WATERCRAFT WITH RECONFIGURABLE PANELS AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A watercraft comprising a deck and a wall, the wall comprising a first reconfigurable panel, is provided. The deck has a front end, a back end, and a perimeter. The wall extends proximate a portion of the perimeter, thereby defining a use portion of the deck. The first reconfigurable panel is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position. When the first reconfigurable panel is in the second position, an area of the use portion of the deck is open. The area may be a front area of the deck, a rear area of the deck, or a side area of the deck

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63/376,096, entitled Watercraft with Reconfigurable Side Panels and Methods of Use, and filed Sep. 18, 2022, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous multi-purpose watercraft. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous multi-purpose watercraft with reconfigurable panels. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous multi-purpose pontoon boats having reconfigurable panels for opening up spaces on a use portion of a deck.

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. A pontoon boat is a generally flat boat that uses pontoon tubes for buoyancy. FIG. 1a illustrates a classic pontoon 10. As shown, the pontoon includes a relatively planar deck with a wall comprising a plurality of panels wrapping around a use portion of the deck. A variety of accommodations may be provided within the wall, such as seating, tables, stand-up bars, sun pads, and the like. While pontoon boats are frequently lauded as excellent lounging boats, they are criticized as not being well suited for activities such as fishing. The wall around the lounge area can interfere with casting and landing fish. Similarly, the wall inhibits passenger access to the water or interaction with people in the water. The wall also inhibits the ability of passengers to move freely between multiple boats tied together or between a boat and a dock.

Various attempts have been made at designing modifications for pontoon boats to make the boats more versatile. For example, FIG. 1b illustrates a rear lounge pontoon boat 20 wherein access to the aft portion of the boat is open. As shown in FIG. 1b, the aft portion of the boat is loosely confined by posts and chains 22. While these partially open up the use portion of the deck, they do not provide fully open access to a large portion of the deck, and they also do not provide a full enclosure that may be desirable when small children or pets are on the pontoon boat.

A need in the art exists for a watercraft wherein a portion of the watercraft can be modified between an open position and a closed position.

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.

The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a watercraft comprising a deck and a wall, the wall comprising a first reconfigurable panel. The deck has a front end, a back end, and a perimeter. The wall extends proximate a portion of the perimeter, thereby defining a use portion of the deck. In some embodiments, the wall may extend proximate all the perimeter of the deck. The first reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position. When the first reconfigurable panel is in the second position, an area of the use portion of the deck is open. The first position may be a closed position and the second position may be an open position. The area may be a front area of the deck, a rear area of the deck, or a side area of the deck.

In some embodiments, the wall further comprises a second reconfigurable panel, wherein the second reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position. The first reconfigurable panel may run parallel to the back end of the watercraft and the second reconfigurable panel may run parallel to a side of the watercraft.

In some embodiments, the wall further comprise a stationary panel, and wherein. In the second position, the first reconfigurable panel may fold against the second reconfigurable panel and the second reconfigurable panel folds against the stationary panel.

The reconfigurable panel may be pivotable along the first end. The first end may be coupled to an end of the stationary panel and, in the second position, the second end may be fixed to the stationary panel.

In yet other embodiments, the first reconfigurable panel and the second reconfigurable panel are detachably coupled. The first reconfigurable panel may be coupled to a compartment, such as a fishing compartment. The wall may further comprise a stationary side panel. The first reconfigurable panel folds against the compartment in the second position and the second reconfigurable panel folds against the stationary side panel in the second position.

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. 1a illustrates a pontoon boat in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 1b illustrates a rear lounge pontoon boat in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 2a is a top isometric view of a pontoon boat with aft reconfigurable panels in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2b is a top rear isometric view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 2a with aft reconfigurable panels in an open position.

FIG. 2c is a top isometric view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 2a with aft reconfigurable panels in an open position.

FIG. 2d is a close up view of the aft portion of the pontoon boat of FIG. 2a with aft reconfigurable panels in an open position.

