Ships – Boats – boat component – or attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-01
2001-07-24
Swinehart, Ed (Department: 3617)
Ships
Boats, boat component, or attachment
C114S363000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263825
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to boats powered by outboard or so called “I/O” engines. The invention provides for a multi-purpose cabin adjacent the stern of the boat, which cabin is covered by a cushioned deck immediately over and extending forwardly of the engine, with at least part of the cushioned deck hinged so that when the hinged part is raised upwardly, the cabin is readily accessible to adults thereby providing utility space for privacy, for a sink, for cutting boards, for a refrigerator, for a toilet, and/or other such amenities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cruisers and yachts, usually more than 30′ in length, commonly have toilet facilities with “stand-up” entry as well as separate kitchen and sleeping areas. Even some smaller runabouts have underdeck sleeping areas, toilet facilities and kitchens, and some pontoon and deck boats have “fold-up” dressing rooms and even above deck cabin areas. However, there remained a need for a design that provided “convertible space” for “stand-up” kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as adequate cushioned deck for sleeping or sunbathing. The object of this invention is to satisfy that need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a primary object of the instant inventive concepts to provide a boat having a cushioned deck or the like over an area adjacent the stern, which area is readily converted to an enlarged rear cabin having sink and toilet facilities and being selectively enclosable for privacy in use.
Another object of this invention is to provide a boat having a canopy and a rear sunbathing deck, covering a cabin area convertible to an enclosable dressing area of sufficient height to permit a user to stand fully erect and move about comfortably.
A further object of this invention is the provision of a boat having an area covered by a cushioned deck, normally hidden from view which contains a sink for food preparation and the like, a hidden portable toilet, and a surroundable enclosure to selectively conceal occupants of the area during use.
Consistent with the foregoing objects, this invention provides a boat with a seating cockpit toward the front, a driving area to one side of the cockpit containing a captain's seat and equipment to operate the boat, and a cushioned deck extending across the rear of the boat between the stern and cockpit. The deck is normally horizontal in use, positioned above the boat engine, and incorporates a hinged portion to expose an enclosed area with a sunken floor to provide increased height to a fully enclosable rear cabin area.
On one side of the rear cabin area, normally hidden by the cushioned deck, a sink and food preparation area may be provided. Compartments are provided on either side of the engine area for storage of ice chests, food, serving implements, clothing or the like, and are accessible from the rear cabin area when the hinged portion of the cushioned deck has been raised.
The side of the rear cabin area immediately behind the captain's seat accommodates a portable potty which may be concealed beneath the captain's seat and slid rearwardly into the enclosable cabin area when desired.
In order to provide privacy to the rear cabin area for changing clothes or use of the toilet facilities, a canopy with closable sides may be provided of a height sufficient, in combination with the sunken rear cabin floor, for a normal person to stand fully erect and move freely therewithin. The sides of the enclosure may include transparent windows with rolled up opaque curtains to provide complete privacy to the rear cabin area. Alternatively, an enclosure may be hung on the canopy support rods, with vertically extending closable openings for access and ventilation. In either event, the rear cabin area can be provided with complete privacy for use of the toilet facilities or changing clothes. Additionally, with the cushioned deck horizontal and the enclosure in place, the rear cabin area is suited to sleeping.
The rear cabin area below the cushioned deck may be separated from the forward section by a sliding panel which may be removed when the deck is lifted to provide a passageway. The panel may be replaced to lock the area.
Immediately adjacent the transom of the boat, if adapted to be driven by an outboard engine, is a storage area for batteries, rigging access and the like, and on either side of this area are enclosed pods filled with flotation material. These pods are covered by decking, and provide the areas thereabove for storage accessible from the rear cabin area.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3475773 (1969-11-01), Codman, Jr.
patent: 3823431 (1974-07-01), Miller
patent: 4738217 (1988-04-01), Smith
patent: 4854261 (1989-08-01), Goldsmith
patent: 5136963 (1992-08-01), Zuzik
patent: 5331917 (1994-07-01), Magers
patent: 5497724 (1996-03-01), Brown et al.
patent: 5706752 (1998-01-01), Menne, Jr. et al.
Dura Craft Value Engineered for a Lifetime (brochure) 1998, p. 4 “Funtastic” Boat.
Duracraft Marine Corporation
Jacobson Price Holman & Stern PLLC
Swinehart Ed
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