may be extended. The pivot structure 28 may be located proximate a notch 32 in the cover 18. The notch 32 permits the arm 26 to extend therethrough in a deployed position such that the cover 18 may be closed when the accessory 20 is deployed. When the accessory 20 is in the stowed position, the arm 26 is horizontally disposed and above accessory 20.

FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate the deployment mechanism in an upright position, wherein the accessory 20 is no longer stowed but is not fully deployed—at a position approximately half-way through deployment. FIG. 3a illustrates a first view of the deployment mechanism in a full upright position and FIG. 3b illustrates a zoomed view of FIG. 3a. FIG. 3c illustrates a second view of the deployment mechanism in a full upright position. An advantage of the depicted design is that in this position, the components are physically balanced so as to substantially reduce, or minimize, the physical effort required to lift the accessory 20 out of the compartment and deploy it.

The arm 26 may include a fixation element 34, such as a pin or latch, while the deck of the watercraft may be provided with a complementary receptor 36. The fixation element 34 and receptor 36 may be used to fasten or otherwise stabilize arm 26 with respect to the deck, wherein fixation element 34 is received by receptor 36.

FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate the accessory 20 deployed on the deck 12, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 4a illustrates a close up view of the accessory 20 and deployment mechanism while FIG. 4b illustrates a larger view including further aspects of the watercraft. As shown, the arm 26, and pivot mechanism 28 is fully pivoted such that the arm 26 extends from and in line with the compartment 14. The arm 26 may be fastened to the deck 12 using the fixation element 34.

It is to be appreciated while the arm 26 and accessory 20 are fully deployed from the compartment 14, the accessory 20 may be further manipulated to position it for use. In the example of a trolling motor, in the deployed position, the motor 29 extends to or past the edge 38 of the deck 12. The accessory 20 can be rotated generally about the motor 29 such that it extends over the edge 38 and into surrounding water.

FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a bracket and latch for securing the arm 26 and accessory 20 in a stowed position, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 5a illustrates the bracket 40. FIG. 5b illustrates the bracket 40 and latch 42. The bracket 40 may have a landing pad that allows the arm 26 to be supported in the stowed position. The latch 42 holds the arm 26 in the stowed position and can be released by pulling the release handle (see FIG. 2a).

FIGS. 6a-6d illustrate an alternative embodiment of the deployment system of FIGS. 1-5b including a deployment assist. The deployment assist helps reduce the perceived weight of the deployment system and accessory. The deployment assist may comprise one or more springs or gas shocks that assist by providing force to help reduce the perceived weight of the deployment mechanism (or arm or support structure) and accessory. FIG. 6a illustrates the deployment system in a stowed position with the cover 18 open. As shown, shocks 44 and springs 46 are provided at the first end of the arm 26 proximate the pivot mechanism 28. FIG. 6b illustrates the deployment system in a stowed position with the cover open. FIG. 6c illustrates the deployment system with the arm 26 and accessory 20 in an upright, or half-deployed, position. In this half deployed position the gas shocks do not impart any force on the mechanism because at this point the weight of the mechanism and accessory is balanced almost directly over the pivot point. In this location the operator does not need any assist because the weight is balanced over the pivot. FIG. 6d illustrates the deployment system with the arm 26 and accessory 20 in a deployed position before the cover 18 is closed. In the deployed position, the gas springs apply the maximum amount of assist force, but in the opposite direction so that it reduces the weight required to move from deployed to half deployed.

In some embodiments, the spring assist may be a mechanical spring or gas shock powered. In alternative embodiments, the deployment assist may comprise an electrical actuator that could activated by a button on the dash of the watercraft.

For embodiments deploying a trolling motor or other electrical accessory, holes may be provided through which the wires of the accessory are run. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment having such holes 48.

FIGS. 8-17 b illustrate a watercraft with a system for stowing and deploying an accessory in accordance with a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the support structure coordinates with a sliding support structure and the actuating mechanism comprises lift spring assists. In the stowed position, the accessory and the support structure are in a sideways orientation in the stowed position. They are flipped upwardly and moved outwardly from a compartment of the deployment system to a deployed position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of watercraft 10 including a deck 12, a compartment (also referred to as a locker) 14, and pontoon tubes 16. While not shown, the compartment 14 may be provided with a cover. The cover may be hinged or otherwise removable (or partially removable) from the compartment 14 to provide access to the compartment 14. The compartment 14 may include a generally closed container or box that is attached to a lower side of the deck 12.

