Patents by Inventor Andrew C. Vavolotis

Andrew C. Vavolotis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5901659
    Abstract: A device designed to enable a sailor to move easily fore and aft and side-to-side about a watercraft. The device includes separate port and starboard bench units that are pivotally coupled to the watercraft and are movingly coupled to outboard rail systems extending fore and aft along the port and starboard gunwales of the watercraft. Additional rail systems incorporated into the bench units allow side-to-side movement. The bench units is designed and coupled to the rail systems and pivot points such that the sailor can remain on the bench unit and pivotally move it fore and aft, or slidingly move side-to-side by pushing his or her feet on the underlying substrate above which the sailor sits. The bench unit is preferably designed to permit the sailor to straddle it. The seat portions of the bench units are extendable beyond the outer edge of the watercraft. A handrail affixed to the bench enhances stability for the sailor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Andrew C. Vavolotis
  • Patent number: 5787837
    Abstract: A device designed to enable a sailor to move easily about a watercraft. The device includes a bench unit that may extend substantially from port to starboard. One or more bench units are movingly coupled to a rail system extending fore and aft on the watercraft. The bench unit is designed and coupled to the rail system such that the sailor can remain on the bench unit and move it fore and aft by pushing his or her feet on the underlying substrate above which the sailor sits. The bench unit is preferably designed to permit the sailor to straddle it. The bench unit may be a unitary piece extending substantially the entire width of the watercraft. Alternatively, it may be formed of two sections that can be moved independent of one another. A handrail affixed to the bench enhances stability for the sailor. An optional braking system that can be engaged or disengaged by the sailor prevents undesired movement of the bench unit along the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew C. Vavolotis