Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Disclosure
Field of Invention
This invention relates to watercraft and more
particularly to deck layouts for deck boats.
Background
Various types of watercraft are preferred by
different groups of people. Some prefer a quiet moving
pontoon-type watercraft equipped with an outboard motor.
Deck chairs and tables are arranged for a quiet tour of a
lake or a calm sea. Others prefer watercraft which move at
high speeds and are capable of moving through rough water in
both ocean and lake. The latter watercraft does not, as a
general rule, give riders a sense of mobility and roominess,
as they are more confined.
Thus, there appears to be a need to provide a
watercraft with a substantially flat deck of even height with
plenty of room to maneuver, yet having sufficient speed to
move quickly from one place to another.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a watercraft which combines the roominess of a
pontoon-type boat with the thrill of fast movement over the
water, particularly, a jet propelled type of water vehicle.
Summary of Invention
The deck boat of the present invention provides
many amenities which are unique and inventive. The
substantially planar deck allows passengers to move freely to
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and from the rear deck through a rear passageway to a central
deck area all at the same level. The exception is a pool
area, located near the bow which can be used either as a live
well for fishing purposes, or a wading pool filled with water
with a small fountain to refresh the riders.
There is a small stairway up to the front deck
which is substantially planar. The boat is equipped during
heavy weather with a retractable door to reduce wind. In
addition, the passageway leading to the rear deck, which
again is at the same level as the central deck, is also
equipped with a retractable door.
A toilet change room or shower area is found
directly in front of the driver console. When not in use,
the toilet compartment can be closed, such that the driver
has a view of oncoming traffic. When use is necessary, a
hinged L-shaped top can be moved upwards over the toilet area
and a tent type structure is used for privacy and the
occupant may stand up in the toilet area.
Opposite the toilet area, is a type of kitchen with
a sink and a storage area underneath. Although it is not a
full kitchen, it is perfect for providing quick food and
other items to the riders.
A rear sundeck is located over the motor
compartment. The sundeck can be flat for bathers to lay
thereon, or if the bathers wish to sit up, three cushions
with a unique upward folding action are used as seat back
cushions and three seats are combined.
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At the bow of the boat, a pair of lounge chairs are
located on the right hand side between the toilet area and
the front deck, and on the left hand side, a trio of
cushioned chairs are located between the kitchen area and the
bow area. In the rear of the craft, over the flat deck,
swimmers may swim and mount by means of a retractable ladder,
which when not in use is collapsible, and can be folded
neatly and covered to produce a flat deck. At the rear of
the boat there are storage areas for fishing rods, driver
equipment, wakeboards, water skis and other items. Safety
rails are prominent throughout the craft in case of rough
water.
Therefore this invention seeks to provide a deck
boat including a power source and a flat main deck floor;
said main deck floor comprising a central deck area, a rear
left side passageway area and a rear deck area; all of said
areas being of more or less similar height without steps
therebetween; said deck boat further comprising front
depressed pool cavity; said cavity being of a depth below
said deck floor to accommodate a sufficient quantity of
water; said deck boat further comprising a raised bow deck
floor.
This invention also seeks to provide a deck boat
including a raised sundeck on top of a motor compartment;
said sundeck including a plurality of seat back cushions and
at least one curvilinear seating or resting cushion; said
seat back cushions being adapted to lie flat and permit
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sunbathing in a first position and said plurality of seat
back cushions being adapted to be raised in a second
substantially vertical position to provide chair backs in
conjunction with said curvilinear seating or resting cushion.
