Boats, Boat Component, Or Attachment Patents (Class 114/343)
  • Patent number: 6789494
    Abstract: A fold out seat assembly is attached to a support structure having a substantially vertical mounting surface. The seat assembly comprises two sections: a backrest that is fixedly attached to the mounting surface above the seat assembly, and a seat unit that is movable from a vertical stored position against the mounting surface to a horizontal seating position the major portions of which are detachable from the mounting surface when not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Grady-White Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Neese, Drexel K. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040154523
    Abstract: A platform structure surrounded by water is disclosed. The platform structure is put together with rigid hollow tubes passing through recesses and internal passages of inflated sacks floating on the water surface, to support a series of rigid slats under the water. The series of slats comprise a firm and flat underwater platform in the middle of two or more inflated sacks floating on the water surface. The apparatus is specially designed to be disassembled and carried compactly on the trunk of an automobile, with the sacks deflated and the series of slats rolled up. The rigid hollow tubes which join together the sacks and the slats can also be separated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Antonio M. Arias
  • Publication number: 20040154522
    Abstract: A finger pinch guard is used in connection with railings on a boat. Stanchions of adjacent railing segments are mounted close together on the boat gunwales. Each pair of adjacent railings forms a generally Y shaped profile in an arcuate transition area wherein fingers can jam. A mounting member having an axle is attached to the railing in this area. A curved member, typically including a generally spherical wheel, is attached to the mounting member axle, and is able to rotate on the axle. Thus, a finger introduced into this area with downward force will cause the wheel to rotate, thereby directing the finger to roll outward off the wheel and away from the railing. Another embodiment has a mounting member with a unitary, non-rotating curved member. The finger will slide off the curved member and away from the railing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6769375
    Abstract: A cleat that can be clamped onto a bow rail or spring rail of a boat, using a cylindrical C-clamp. The cleat has two horns that bend inward toward the bow rail at their ends. A middle section joins the clamp and the horns. In the preferred embodiment, the C-clamp has a fixed lower semi-cylindrical member and a pivoting upper semi-cylindrical member. The upper member can be raised to place the clamp around a rail, or to remove it from a rail. Flanges extend from the upper and lower members opposite the side at which the members are pivotally connected and attached to the middle section. Holes pass through the flanges, so that the flanges may be bolted together to secure the clamp on the rail. Rope can be wound around the cleat to keep the rope clean and out of the way when the rope is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Dean Caporella
  • Publication number: 20040144295
    Abstract: Watersport towers provide various features including legs that rotate relative to a cross-member of the tower that the legs are hingedly attached to such that the tower may adjust to various boat sizes and mounting locations, so that the tower may fold down in a first manner, and so that the tower is more compliant. Other features include leg attachment points of the cross-member that rotate to further allow the tower to adjust to various boat sizes and to allow the tower to fold down in an alternative manner. Other features include mounting bases that hingedly connect to the ends of the tower legs enabling the mounting bases to rotate relative to the legs such that the mounting bases can adapt to various boat mounting locations ranging from horizontal to vertical. Additionally, pads with recessed areas surrounding mounting holes may be utilized at the point of attachment to a boat to remove stress at the mounting holes of the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: William John Bierbower
  • Publication number: 20040144296
    Abstract: A platform unit (2) is seated on the tail (5) of a hull (1) of a boat and may be lowered by powered actuator means (8) down guides (7) on an incline (6) to descend into the water. This exposes steps (62) in the incline which function with steps (213) in the platform unit (2) to enable a swimmer to climb up out of the water onto the main boat deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Simon Houlder, Roger Tucker, Geoffrey Wyle, Gerard Bernard Wainwright
  • Publication number: 20040134406
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a 360° walkaround deck for a sportfishing boat, including a deck member for providing a standing and walking surface, a bridge member positioned interior of the deck member, and wherein the deck member extends around a complete perimeter of the bridge member and wherein the deck member is unobstructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Randy Towe
  • Patent number: 6758155