FIG. 3a illustrates a top isometric view of the pontoon boat of with an aft reconfigurable panel and a rear bar, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3b illustrates a top isometric view of the pontoon boat of with an aft reconfigurable panel and a rear bar, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 4a illustrates a top view of a pontoon boat with aft reconfigurable panels and a swim platform, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4b illustrates a top view of a pontoon boat with aft reconfigurable panels and a swim platform, in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a pontoon boat with aft reconfigurable panels, a sliding door, and a swim platform, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top isometric view of a pontoon boat with front reconfigurable panels in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a pontoon boat with reconfigurable side panels in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a bottom isometric view of a pontoon boat suitable for use with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of the embodiment of FIGS. 2a-2d illustrating an aft version of the watercraft.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the port aft portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 2a-2d illustrating aspects of a movable panel in a closed position.

FIG. 11 is a close up isometric view of the embodiment of FIGS. 2a-2d illustrating the location of latches and hinges coupled to the movable panels.

FIG. 12 is an isometric aft starboard side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 2a-2d.

FIG. 13 is a close up isometric view of movable panels on the starboard side and aft of the watercraft.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged isometric view of latches and fasteners for coupling the movable panels illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15a illustrates a front isometric view of a latch component for holding a panel of a watercraft open, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15b illustrates a side isometric view of the latch component of FIG. 15a.

FIG. 15c illustrates a front isometric view of a latch component for interfitting with the latch component of FIG. 15a, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 15d illustrate a rear isometric view of the latch component of FIG. 15c.

FIG. 16a illustrates a rear isometric view of an engageable latch, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 16b illustrates a rear isometric side view of the engageable latch of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 16c illustrates a front isometric view of the engageable latch of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 17a illustrates front isometric view of a cleat configured to engage with the engageable latch of FIGS. 16a, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 17b illustrates a rear isometric view of the cleat of FIG. 17a.

FIG. 18 illustrates a reconfigurable panel in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a reconfigurable panel in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates fixing mechanisms for a reconfigurable panel, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative view of fixing mechanisms for a reconfigurable panel, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates an engaged latch, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous multi-purpose watercraft. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous multi-purpose watercraft with reconfigurable panels. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous multi-purpose pontoon boats having reconfigurable panels for opening up spaces on a use portion of a deck.

Systems and related methods for providing watercraft, such as pontoon boats, with reconfigurable, or movable, panels, railing, wall, or bulkhead portions to expose different portions of the deck are provided. Reconfigurable outer walls or doors provide increased or easier access to the water from the deck of the watercraft. Providing broader access to the water can be particularly advantageous for activities such as fishing, swimming, and hanging out at water level—such as when pulling up to a sandbar or other shallow water area where passengers can stand around the boat. Reconfigurable panels also provide increased access for boarding or unboarding the watercraft, moving large objects onto or off of the boat, and improve the ability to tie up multiple boats and allow passengers to move easily from boat to boat. The disclosure contemplates a system for exposing sections of the deck, including and of aft, bow, and sides, to surroundings, thereby providing enhanced access to any portion of the deck. It is also possible to provide reconfigurable interior partitions that can be removable or hinged to permit creation of subsections within the perimeter of the deck. The reconfigurable panels disclosed herein allow adjustment of the wall between a closed position and an open position.

A watercraft comprising a deck and a wall, the wall comprising a first reconfigurable panel, is provided. The deck has a front end, a back end, and a perimeter. The wall extends proximate a portion of the perimeter, thereby defining a use portion of the deck. The first reconfigurable panel is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position. When the first reconfigurable panel is in the second position, an area of the use portion of the deck is open. The area may be a front area of the deck, a rear area of the deck, or a side area of the deck

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 or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.”

Watercraft with reconfigurable panels are provided herein. The reconfigurable panels are part of a wall surrounding the use portion of a boat deck. With specific reference to a typical pontoon boat, the wall surrounding the use portion of the deck typically has a small door to allow a person in and out of the use portion of the deck. The door is hinged to the wall at one side thereof and has a latch on the other side to maintain the door in a closed position. The latch can be unlatched to allow opening of the door. When the door is closed, substantially no access is provided to the water from the use portion of the deck.

Watercraft with reconfigurable panels such as taught herein provide increased access to the water for a user. The reconfigurable panels can be moved between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the reconfigurable panels are positioned and secured such that the wall is closed around the use portion of the deck. In the second position the reconfigurable panels are positioned and secured such that a part of the use portion of the deck is open to the water.