This invention further seeks to provide a deck boat
further comprising a toilet compartment; said compartment
also serving as a change room shower stall; said compartment
being compressible into a first driving position forward of a
driver's console; and adapted to be raised to a second
upright usable position; said toilet compartment including a
tent-like enclosure and a toilet; said enclosure including
closure means to provide privacy; and said upright position
providing sufficient height to accommodate an adult in a
standing position.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a side view of the deck boat of the
present invention;
Figure 2 is a front view of the deck boat of the
present invention;
Figure 3 is a rear view of the deck boat of the
present invention;
Figure 4 is a top schematic view of the deck layout
of the deck boat of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the deck boat of
the present invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view taken from the rear
of the deck boat layout of the present invention;
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Figure 7 is an upper side perspective view of the
deck boat of the present invention;
Figure 8A is a perspective view of the toilet
compartment in a closed position;
Figure 8B is a perspective view of the toilet
compartment in a half-open position;
Figure 8C is a perspective view of the toilet
compartment a use position;
Figure 9 is a rear view of the rear deck and engine
compartment;
Figure 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are various perspective
views of the rear of the deck boat;
Figure 10 is a patent prospective view of the
driver stowage;
Figure 11 is a prospective view of the sub frame of
the hull;
Figure 12A is a perspective view of the drivers
seat in a party position;
Figure 12B is a perspective view of the drivers
seat in a half rotated position;
Figure 12C is a perspective view of the drivers
seat in the operation position;
Figure 13A is a rear perspective view of the
cushioned movable seat backs up for sitting position;
Figure 13B is a similar view with one of the seat
backs in the lowered sundeck position;
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Figure 14A is a perspective view of the first
ladder compartment;
Figure 14B is a similar view with door removed and
ladder compartment cover closed;
Figure 15 is a perspective view of a removable door
in place;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of the fishing rod
compartment;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of the windshield
of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Figure 1 is a side view of the boat of the present
invention. One sees a lower hull (1) and an upper deck
portion (2). These are molded separately in a typical manner
and are sealed together above the water line. The boat has a
bow (3) and a stern (4). Also there is a toilet compartment
marked generally as (5), a windshield (6), a console (7), a
steering wheel (8) and a driver's seat or chair (9).
The deck boat of the present invention is viewed
from the front in Figure 2. The hull (1) has a substantially
V-shaped bow and typical splash rails. There is a front
entrance (10) which will be described later. Also from the
front, one views courtesy lights (11) and docking lights
(12). Hand rails or safety rails (13) aid a person standing
on the front bow deck.
The deck boat of the present invention is viewed
from the rear in Figure 3. As the deck boat is jet pump
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propelled, the hull (1) at the stern is typically almost flat
as opposed to the deep V shape in the bow of the boat.
Immediately above the hull (1) at the rear of the boat is a
flat rear deck (14). This is at the same level as the rear
left side entrance (15). Thus, one can board the boat not
only from the front as shown in Figure 2, but also from the
rear on to rear flat deck (14) or from the left rear side
(15), for example, when the boat is docked. As previously
mentioned, rear deck (14) and left rear entranceway (15) are
relatively planar and at the same level. Viewed from the
rear is the motor compartment (16) which, as will be
discussed later, also serves as the base for a raised
sundeck. The gunnels or sides of the deck boat of the
present invention are lower than typical for a boat of this
size. The right gunnel is marked as (17) and the left gunnel
is (18) .
To access the motor, the combination motor
compartment cover and sun deck (19) can be lifted upwardly.
As will be shown later, the motor compartment (16) also
serves as a stowage area for such things as wakeboards and
water skis. To accommodate the jet propulsion unit, a tunnel
(20) is moulded at the rear of the hull (1). The jet
propulsion unit is not shown in Figure 3 but is of typical
dimension and known in the art. The jet propulsion unit is
powered by a four cycle inboard engine, which is also well
known in the art.
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Figure 4 is a schematic top view taken from above
looking down at the boat. The layout of the various
components and the floor plan and deck around which the
components are placed is novel and unique as well as being
space saving and extremely practical and comfortable. A
right hand bow seating area is shown generally as (21). This
area is designed for two adults to sit comfortably. It is
located between the toilet compartment (5) and the front
entrance (10). On the opposite side of the boat is the left
side bow seating area (22). It is larger and accommodates
three adults with considerable comfort. The left side
seating area (22) has a seat (25) which accommodates three
adults and a back rest (23). Similarly on the right side
seating area (21) there are cushioned seats (27) and a
backrest (26) .
A unique feature of the present invention is that
for the most part the main deck area is all at the same
level. Thus, there is a rear deck (14), a rear entranceway
(15), a left rear passageway deck (28) and a central floor
deck (29). At the front of the central deck (29) a lowered
pool recess is located. This can be used to hold
approximately 6 to 10 inches of water and may serve as a
splash basin for bathers or children to cool off without
disembarking from the deck boat. The fact that the deck
areas (14), (15), (28) and (29) are all on substantially the
same level makes movement about the boat very easy.
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The deck boat of the present invention is also
equipped with a raised bow deck (31) which is substantially
higher than the pool recess (30). Stairs (not shown) in
Figure 4 are adapted to be used by a person moving from the
pool up to the bow deck (31) and vice versa. In the central
part of the front upper deck (31) a ladder is stowed, under
front ladder compartment cover (32). Similarly, under rear
deck (14) is a ladder storage place which is covered by a
door or cover (33) and hinged to the rear deck (14).