    Abstract: A boat fender deployment device having a motor for deploying a fender along side of a boat at a desired height for engaging a dock or other object by operation of a motor and for retracting the fender into a housing for storage when not in use. The housings may be attached to the boat or internally molded into the hull of the boat. The fender deployment is controlled by a switch for supplying power to drive a motor in the forward or reverse directions for deployment and positioning of fenders without the aid of crewmembers. A number of fenders attached to the boat, each individually controlled, provide the captain with a safe and reliable means for deploying and retracting fenders for the safe operation of a boat. The fenders deployed to the proper height protect a boat from damage when alongside a dock or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Watson C. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20040123789
    Abstract: The rescue boat has a hull with an upper deck area that includes bow and stern areas, port and starboard sides, a pilot house mounted upon the hull and extending above the upper deck area amidships. The pilot house has a deck, a front, a rear, side portions and a pilot house length measured from the front to the rear. A pair of rescue wells or recesses in the hull below the deck and inside of the hull port and starboard sides, each rescue well having a length. A majority of the length of each rescue well is in front of the rear of the pilot house. A propulsion system is provided for propelling the hull. The propulsion system preferably employs jet pumps that are positioned entirely above the keel of the hull. Stern buoyancy chambers are provided that add reserve buoyancy and add planing lift during acceleration to keep the nose down. These stern buoyancy chambers also provide standoff protection for the propulsion units when the vessel backs up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Textron Inc. (a Delaware, US, corporation)
    Inventors: Angelique M. Brignac, Kirk A. Magnusen, Mark W. Shirley, Charles S. Whipple
  • Publication number: 20040112270
    Abstract: A body of water is aerated by propelling in the body of water a water pumping arrangement including a sheath having a turning propeller that (a) sucks water from the body into the sheath interior via openings in the sheath, (b) forces the sucked water upwardly and (c) forces the upwardly forced water through another opening in the sheath below the surface of the body of the water. Water forced through the another opening (i) has speed greater than the speed of the water sucked into the sheath and (ii) causes air bubbles to be induced in the water above the another opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: John Blumenthal, Charles Gamber
  • Patent number: 6748895
    Abstract: A telescopic gangway (10) for boats (12) with a simplified construction, of the type comprising at least two portions (30, 50) telescopically foldable, in which a second portion (50) slides inside at least a first portion (30) of the gangway (10), in a longitudinal direction thereto, wherein said second portion (50) is equipped with a central supporting structure (52), which slides on another central supporting structure (32) of the first portion (30); these two central structures (30, 50) are equipped with reciprocal sliding guides (60) and longitudinal appendages (40) complementary to these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Besenzoni S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giovanni Besenzoni
  • Patent number: 6742916
    Abstract: A light assembly and mounting apparatus for attaching fiber optic cable to the sides of a boat or other water craft for safety and enjoyment purposes. The light assembly includes a housing having a light emitter disposed in the housing for emitting light into a fiber optic cable disposed in a bumper guard that is incorporated into a frame member for attachment to the side of the boat. The preferred fiber optic cable is the side-emitting type that will illuminate the fiber optic cable along the entire length of the cable. The frame has a pair of upwardly and inwardly extending side members that securely enclose the bumper guard. A pair of cable guards extend outwardly from the frame beyond the outer surface of the fiber optic cable to protect the cable from damage. A cooling mechanism can be included in the housing to cool the light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Charles B. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20040099199
    Abstract: A battery mounting structure for a small watercraft is constructed and arranged to improve turning performance of the craft and to provide waterproofing protection. A vessel body 11 includes a hull 14, constituting a lower portion of the vessel body, and a deck 15 for covering on top of the hull. An engine 20 is disposed in the vessel body 11, with a drive shaft 35 extending rearward from the engine 20 for driving a propeller 30, and a drive shaft supporting box 18 for supporting the drive shaft at the midsection thereof. The inventive mounting structure is substantially centrally located, so that the battery 53 can be disposed on the drive shaft supporting box 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Nakajima, Takayoshi Miura, Yusuke Funayose
  • Patent number: 6739280
    Abstract: The focus of the new inventions here is on safety from injury and the lessening of the current loss of life in the use and pleasure desired by the American Public from the small, motor powered, open planing hull, first introduced to the world by Ole Evinrude in 1908. Specifically, thought is introduced about people riding on the top deck of a boat rather than down in a boat. Mention is made of swing chair seating, and it's support of high safety rails, as well as the all-round good view the driver has because of having his seat and console mounted on the top deck. Furthermore, discussion is developed on the advantages and dependability of the inertia control swing pivot used under the chairs which are mounted on the frames of the swing chair system. Some mention is made of the expected nationwide use of the boat with swing chairs as ambulance and police boats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Rogenald J. Keller