Accessories may have a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, an accessory may be closed in the compartment. In a deployed position, the accessory may be in a use position on or near the deck. The system may include a mechanism for moving the accessory from the stowed position to the deployed position. The compartment may include support structure and latching for stowing an accessory in a secure position. Movement from the stowed position to the deployed position may be manual, may be fully powered, or may be manual with an assist, such as a spring assist.

FIG. 9 illustrates the interior of the compartment 14 with the deployment system and accessory in a stowed position, in accordance with one embodiment.

The deployment mechanism includes a rotating support structure 50, a sliding support structure 51, lift spring assists 52 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10a and 10b), ledge 53, and a rail 54. The accessory 20 is operably connected to the rotating support structure 50. In the stowed position, the rotating support structure 50 and sliding support structure 51 are folded downwardly against an interior wall of the compartment 14. During deployment, the deployment system and accessory move from a folded and retracted position to a lifted and retracted position, then to a lifted and extended position. To stow the accessory, the process is reversed.

FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate the deployment system and accessory in a lifted position, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, lift spring assists 52 push against the rotating support structure 50 to push the sliding support structure 51 outwardly and upwardly, thereby also pushing the rotating support structure 50 outwardly and upwardly. The lift spring assists 52 may comprise, for example, gas spring assists, powered linear actuators, hydraulic cylinders, or the like. In the flipped, or lifted, position, the rotating support structure 50 is near alignment with the deck of the watercraft. In FIGS. 10a and 10b, the deployment system is in a partially deployed position where it has rotated up from the stowed position but is not yet extended forward to the edge of the deck.

FIG. 11 illustrates the deployment system and accessory in a partially extended position. As the accessory is deployed, the rotating support structure 50 is extended towards the ledge 53. Such movement may be manual, powered, or assisted. During movement of the rotating support structure 50, the sliding support structure 51 is static. The rail 54 supports movement of the rotating support structure 50. More specifically, the rail 54 allows the rotating support structure 50 to slide forward while the sliding support structure stays stationary.

FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate the accessory in a lifted and extended position. FIG. 12a illustrates the accessory and deployment system in a top perspective view. FIG. 12b illustrates the accessory and deployment system in a cutaway view. In this position, the motor 29 extends to or past the edge 38 of the deck 12. It is to be appreciated while the arm 26 and accessory 20 are fully deployed from the compartment 14, the accessory may be 20 further manipulated to position it for use. The accessory 20 can be rotated so that the motor 29 extends over the edge 38 and into surrounding water.

FIGS. 13-17 b illustrate movement of the accessory from the deployed and extended position to the retracted and stowed position. FIG. 13 illustrates the rotating support structure 50 and accessory 20 deployed and extended. FIG. 14 illustrates the rotating support structure 50 and accessory 20 in a retracted position. In this position, the rotating support structure 50 is retracted to a position over the sliding support structure 51. FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate the rotating support structure 50 and accessory 20 beginning to be rotated downwardly. FIG. 15a illustrates a top perspective view. FIG. 15b illustrates a cutaway view. FIGS. 16a and 16b illustrate the rotating support structure 50 and accessory 20 at a more fully rotated position. FIG. 16a illustrates a top perspective view. FIG. 16b illustrates a cutaway view. FIGS. 17a and 17b illustrate the rotating support structure 50 and accessory 20 at fully rotated position. FIG. 17a illustrates a top perspective view. FIG. 17b illustrates a cutaway view.

In an alternative embodiment, an accessory may be mounted to the underside of a cover or door of a compartment. When the cover is rotated and the compartment opened, the accessory moves from a downwardly extending position to an upwardly extending position. The cover may be provided with a center mounted rotation. After rotation to an upwardly extending position, the accessory may be slid into a desired position on the watercraft, for example by using tracks. In some embodiments, the cover may be configured to be moved back over the compartment when the accessory is deployed.

FIGS. 18-21 illustrate a watercraft with a system for stowing and deploying an accessory in accordance with a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the accessory is stored in a compartment provided beneath the deck of the watercraft and is deployed forwardly to exit the compartment.

The compartment 14 is provided below the deck 12. The compartment has a base 60, a door 62, and a rotating arm 64. The rotating arm 64 is mounted to the base 60. The door 62 closes when in a stowed position and opens for deployment of the accessory. The door 62 may also be closed when the accessory is fully deployed. The rotating arm rotates the accessory from the position shown in FIG. 19 to the position shown in FIG. 20. Sliding element 58 moves the accessor from the location in FIG. 20 to the location in FIG. 21.