Also shown in Figure 4 is a kitchen area (34). The
kitchen area (34) consists of a flat counter on which cooking
elements can be installed and a lower storage compartment in
which an ice chest or various shelves can be placed. The
cooking area is ideal for a day trip for a number of
occupants.
To the rear of the main deck area (29) is located
the motor compartment on top of which is the combination sun
deck and motor cover (19). The sun deck consists of three
cushions (35) and a front cushion (36). As will be discussed
later, cushions (35) can be moved from the horizontal to the
vertical position and form seat backs for front cushion (36).
The sundeck is approximately 6 feet wide and
approximately 4 feet deep, which gives plenty of room to
accommodate a sunbather.
Located between the rear left passageway deck (28)
and the kitchen area (34) is the left central seating area
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(37). It is designed to accommodate one or two people. It
consists of cushioned seat back (38) and cushioned seat (39).
The drivers seat (9) can accommodate a driver and
his or her companion. This will be shown in later drawings.
Driver seat (9) can be rotated into a non-operating position
for conversation or party activities. A safety rail (41) is
located at the back of the sundeck motor cover (19). The
safety rail (41) is useful as a handhold to a person standing
on the rear deck (14) or during rough water to help a swimmer
10 to mount a ladder (not shown) at the rear of the boat.
Of further interest is the toilet compartment which
will be described later. It is shown in Figure 4 in a
compressed closed position.
In Figure 5 the boat is viewed from the front left
side. A rear safety rail (42) is used as an aid to riders
entering the boat from the left rear flat deck entrance (15).
The range top of the kitchen area cooking counter is also
equipped with a safety rail (43), such that pots, pans or
other food items will not slide off during rough weather.
Figure 6 is a perspective view taken from the rear
of the watercraft. The drawing particularly emphasizes how
all of the rear deck (14), the rear side entrance way (15),
rear left passageway (28) and central deck (29) are planar
and of substantially the same height with no stairs or
obstacles. There is a slight incline between the rear deck
and the central deck but no actual steps. The lowered pool
(30) is also evident, as is the stairway 44 up to the
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considerably higher front upper deck. Clearly the front
upper deck (31) is necessarily higher as it is at the bow (3)
of the boat.
Figure 7 is a perspective view taken from the side
of the watercraft. Again it is evident that the upper front
deck (31) is considerably higher than the pool (30). The
drawing also shows the size of the rear left entranceway deck
15 which is very convenient for the occupants to mount the
watercraft when it is tied to the side of a dock.
Figures 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate a novel feature of
the present invention. A toilet compartment shown generally
as (5), is located in the toilet compartment cavity (45)
which is between the console (7) and the right hand bow
seating area (21). When in the closed position as shown in
Figure 8A the toilet compartment (5) has a substantially L-
shaped top and inner side (46) which is hingably mounted to
the side of the watercraft. The hinged toilet compartment
top and side (46) is shown in Figure 8B in a half open
position. In Figure 8C the hinged compartment top and side
(46) is in a fully raised position which will enable an
occupant to actually stand up.
In its compressed unused state, as shown in Figure
8A, it is not useable but blends into the decor of the boat.
In its compressed state, the driver can see easily
thereover. The hinged toilet compartment top and side (46)
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is attached to the toilet compartment cavity by means of
hydraulic shocks (49) very similar to those on an automobile
hood in an automobile.
In Figure 8C, the toilet compartment cover (46) has
been fully extended upwardly and there is sufficient height
within the compartment for an adult to stand up. A screen or
tent (46a) is attached to the compartment cover (46) and
extends downwardly when the toilet is in the user position.
A zipper opener (47) can be zipped or unzipped to allow
entrance and exit, and closed for privacy. Hinge (48) is
shown in Figure 8C, as is toilet (73). When the user is
finished with the toilet, the toilet compartment cover (46)
is lowered back to its original position as shown in Figure
8A.
Figure 9 is a partial view of the boat from the
rear showing the combination motor cover and sun deck (19) in
the open position. The cover (19) is attached by hinges (50)
to the top of the motor compartment (16). Also shown in the
rear deck is a rear ladder (52) which is of the telescopic
type which can be lowered into the water and extended or
collapsed and returned to the rear ladder compartment (53).
As previously mentioned, the rear ladder compartment cover
(33) can then be secured allowing for a completely flat rear
deck (14). At the rear of the motor compartment (16) is
another opening for a waterski storage compartment (54).
Waterskis can be stowed in this compartment which is securely
closed by door (55). Also visible in Figure 9 is a fishing
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rod compartment door (56) which will be shown in greater
detail in later drawings. Covers (40) secure other storage
compartments in the rear deck.