  • Publication number: 20040089218
    Abstract: A pivotally mounted rack removably attached to the hull of a boat by suitable means and adapted to be rotated to various positions inside and outside the boat hull as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Ray Allen Cannon
  • Patent number: 6722305
    Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a hull and an engine. The hull defines an engine compartment and the engine is disposed within the engine compartment. A waterproof electrical component container is disposed in the engine compartment. The container can include two internal compartments, one being more water-tight than the other. The container can also include an aperture defined in one of the external surfaces of the container, through which an electrical component inside the container can be accessed when the aperture is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Mizushima
  • Patent number: 6715440
    Abstract: A collapsible changing room for a pontoon boat having a rear entry stern gate. The collapsible changing room is formed in part by the passenger seat positioned adjacent the rear entry stem gate. An L-shaped bracket is rigidly secured to the rear portion of the seat and is further hingedly secured to a vertical fence member spaced from the seat back. The seat and the L-shaped support can be rotated upwardly away from the boat deck to a position in which the seat bottom is generally perpendicular to the boat deck. When the seat is rotated to this position, a curtain frame hingedly connected to the seat can be rotated from a stored position within the seat base to an extended position substantially parallel to the boat deck. An opaque sheet or curtain depends from the curtain frame in a substantially vertical orientation to form an enclosed changing or privacy room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Harris Kayot, Inc.
    Inventors: Baron R. Biedenweg, David L. Putman
  • Patent number: 6701863
    Abstract: A watercraft has a collapsible privacy compartment that accommodates an adult when the compartment is opened. The privacy compartment includes a cover that is movably connected to the deck and a flexible curtain that is connected to the cover. When the privacy compartment is closed, the cover at least partially conceals the privacy compartment within the deck. When the privacy compartment is opened, the cover at least partially supports the deployed privacy compartment. The cover may simultaneously function as an engine cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: David Kalhok, Martin Aubé
  • Publication number: 20040031431
    Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventors: Martin Aube, David Kalhok, Alain Rheault, Rick Adamczyk
  • Publication number: 20040031430
    Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventors: Martin Aube, David Kalhok, Alain Rheault, Rick Adamczyk
  • Publication number: 20040016386
    Abstract: An earthmoving device is suspended from a floating body provided with a hull. To that end, suspension means for suspending the earthmoving device in a movable manner along the outside of the hull are provided, for the purpose of carrying out operations on the water bed. In this way the floating body can be refloated after running aground, or can be brought ashore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jacobus Maria Josef Hofland
  • Patent number: 6681712
    Abstract: A housing for mounting electronic equipment in a personal watercraft, the housing including a foam piece adapted to be disposed within the hull. The foam piece can have at least one battery cavity formed therein adapted to at least partially contain a battery. The foam piece can also have at least one engine electronics control box cavity adapted to at least partially contain an engine electronics control box. The foam preferably has holes formed entirely through the foam for securing straps around the electronics using hook and loop type fasteners. The foam can be a closed cell, floatation foam. A personal watercraft can be assembled by dropping the foam into a bottom hull, inserting pre-wired devices into mounting cavities in the foam, and securing the devices by wrapping the strap free ends upon themselves. The foam maintenance center can be secured to the watercraft using an expandable material inserted between the foam and the top deck, and allowing the material to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Andreae, John E. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040011271
    Abstract: A device for rotating with a rotatable first member includes a second member having a portion engageable with the first member. The portion has a first part and a second part which is resiliently biased away from the first part. The second member tightly engages the first member. There may be a device for measuring rotation of the shaft such as a potentiometer. The rotation measuring device may include an electrical connector for the potentiometer including a socket and a post which is pressable into the socket. The device may also include a rotationally adjustable connector. There may be a coupling connected to the second member which includes a third member with a portion having n sides and a fourth member with a portion having n sides which receives the portion of the third member in a mating relationship, thereby allowing the device to be adjusted to a total of at least m.n rotational positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jon David Edward Scott, Stephen Raymond Flood
  • Publication number: 20040011272