Various use scenarios and associated watercraft configurations are illustrated and described herein. It is to be appreciated that many other configurations and uses are available for watercraft having reconfigurable panels would be obvious to one skilled in the art from the disclosure provided herein and are within the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate an embodiment of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels that may be useful for fishing. FIG. 3a illustrates a first embodiment of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels that includes a rear bar accessible from the water. FIG. 3b illustrates a second embodiment of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels that includes a rear bar accessible from the water. FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a watercraft with reconfigurable panels providing a swim deck that may be used for swimming. FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels and a swim deck. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a watercraft with front reconfigurable panels. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a watercraft with a reconfigurable side panel.

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a bottom of the watercraft that may be used with the present invention. As shown, three pontoon tubes 800 may be used. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer pontoon tubes may be used.

In general, the watercraft illustrated herein include an aft (or rear section) and a bow (or front) section with a deck extending therebetween. A wall is provided surrounding the use portion of the deck. The wall comprises a plurality of panels and/or doors. One or more of the panels and/or doors is reconfigurable to modify access to the use portion of the deck from the water or to the water from the use portion of the deck, or from the deck to another boat, or from the deck to a dock or other edge of water structure. While the illustrated watercraft are pontoon boats with a flat deck, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be adapted to other types of watercraft to provide improved access from a deck of the watercraft to the water, an adjacent watercraft, a dock, or the like. Reconfigurable panels may be provided at the aft portion of the watercraft, the bow portion of the watercraft, and/or along the sides of the watercraft. For better illustration of the reconfigurable panels, many of the figures do not illustrate components such as a helm, lounge seats, etc. that may be included on the deck. Provision of such components is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 2a illustrates a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels wherein the reconfigurable panels are in a closed configuration. FIGS. 2b and 2c illustrates a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels wherein the reconfigurable panels are in an open position. FIG. 2d is a close up view of the aft portion of the pontoon boat of FIG. 2a with aft reconfigurable panels in an open position. The embodiment of FIGS. 2a-2d may be particularly suited for fishing. Accordingly a compartment 230 (such as a fishing station) and rear facing chairs are provided at an aft location on the use portion of the deck.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate embodiments of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels wherein the watercraft includes a rear bar. As shown, a bar table and stools are provided at an aft location on the use portion of the deck.

FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate embodiments of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels that may be useful for swimming. In this embodiment, the aft portion of the deck may be empty.

The reconfigurable panels may be fixed in place in an open position or in a closed position. Each reconfigurable panel may include a hinged edge for hingedly attaching to another panel (reconfigurable or not), door, or watercraft component. The opposite edge of the reconfigurable panel may include one or more fixing mechanisms such as a latch. In some embodiments, a single fixing mechanism may be provided to fix a reconfigurable panel in the open position and in the closed position. In alternative embodiments, a first fixing mechanism may be provided to fix the reconfigurable panel in the open position and a second fixing mechanism may be provided to fix the reconfigurable panel in the closed position. In some embodiments, in a fixed position, the panels have a robust retention to resist a force of at least 400 pounds.

Any desired number of reconfigurable panels or doors may be used. In some embodiments the reconfigurable panels are provided in a hinged, swinging arrangement. In other embodiments, the reconfigurable panels may be disposed on rails to permit them to be slid alongside or into other structures of the watercraft. For example, the panels can be configured to slide along the outside of the watercraft along rails, or be slid into other structures of the watercraft.

As shown in FIGS. 2a-2d, four reconfigurable panels 210, 212, 220, 222 may be provided that are configured to meet at the aft corners of the watercraft and be removably coupled to each other, and if desired, the deck, to enclose the deck of the watercraft about its perimeter. The four reconfigurable panels 210, 212, 220, 222 are arrange in two pairs (201, 212 and 220, 222). The panels in each pair may be detachably coupled. Each of the pairs round an aft corner of the watercraft.

A compartment 230 or stationary panel may be provided between the panels 212, 222 along the aft end of the watercraft to close off the area in front of the engine. Alternatively, the rearmost panels 212, 222 could meet together, could each terminate at a door, could each terminate at another panel, etc. Additionally, while panels 212 and 222 are shown as the same size as one another and panels 210 and 220 are shown as the same size as one another, the panels may all be different sizes or may all be the same size.