In Figure 10, an additional storage facility (57)
is shown. This storage compartment is for the driver and may
hold such things as maps, charts, compasses or other
necessary items for use by the driver. A driver storage
compartment door (58) secures the storage. The storage
compartment (57) is located between the combination motor,
cover and sun deck (19) and the driver's rotatable seat (not
shown in Figure 10). A driver's glove box (75) is also
shown.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sub-frame of
the hull. Prior art boats use polypropylene as the basic
form for the sub-frame which provides flotation in addition
to strength when covered with fiberglass and resin. Normally
the sub-frame members are produced in a two-part aluminium
mold. In some other boats, stringers may be molded directly
in the hull. However, the inventors of the present invention
have found that polyethylene can be formed in a two-part
fiberglass mold. Thus, the stringers or supports for the
sub-frame are molded in the two-part fiberglass mold at a
much lesser cost. The stringers or supports for the sub-
frame are put in place within the already molded hull (1) and
coated with fiberglass fibers, or mats and resin. This
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ensures an extremely strong sub-frame. In Figure 11, the
longitudinal ribs are shown as 59 and the transverse ribs are
shown as 60.
Figures 12A, 12B and 12C are perspective views of
the double-driver seat (9) in its various positions. The
double-driver seat (9) is attached to the floor on a swivel
mount (61) and is lockable in the driving position on
pedestal stop (62). In Figure 12A, the double-driver seat
(5) is swivelled to the side of the watercraft in a non-
driving position. In Figure 12B, the driver seat has been
partially rotated; and in Figure 12C, the double-driver seat
(9) is in the full operating position and is locked about
pedestal (62).
Figures 13A and 13B are perspective views taken
from the rear of the cushioned moveable seat backs (35).
Seat backs (35) make up a portion of the sun deck when in the
horizontal position. However, when raised upwardly, seat
cushions (35) become the backs of three chairs. The seat
backs from a continuous solid back without gaps between
cushions. In Figure 13A, there is a rear perspective view of
the cushioned moveable seat backs (35) up for seating
position. However, in Figure 13B, there is similar view with
one of the seat backs in the lowered sun deck position. In
Figure 13A, cushioned sun deck seat backs (35) are pivotally
mounted to combination motor cover and sun deck base (19) by
pivots (63). Seat backs (35) are kept in place by means of
upper seat back rests (64) and lower seat back rests (65).
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Upper seat back rests (64) are attached to cushioned sun deck
seat backs (35) at the rear by hinges (66). Upper seat back
rests (64) and lower seat back rests (65) are hingeably
mounted together by means of hinges (67) and lower back rests
(65) are attached to sun deck motor compartment cover (19) by
means of rear seat bracket hinges (68).
As shown in Figure 14B, the seat backs (35) can be
moved manually back to the sun deck position by simply
lifting upwardly at hinges (67) and thereby fitting seat back
10 rests (65) and (64) into recessions shown on motor
compartment cover (19). When sun deck seat back cushions
(35) are in an upward position they are effectively locked in
position by the configuration of seat back rests (65) and
(64) .
Figures 14A and 14B are perspective views of the
bow deck (31) and entrance way (10) of the present invention.
In Figure 14A, front removeable door (69) is in place,
blocking entry and preventing heavy seas from moving into the
deck area. Bow ladder hatch (32) is opened and bow ladder
(74) is in its recess in a telescoped position. In Figure
14B, bow ladder hatch cover (32), is closed and thus, bow
deck (31) is flat and planar. In Figure 14 door (69) has
been removed, thus permitting entry through the front
entrance way (10).
Figure 15 is a perspective view taken from the rear
of the watercraft showing the rear retractable/hinged door
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(70) in place. The door is placed in heavy weather or, in
some cases, to prevent small children or pets from moving
onto the rear deck (14).
In Figure 16, the fishing rod compartment (71) is
viewed. A plurality of cylindrical plastic tubes or rod
holders (72) are aligned in the compartment wall and fishing
compartment door (56) can then be closed. In Figure 16,
compartment door (56) is shown open.
In figure 17, the unique pivoted windshield is
evident. There is a main frame (76), a main windshield (77)
and a pair of side wing deflectors(78). The main frame (76)
is supported by mounting brackets with integrated locking
pivots (79). Side wing deflectors(78)are supported by
pivoting brackets for side wing deflector (80).
Although specific embodiments of the invention have
been illustrated in detailed description, it is understood
that the spirit of the invention encompasses variations of
the basic layout.
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