    Abstract: A collapsible changing room for a pontoon boat having a rear entry stem gate. The collapsible changing room is formed in part by the passenger seat positioned adjacent the rear entry stem gate. An L-shaped bracket is rigidly secured to the rear portion of the seat and is further hingedly secured to a vertical fence member spaced from the seat back. The seat and the L-shaped support can be rotated upwardly away from the boat deck to a position in which the seat bottom is generally perpendicular to the boat deck. When the seat is rotated to this position, a curtain frame hingedly connected to the seat can be rotated from a stored position within the seat base to an extended position substantially parallel to the boat deck. An opaque sheet or curtain depends from the curtain frame in a substantially vertical orientation to form an enclosed changing or privacy room. Generally, the curtain will include an opening having a closing mechanism such as a zipper to allow entry into the region partitioned by the curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Baron R. Biedenweg, David L. Putman
  • Patent number: 6672240
    Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventors: Martin Aubé, David Kalhok, Alain Rheault, Rick Adamczyk
  • Publication number: 20030230227
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for a pontoon boat, or the like, on which a boat user can come and go from the pontoon boat without having to get wet. A cylindrical float, rotatably attached to the free end of the ramp, keeps it and at least one user thereon afloat. Moreover, the float acts like a roller during docking, enabling one to move the ramp, in its extended position, up and onto the shore at most beaches. The ramp assembly comprises a support structure attached to the underside of the boat and a ramp including a platform which is slideably connected to the support structure by a shaft. Bearing blocks suspend the shaft and the platform, which is pivotally connected thereto, horizontally between a pair of rails. Riding on elongated bearing surface tracks mounted within the rails, the bearing blocks allow the platform to be easily extended outwardly from the support structure for use or, alternately, retracted into it for storage. The platform can be readily extended or retracted, as needed, manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: William C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20030226492
    Abstract: A gate like device is hinged to a bow pulpit of a sailboat and acts as a swinging bowsprit to which a spinnaker may be removably affixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: John Garrison Hoyt
  • Patent number: 6651579
    Abstract: Tunable sponsons for personal watercraft and personal watercraft having the tunable sponsons. The present invention provides personal watercraft having sponsons with an adjustable height relative to the water surface and the hull. One adjustable sponson has a horizontally, outwardly extending portion from the personal watercraft hull followed by a downwardly extending portion including a fin for penetrating below the water surface. The effective height of the sponson outwardly extending portion above the water can be reduced or lowered by adding a thickness of slab of material along the length under the sponson outwardly extending portion. One tunable sponson includes apertures mounted along the sponson underside for securing additional material. The effective height of the sponson horizontally extending portion above the water can be increased by removing a removable sponson extension previously secured to the sponson.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Dallas B. Wynne, Bradley R. Morisch
  • Patent number: 6647917
    Abstract: A gate like device is hinged to a bow pulpit of a sailboat and acts as a swinging bowsprit to which a spinnaker may be removably affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: John Garrison Hoyt
  • Publication number: 20030209183
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed that improves the visibility of a boat or other object at night.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Brian N. Tufte
  • Patent number: 6637363
    Abstract: An adjustable windshield brace for boat windshields has sufficient flexibility to permit utilization on the windshields of many boat manufacturers. The brace is formed of two linearly extending members, one of which is provided with a bell to receive the other member. The belled brace member is formed with internal threading to be engageable with corresponding threads on the other brace member. The threads are finely formed to permit a linear translational movement of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch for each revolution of the brace members. Each brace member is provided with a mounting flange pivotally mounted on the respective opposing ends of the brace members to provide an attitude adjustment of the mounting flanges. Length adjustment and orientation adjustment of one mounting flange relative to the other mounting flange is accomplished by rotating the threads interengaging the two brace members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald T. Schmitt, Albert H. Bender, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6626124