FIG. 18 illustrates the accessory 20 in a stowed position within the compartment. FIG. 19 illustrates the accessory 20 deployed forwardly and out of the exit 58. FIG. 20 illustrates the accessory rotated upwardly. FIG. 21 illustrates the accessory 20 translated down into a deployed position. To stow the accessory after use, the process is reversed.

FIGS. 22-33 illustrate a watercraft with a system for stowing and deploying an accessory in accordance with a further embodiment.

As shown, a watercraft 100 may be provided with a compartment 110 beneath the deck through a portal that may be provided with a removable cover 112 that can be hinged or otherwise removable to provide access to the compartment 110. The compartment 110 as depicted includes a generally closed container or box that is attached to a lower side of the deck 102 of the watercraft 100. Opening the cover 112 thereby provides access to the compartment 110.

The compartment 110, as depicted, contains a typical electrical trolling motor 136 operably coupled to a deployment mechanism 120. Deployment mechanism 120 includes an arm 126 that is pivotally coupled at a first end to a pivot 122 to a flange secured to the watercraft 100 proximate a front end of the compartment 110. A second end of the arm 126 includes a deployment track 124 to permit the trolling motor 136 to be advanced along the track and change the orientation of the trolling motor with respect to the arm 126 from a generally parallel arrangement to a generally perpendicular arrangement.

FIG. 23 depicts a lower view of the watercraft 100, which is depicted as a tri-hull pontoon boat wherein the compartment 110 is contained within the center hull section. FIG. 24 depicts a top view into the compartment 110 showing the deployment mechanism 120 for the trolling motor 136. With continuing reference to FIG. 25, the deployment mechanism is presented that is coupled at pivot 122 to the watercraft 100, and the arm 126 is indicated in a horizontal position with a shaft of the trolling motor 136 being oriented parallel thereto. Also visible is a peg or bolt 128 that can be used to fasten or otherwise stabilize arm 126 with respect to the deck 102 of the watercraft, wherein peg or bolt 128 is received by orifice 118 (which may be threaded) in deck 102. As illustrated, the hinge point or pivot 122 is located near the opening to compartment 110, and the arm 126 is horizontally disposed and above the shaft of trolling motor 136 when in the stowed position. FIG. 26 illustrates the components from FIG. 25 from a lower angle, and indicates the position of notch 112a which permits a portion of mechanism 120 to pass therethrough to permit the door 112 to close over the compartment 110 when the trolling motor is fully deployed. FIGS. 27a, 27b, and 28 illustrate the trolling motor 136 and deployment mechanism 120 therefor about half-way through deployment. An advantage of the depicted design is that in this position, the components are physically balanced so as to substantially reduce, or minimize, the physical effort required to lift the motor 130 and mechanism 120 out of the compartment and deploy it. FIG. 27a depicts the relative location of cammed deployment surface or track 124. Bolt 128 may be provided with a greppable head 128a to permit the bolt 128 to be screwed into opening 118 in deck 102. FIG. 28 illustrates a rearward view of the partial deployment of mechanism 120 with motor 130. As can be seen, the hinge, or pivot is constructed in a way to provide sufficient spatial clearance to permit the surface of arm 126 to lay flat across the deck 102.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate the mechanism 120 and motor 130 after it has been laid flat on the deck. As can be seen, the structure of the hinge or pivot region permits the underside of arm 126 to lay flat across the deck 102 of watercraft 100. FIG. 31 presents a close up view of the motor nacelle 132 with respect to the deployment bracket 124 that guides the motor 130 from a horizontal to a generally vertical position to then permit the nacelle 132 to be lowered into the water by pushing the tubular portion 136 of the motor 130 downwardly through a collar 138, after it is vertically oriented as depicted in FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIGS. 34-46 illustrate a further embodiment of a system for stowing and deploying an accessory, in accordance with the present disclosure. Watercraft 200 can be any desired sort of watercraft as mentioned elsewhere herein. A compartment 210 can similarly be provided as with the prior embodiment. A cover (not shown) of any desired configuration may be provided for compartment 210. And, a deployment mechanism is similarly used to deploy the motor from a first condition within the compartment 210 to a second location outside of the compartment wherein the motor may be deployed over the deck 202 and placed into the water.