In embodiments using pairs of reconfigurable panels, such as shown in FIGS. 2a-2d, the pairs of panels can be decoupled and articulated to expose the perimeter of the watercraft. For example, panel 222 can be decoupled from panel 220. Each of panel 222 and panel 220 then may be articulated to fold against another panel (such as with panel 220) or another component of the watercraft (in the case of panel 222, compartment 230). As shown, panels or doors 212, 222 are swung inwardly and against the compartment 230, which provides additional structural support in the open position. Panels or doors 210, 220, swing outwardly beyond the deck of the watercraft about 180 degrees, and are removably coupled to another, more forward portion of the watercraft, such as panel 150. The panels 210, 220, 212, and 222 may then be fixed in their respective open positions.

While the panels 210, 212 and 220, 222 are configured to be separated from one another prior to swinging them out of the way, it is also possible and contemplated to have them hingedly attached to one another to permit the panels to be articulated out of the way and folded upon themselves.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate embodiments of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels and a rear bar. The aft reconfigurable panels open the perimeter of the boat between the water and the bar to facilitate easier access therebetween. The rear bar may comprise a table 300 and one or more bar stools 302. The wall around the aft portion of the deck includes a door 303, 313 and a plurality of panels. At least some of these panels are reconfigurable to open access to the rear portion of the deck.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the door 303 can remain in place when reconfigurable panels 304, 306 are folded back. In a closed position, reconfigurable panel 304 extends along the rear of the watercraft and reconfigurable panel 306 extends along a side of the watercraft. The rear panel 304 may be folded against the side panel 306, which in turn may be folded against a stationary side panel 304. The embodiment shown illustrates a unidirectional fold but an accordion type fold, or a combination thereof, may alternatively be used. The panels then may be fixed in place in the open position. In some embodiments, door 303 may be reconfigurable and may be folded back with one or more of the panels on the other side of the rear portion of the watercraft.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3b, the door 313 is reconfigurable. In a closed position, reconfigurable panel 314 extends along the rear of the watercraft and reconfigurable panel 316 extends along a side of the watercraft. The door 313 folds against the rear panel 314, which folds against side panel 316, which in turn folds against stationary side panel 314. As with FIG. 3b, the embodiment shown is a unidrectional fold but an accordion type fold, or a combination thereof, may alternatively be fold. The panels then may be fixed in place in the open position. In some embodiments, the panels opposite panels 313, 314, and 316 may mirror those panels and similarly reconfigurable.

FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate embodiments of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels and an open water swim deck. The aft reconfigurable panels open the perimeter of the boat between the water and the swim deck 400. The wall around the aft portion of the deck includes a door and a plurality of panels. At least some of these panels are reconfigurable to open access to the rear portion of the deck.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4a, the reconfigurable panels comprise a rear panel door 402, a rear panel 404, and a side panel 406. In a closed position, the door 402 and rear panel 404 extend along the rear of the deck and the side panel 406 extends along the side of the deck. To open the deck, the door 402 is folded onto the rear reconfigurable panel 404, which is folded upon the side reconfigurable panel 406, which is in turn folded against a stationary side panel 408. The embodiment shown illustrates a unidrectional fold but an accordion type fold, or a combination thereof, may alternatively be used. The panels then may be fixed in place in the open position. In some embodiments, the panels opposite panels 402, 404, and 406 may mirror those panels and be similarly reconfigurable.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the reconfigurable panels comprise a rear panel door 412, a rear panel 414, and a side panel 416. In a closed position, the door 412 and rear panel 404 extend along the rear of the deck and the side panel 406 extends along the side of the deck. To open the deck, the door 412 is folded onto the rear reconfigurable panel 414, which is folded upon the side reconfigurable panel 416, which is in turn folded against a stationary side panel 418. The embodiment shown door 412, rear panel 414, and side panel 416 are folded in an accordion type fold and side panel 416 is in a rolled fold against stationary panel 418. Alternatively, other types of or combinations of folds may be used. The panels then may be fixed in place in the open position. In some embodiments, the panels opposite panels 412, 414, and 416 may mirror those panels and be similarly reconfigurable.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a watercraft with aft reconfigurable panels, sliding doors, and an open water swim deck. The aft reconfigurable panels open the perimeter of the boat between the water and the swim deck 500. The wall around the aft portion of the deck includes a door and a plurality of panels. At least some of these panels are reconfigurable to open access to the rear portion of the deck. The door is reconfigurable and comprises two aft panels,

