Patents by Inventor Charles Dean Foss

Charles Dean Foss 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: 9783271
    Abstract: A conversion seat for a marine vessel that converts from a lean post configuration to a seat configuration. In a stowed position, the seat is stored vertically exposing a cushion that can be used as a lean post. When a positive lock is released the seat is able to rotate, in some embodiments with an assist from a gas strut, two-hundred and seventy (270) degrees until the seat lands on a horizontal surface. When released, a backrest opens to a desired angle providing a comfortable seat or sun pad. To stow the seat for use as a lean post, the backrest is folded back down and then the seat is able to rotate back through the two-hundred and seventy (270) degrees to its vertical stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Daniel Patrick Daily
  • Publication number: 20160229496
    Abstract: A multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels having a pair of independent bunks sections, and guide mechanisms for controlling the physical movement of the bunks from one configuration to another. Included is automatic actuation and electronic controls for activating movement of the bunks from one configuration to another in conjunction with the guide mechanism. The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system is convertible between a V-berth configuration and an island bed configuration, eliminates manual operation, and includes automatic deployment and retraction of a table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Mark Eugene Robinson
  • Publication number: 20160214689
    Abstract: A conversion seat for a marine vessel that converts from a lean post configuration to a seat configuration. In a stowed position, the seat is stored vertically exposing a cushion that can be used as a lean post. When a positive lock is released the seat is able to rotate, in some embodiments with an assist from a gas strut, two-hundred and seventy (270) degrees until the seat lands on a horizontal surface. When released, a backrest opens to a desired angle providing a comfortable seat or sun pad. To stow the seat for use as a lean post, the backrest is folded back down and then the seat is able to rotate back through the two-hundred and seventy (270) degrees to its vertical stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: BOSTON WHALER, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Daniel Patrick Daily
  • Patent number: 9120540
    Abstract: A dive door for a marine vessel comprising a planar body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The door is disposed between the gunwale of the boat and is hingeably attached to the deck of the boat. The door is releasably retained to the gunwale by one or more latches disposed at a top edge of the dive door. One or more gas shocks are attached to the door and the boat such that the dive door is selectively operable between a deployed position and a closed position. When deployed, the interior surface of the dive door extends outwardly from the boat. In the closed position, the outer surface of the dive door is matches the profile of the gunwale, providing a sleek integrated look. A ladder may hinged to the dive door and is configured to extend downward into the water surface when the door is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Paul Sherwood-Berndt
  • Patent number: 9073608
    Abstract: A seating system for watercraft having a base supporting a seating surface and a backrest pivotably attached to the base. The backrest pivots above the seating surface to provide a plurality of selectable seating positions. The backrest is pivotably attached to the base an arm attached to the side of the backrest. The arm engages a guide member attached to the base, the guide member having one or more positional slots corresponding to the plurality of selectable seating positions. The backrest can be positioned upright, at an angle, or flat with respect to the seating surface to provide a plurality of seating configurations including simultaneous forward and aft seats, an aft-facing lounge seat, and a sunpad. The seating surface comprises hingeable seat cushions permitted access to storage compartments inside the base. The seating system can be installed adjacent to a bulkhead on a watercraft to provide an aft-facing lounge seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Gordon James Turner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8844458
    Abstract: A storage assembly comprising a slideable upper drawer unit and a lower drawer unit disposed in a housing. The upper drawer unit includes a slideable workstation and one or more primary drawers disposed beneath the workstation. A work panel is hingeably attached to a top surface of the workstation whereby the work panel is operable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the work panel covers and conceals at least a portion of the top surface of the workstation, and in the open position the work panel is perpendicular to the top surface of the workstation. The work panel is received in a rear slot of the workstation when it is in the open position. The workstation may include features such as a sink and a cook top. The housing may be received in a seat casing, console, or bench on the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Paul Sherwood-Berndt
  • Patent number: 8740297
    Abstract: A reversible seat comprising a backrest, a seat bottom, two guide bars, and two corresponding backrest support assemblies. The guide bars are attached to and disposed on either side of said seat bottom and are disposed on the outside of a base assembly of the seat bottom. The backrest is attached to and disposed between the backrest support assemblies. The backrest support assemblies include a plurality of spindles and a spindle carrier. The spindles of each assembly are in rotational communication with their respective guide bar, providing a sliding engagement. The backrest is pivotably engaged with the backrest assemblies so that it can be adjusted depending on the seating position. The backrest assemblies translate longitudinally across guide bars to provide a plurality of seating positions. The backrest assemblies may also include locking members that engage the base assembly of the seat bottom for securing the backrest in place during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Aaron King Reimann Dale, Spencer Dewitt Traynom, Richard Jay Garelick
  • Publication number: 20130200765
    Abstract: A storage assembly comprising a slideable upper drawer unit and a lower drawer unit disposed in a housing. The upper drawer unit includes a slideable workstation and one or more primary drawers disposed beneath the workstation. A work panel is hingeably attached to a top surface of the workstation whereby the work panel is operable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the work panel covers and conceals at least a portion of the top surface of the workstation, and in the open position the work panel is perpendicular to the top surface of the workstation. The work panel is received in a rear slot of the workstation when it is in the open position. The workstation may include features such as a sink and a cook top. The housing may be received in a seat casing, console, or bench on the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: BOSTON WHALER, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Paul Sherwood-Berndt