The deployment mechanism 220 operates differently from mechanism 120. Specifically, in embodiment 200, the trolling motor 230 is disposed on a mount 224 that permits it to be oriented from a horizontal to a vertical direction after deployment on mechanism 220 is complete. Mount 224 in turn is coupled to and mounted on a carriage 223 that in turn rides on one or two guide tracks 222 that can be located on one or both sides of the compartment 210. One track 222 is depicted, but it will be appreciated that a similar or identical guide track can be provided on an opposing side of the compartment 210. The carriage 223 includes an upper platform to receive mount 224, and one or two sides that downwardly depend from the upper platform. The side(s) can be provided with one or more rollers or slides that are in turn received in a groove defined in guide track 222. In its stored position (see, for example, FIGS. 35 and 36), the motor 230 is laid horizontally, and the carriage 223 is at or near the bottom of compartment 210. Elongate tube or mast 236 of motor 230 is oriented horizontally and laying inside of compartment 230.

FIGS. 38-42 illustrate the carriage 223 and motor 230 in a partially deployed state, wherein carriage 230 has been rolled part way up along track(s) 222. FIG. 38 is an overall isometric view of watercraft 220 illustrating the mechanism partially rolled up along an inclined portion of track 222 to lift the motor 230 out of compartment 210. FIG. 39 is a top, isometric view of the motor in this orientation being partially within compartment 210 and outside of compartment 210. FIG. 40 is a cutaway side isometric view illustrating the downwardly depending side of carriage 223 bearing a pair of openings to accommodate rollers or slides (not shown) that would ride in a side track or rail (not shown) that is the same in configuration as rail or guide 222. FIG. 41 is a cutaway view similar to FIG. 40 that illustrates the entirety of guide 222. As can be seen, guide 222 includes a lower angled portion 222a near a bottom of compartment 210, a second, more shallow angled portion 222b that intersects portion 222a, a third, level portion 222c that traverses a region near the deck 202, and a fourth downward portion 222d at a front of the track 222 near the bow of the watercraft 200 to receive roller 227 when the deployment mechanism 220 is fully deployed. FIG. 42 illustrates a cutaway view showing carriage 223 from underneath having mount 224 and motor 230 mounted thereon. A second guide track is not specifically illustrated but is within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 43-46 illustrate the motor 230 after it has been fully deployed on the deployment mechanism 220, with the trolling motor poised to be deployed using mount 224 in a manner similar to FIGS. 32 and 33. FIG. 43 illustrates the full assembly with the motor 230 oriented horizontally showing relative placement of the track 222, carriage 223, motor 230 and mount 224. FIG. 44a illustrates the assembly up close illustrating details of track 22, and FIGS. 44b and 45 shows relative placement of carriage 223 in its fully deployed position. FIG. 46 is a cutaway view showing the location of the carriage 223, track 222, mount 224 and roller or slide 227.

FIGS. 47-58 illustrate still a further implementation of system for stowing and deploying an accessory in accordance with the present disclosure. These figures depict a watercraft 300 (or portions thereof) containing a compartment 310 similar to embodiments 100, 200. A cover (not shown) of any desired configuration may be provided for compartment 310. A nose cone or contoured panel is not depicted in the front of the center pontoon tube in FIG. 48 to illustrate the outer surface of the compartment 310, but would preferably include a nose cone or other shape in practice.

Trolling motor 330 is deployed using a deployment mechanism 320 that utilizes a pair of four bar linkages that permits the trolling motor 330 to swing out of the compartment 310. FIG. 47 depicts an illustrative watercraft 300 having a deck accessed compartment 310 as with the prior embodiments with an upper deck 302.

As depicted, compartment is defined by a bounded container having a plurality of walls including elongate sides and bottom, and end portions. Along a front wall of the compartment, a pair of brackets 329 is mounted, each bracket 329 including a pair of openings for receiving pins, bolts or the like therethrough to couple a respective linkage 321. Each horizontal portion of each bracket 329 functions as a first linkage in a pair of four bar linkages. Each linkage 321 that extends from each bracket form second and third linkages in each four bar linkage. A mounting plate 323 having a pair of downwardly depending sides provides the fourth linkage for each four bar linkage. More specifically, the pair of linkages 321 on each side of the compartment 310 is joined to each downwardly depending side of mounting plate at a respective pivot 325, which may be a rivet, a bolt, an axle, or the like. A rearward pair of linkages 321 are joined to each other by a transverse plate 327. Trolling motor 330 is mounted to a mount 324, which in turn is mounted to plate 323. An underside of the plate 323 defines a pair of protrusions thereon that are received by complementary openings 318 in a plate that is situated slightly below the level of the deck 302.