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the reconfigurable panels comprise a rear panel 504, a side panel 506, and door panels 501, 502. In a closed position, the door panels 501, 502 and rear panel 504 extend along the rear of the deck and the side panel 506 extends along the side of the deck. To open the deck, the door panels 501 and 502 are slide towards each other and take the space of one panel in front of the engine. The rear reconfigurable panel 504 is folded upon the side reconfigurable panel 506, which is in turn folded against a stationary side panel 508. The panels then may be fixed in place in the open position. The embodiment shown illustrates an accordion type fold but a unidirectional fold, or a combination thereof, may alternatively be used. In some embodiments, the panels opposite panels 504 and 506 may mirror those panels and be similarly reconfigurable.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a watercraft with front reconfigurable panels and seats. The seats 600 are provided on an area of the deck typically closed off from the use portion of the deck by the deck wall. The deck wall comprises a plurality of panels, at least one of which is reconfigurable to open access to the front portion of the deck.

As shown, in some embodiments two reconfigurable panels 602 may be provided that have rounded portions 603 that round front corners of the watercraft. A door may optionally be provided between the reconfigurable panels 602 when they are in a fixed closed position. The door may be hinged to one of the reconfigurable panels 602 such that it may be folded back along the reconfigurable panel when the reconfigurable panel is articulated to an open position. Alternatively, no door may be provided.

The 602 may be folded inwardly until the curved edge contacts an inside surface of the deck wall, such as a stationary panel 606 of the wall. The panels then may be fixed in place in the open position. In embodiments including forward chairs 600, the chairs 600 may be removed during movement of the reconfigurable panels 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a watercraft having a reconfigurable side panel 704 for opening access to the use portion of the deck from the side of the watercraft. The watercraft deck wall includes a plurality of panels and doors, at least one of which is reconfigurable. In the embodiment shown, the reconfigurable panels comprise a rear door panel 702 and a side panel 704. In a closed position, the rear door panel 702 extends along the rear of the watercraft and the side panel 704 extends along a side of the water craft. To open the deck, the rear door panel 702 is folded against the side panel 704, which is in turn folded against a stationary side panel 706. As shown, the panels may be folded in an accordion style. Alternatively, the panels may be folded in a unidirectional manner.

A variety of latching and locking mechanisms are provided for maintaining the reconfigurable panels in first (closed) and second (open) configurations. While these are shown with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a-2d, it is to be appreciated that they are applicable to all embodiments disclosed herein. While specific latching components are described herein, it is appreciated that other latching mechanisms may be used so long as they operate to fix the reconfigurable panels in place and resist forces such as may be experienced while boating, for example 400 pounds of force. The strength of the latching component should be selected taking into account the length of the reconfigurable panel and its extension from a fixed component.

FIGS. 9 and 10 present a port side view of the watercraft 100 wherein locations of latch components 214, 216 are indicated to hold door or panel 210 in an open position to expose the aft, port section of the deck of the watercraft. FIG. 9 illustrates the placement of hinges 211 that connect the panel 210 to a stationary railing section. FIG. 10 illustrates is latch 280, which is coupled to aft hinged panel 210, and is used to couple to a cleat 290 mounted on panel 212.

FIG. 11 presents an enlarged view of door or panel 212, illustrating hinges 213 that hingedly couple door 212 to stationary compartment 230. Also illustrated is a spring latch 242 that includes a spring biased shaft that is biased downwardly to drive the shaft into an opening in the deck to hold the corner of the structure stationary with respect to the deck of the watercraft when panels 210, 212 are coupled to each other.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear, starboard isometric upper view of the watercraft, particularly illustrating the relative position of panels 220, 222 in a closed position as well as the relative position of a stationary wall or side portion 150 of the watercraft 100. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrates the location of hinges 223 that couple door or panel 222 to the compartment 230, as well as hinges 221 that couple panel 220 to stationary railing or side panel 150. Also illustrated are a latch 244 that complements latch 242 on the port side of the craft, and the locations of latch components 224, 226 that hold panel 220 in place when folded outwardly and against side panel 150. FIG. 14 illustrates close up views of latch 280, cleat 290, latch spring 244, and latch 226. The latch 280 is provided on panel 220 to couple to the cleat 290 that is mounted on panel 222.

FIGS. 15a-15d illustrate latch components that interfit with one another and can be used to hold a reconfigurable panel in place, for example in an open position. FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate latch components 216, 226 that are mounted to panels 210, 220 respectively. FIGS. 15c and 15d illustrate complementary latch components 214, 224 that may be mounted to stationary panel of the watercraft. The components 214, 216 are adapted to interfit and removably couple, wherein arms of component 214 splay slightly to permit a rounded boss of component 214 to be removably received therein.

FIGS. 16a-16c illustrate a latch assembly 280, in accordance with one embodiment. FIGS. 17a and 17b illustrate a cleat 290 that engages the latch assembly 280.

As shown in FIGS. 16a-16c, the latch assembly 280 may include a stationary body 282, 286 that receives therein a slidable handle 284 coupled to a retractable tongue 288, wherein pulling on handle 284 causes tongue 288 to be retracted, exposing a “C” shaped cavity. As shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, the cleat 290 may include a medial section having a post. The post medial section of the cleat is received by the C shaped cavity of the latch assembly 280. When tongue 288 is retracted, it can permit the cleat to enter the “C” shaped cavity, and the tongue 288 can then slide behind the cleat, thereby holding panel 220 to panel 222, for example.

FIG. 18 illustrates panel 212 in an open position. FIG. 19 illustrates panel 210 in an open position. FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 illustrate the latch components of panel 210 with the panel fixed in an open position.

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 watercraft comprising:

a deck, the deck having a front end, a back end, and a perimeter; and

a wall extending proximate a portion of the perimeter and defining a use portion of the deck, the wall comprising a first reconfigurable panel;

wherein the first reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position; and

wherein, when the first reconfigurable panel is in the second position, an area of the use portion of the deck is open.

2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the first position is a closed position and the second position is an open position.

3. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the reconfigurable panel is pivotable along the first end.

4. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the first end is coupled to a stationary panel.

5. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the first end is coupled to an end of the stationary panel and, in the second position, the second end is fixed to the stationary panel.

7. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the wall further comprises a second reconfigurable panel, wherein the second reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position.

8. The watercraft of claim 7, wherein the first reconfigurable panel runs parallel to the back end of the watercraft and the second reconfigurable panel runs parallel to a side of the watercraft.

9. The watercraft of claim 7, wherein the wall further comprises a stationary panel, and wherein, in the second position, the first reconfigurable panel folds against the second reconfigurable panel and the second reconfigurable panel folds against the stationary panel.

10. The watercraft of claim 7, wherein the first reconfigurable panel and the second reconfigurable panel are detachably coupled.

11. The watercraft of claim 9, wherein the first reconfigurable panel is coupled to a compartment.

12. The watercraft of claim 11, wherein the wall further comprises a stationary side panel, wherein the first reconfigurable panel folds against the compartment in the second position and the second reconfigurable panel folds against the stationary side panel in the second position.

13. The watercraft of claim 11, wherein the compartment is a fishing compartment.

14. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the area is a rear area of the deck.

15. The watercraft of claim 14, further comprising a bar in the rear area.

16. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the wall extends proximate all of the perimeter.

17. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the wall further comprises a stationary panel.

18. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the area is a front area of the deck.

19. A watercraft comprising:

a deck, the deck having a front end, a back end, and a perimeter; and

a wall extending proximate a portion of the perimeter and defining a use portion of the deck, the wall comprising a first reconfigurable panel, a second reconfigurable panel, and a stationary panel;

wherein the first reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position;

wherein the second reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position;

wherein the first end of the first reconfigurable panel is coupled to the second end of the second reconfigurable panel and the second end of the first reconfigurable panel is coupled to the stationary panel;

wherein, in the second position, the first panel folds against the second panel and the second panel folds against the stationary panel;

wherein, when at least one of the first reconfigurable panel and the second reconfigurable panel is in the second position, an area of the use portion of the deck is open.

20. A watercraft comprising:

a deck, the deck having a front end, a back end, and a perimeter; and

a wall extending proximate a portion of the perimeter and defining a use portion of the deck, the wall comprising a first reconfigurable panel, a second reconfigurable panel, and a stationary panel;

wherein the first reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position;

wherein the second reconfigurable panel has a first end and a second end and is movable between a fixed first position and a fixed second position;

wherein the first end of the first reconfigurable panel is detachably coupled to the second end of the second reconfigurable panel and the second end of the first reconfigurable panel is coupled to the stationary panel;

wherein, in the second position, the first panel is detached from the second panel, and the second panel folds against the stationary panel;

wherein, when at least one of the first reconfigurable panel and the second reconfigurable panel is in the second position, an area of the use portion of the deck is open.