FIG. 49-51 are right side, left side and lower (from beneath) cutaway views illustrating the accessory 330 and deployment mechanism 320 in a stored condition within compartment 310. Rearward linkages 321 and plate face a bottom of compartment 310 in this position. As can be appreciated, trolling motor 330 and its components are all underneath the level of deck 302 in this position.

FIGS. 52-56 b depict the deployment mechanism 320 in mid-deployment wherein trolling motor 330 is at its highest point over the deck 302. At this point, the plate 323 has translated out of compartment 310 and over the deck 302. As can be seen each of the links 321 has a “L” shape wherein a free end of a relatively elongate portion couples to plate/bracket 323 at pivots 325, and a free end of a relatively short portion couples to bracket 329 at pivots 322. The shorter portion of the links 321 provide the net vertical travel of the plate 323, and thus the trolling motor 330. Pegs, rods or bolts 328 extend downwardly from the lower side of plate 323, whereas bracket 324 of trolling motor 330 is mounted to the top side of the plate 323. Pegs 328 are received by openings 318 defined in a plate or block that rests within a forward extension 310a of compartment 310.

As the deployment mechanism 320 continues deployment from the relative position shown in FIG. 56 to the final deployed resting position of FIGS. 57 and 58, the mechanism collapses flat into compartment 310a, and plate 327 faces upwardly. In other words, the plate 327 has been placed through a 180 degree rotation, and has flipped over.

FIGS. 59 and 60 illustrate another implementation of a trolling motor deployment mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure. These figures depict a watercraft 400 (or portions thereof) containing a compartment 410 similar to embodiments 100, 200, 300. A cover 412 may be provided for compartment 310.

Trolling motor 430 is deployed using a deployment mechanism 420 similar to mount 224 that is attached or otherwise coupled to the floor of the compartment 410, and permits rotation of the trolling motor 430 from a horizontal stored position within compartment 410 (FIG. 61) to a deployed, vertical position as illustrated in FIGS. 59 and 60. As most clearly seen in FIG. 60, the lower floor of the compartment 410 includes a cut-out or a notch in the front thereof to permit the trolling motor 430 to deploy fully. The door or cover 412 can swing out of the way to permit the motor 430 to be oriented vertically. Door or cover 412 can include a front flap, or secondary door 412a hingedly connected thereto that folds upwardly onto the door 412 prior to folding the door 412 into an open condition. Moreover, if desired, a cutout shape can be provided in the side of door 412 along lines 412b to swing past the shaft of the motor 430 to close the door 412 after the motor 430 is deployed. In such an embodiment, the door can have a continuous front edge in the location of 412c to provide a continuous hinged attachment to door 412a. If desired, the embodiment of watercraft 400 can be modified to include any suitable feature of the other embodiments 100, 200, 300, or embodiments 100, 200, 300 can be supplemented with any desired feature of embodiment 400.

For each of the deployment mechanisms set forth above (120, 220, 320, 420), the process of storing the trolling motor is simply the reverse of deployment. While deployment of a trolling motor has been shown, mechanisms 120, 220, 320, 420 can similarly be used to deploy alternative accessories and objects, such as seating items (chairs, benches), coolers, refrigerators, speakers, control consoles, and the like. It will be further appreciated that the present designs can be implemented on a two pontoon boat without a center compartment by mounting the compartment 110, 210, 310, 410 beneath the deck at any desired location between the side pontoons.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed devices and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “generally” refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” or “generally” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” or “generally” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, embodiment, or composition that is “substantially free of” or “generally free of” an element may still actually contain such element as long as there is generally no significant effect thereof.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Additionally, as used herein, the phrase “at least one of [X] and [Y],” where X and Y are different components that may be included in an embodiment of the present disclosure, means that the embodiment could include component X without component Y, the embodiment could include the component Y without component X, or the embodiment could include both components X and Y. Similarly, when used with respect to three or more components, such as “at least one of [X], [Y], and [Z],” the phrase means that the embodiment could include any one of the three or more components, any combination or sub-combination of any of the components, or all of the components.

In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A system for stowing and deploying an accessory, the system comprising: a compartment for holding the accessory during storage;a support structure for supporting the accessory; andan actuating mechanism actuating the support structure and the accessory from a stowed position in the compartment to a deployed position out of the compartment.