    Abstract: To provide an article storage structure for a small boat having a reduced number of components and being able to be assembled without much time and effort. The article storage structure for a small boat is constructed in such a manner that a storing box body is supported so as to be capable of being opened and closed in the vertical direction by swinging a lid by a front hinge. The front hinge includes a bearing bracket mounted on the lid. A round hole is formed on the bearing bracket. A notch is provided continuing into the round hole. A bifacial shaft has an outer diameter corresponding to the round hole and is formed with two faces each having a width corresponding to the width of the slit by notching. A leg portion is provided for fixing the bifacial shaft to the hull. A retaining member is provided for preventing the notch and the bifacial shaft from establishing an angular relation in which they can be attached and detached with each other when the notch is rotated about the bifacial shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Nakajima, Tadaaki Nagata
  • Patent number: 6612348
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system for a marine vessel or a road vehicle is provided which comprises a flexible bladder for housing a liquid, a portable pump, a protective housing for the pump, a pump switch and conduits for connecting the bladder, the pump and a container for liquid or the vessel or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Wiley
  • Publication number: 20030131778
    Abstract: In a device for holding the log transmitter of boat speedometers, comprising a sleeve body arranged fixed in a perforation in the hull of the boat and having an oblong center opening, into which the log transmitter provided with a fan wheel or the like as the pulse element can be inserted and held in a detachable and watertight manner, the sleeve body (4) is provided in a watertight manner on the end facing away from the water with a head part (9) for preventing water to enter the interior of the boat. The head part has a coaxial center opening (10) connected with the oblong center opening (11) of the sleeve body (4) and having the same shape and cross sectional size as the oblong opening. The oblong and the center openings (11; 10) jointly receive the log transmitter (12) in a watertight manner, and the oblong opening (11) and the center opening (10) can be blocked and released by a blocking element (21) depending on the position of the log transmitter (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Hans Joachim Bamert
  • Patent number: 6581538
    Abstract: An integrated safety accessory arrangement and components for users of personal watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and catamarans. The arrangement is comprised of safety related components providing the following integrated features: alternate personal hydration for paddlers accommodating common beverage containers as well as compartments for contemporary sports reservoirs with hull and hatch cover ports to route and seal the attached drinking tubes for use underway; and mounting and storage for navigation and communication devices such as marine compasses, GPS, VHF and FRS radios, cell phones, and the like. All are accessible while underway; and one-handed kayak skirt-on use of common portable manual pump with in-hull pump storage holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: John D. ‘Jack’ Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6574911
    Abstract: A tackle management system and organizer that fits within inboard storage locations of a boat. The system includes two tracks and a plurality clips that define compartments for tackle or utility boxes. The clips and tracks are adapted to securely store a variety of sized tackle boxes. The system may be used in original equipment installations or as a retrofit installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Genmar IP LLC
    Inventors: Rick Hurst, Mark Zwicker
  • Patent number: 6575798
    Abstract: A device (1) for attaching a flexible linear element to an inflatable tube of an inflatable craft comprising a stud (2) in the shape of a spherical cap with a discoidal mounting base (3) and with a through passage (4) with a cylindrical central channel (5) extended on both sides by two flattened slots (6), this passage (4) emerging in a cavity (7) formed in the stud (2); the end of the flexible linear element (18,29) is made fast to a locking peg (19) that engages with a wedge action in the central channel (5); the locking peg (19) comprises a shank (20) made up of two axial parts (21,22) capable of gripping the end of the flexible linear element and an enlarged head (26) integral with an axial part (21,22) and capable of engaging in the cavity (7) to form a fastening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Zodiac International
    Inventor: Didier Maurel
  • Patent number: 6568342
    Abstract: A sliding elevated pilot deck section (“SEPDS”), including a main deck segment with an upper portion and a lower portion and an engine compartment chamber generally in the middle of the upper portion of the main deck segment, a moving rear pilot deck assembly (“RPDA”), and means for moving the RPDA along the main deck section toward and away from the transom of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Mielke, Scott Wood
  • Publication number: 20030089294
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and accessing personal floatation devices and/or other articles, wherein the device permits the elevated storage of personal floatation devices and/or other articles aboard an aquatic vessel, thus reducing deck clutter and/or untidiness, and preserving structural and functional integrity of the personal floatation devices via their removal from long-term subjection to undesirably moist, oily and/or dirty deck surface areas and/or corners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Scott M. Biemiller
  • Patent number: 6561117
    Abstract: Disclosed is an accessory mounting track for watercraft that allows a user to quickly and easily install, reposition and remove various marine and fishing accessories such as rod holders, downriggers, lantern holders, cup holders, sonar units and the like to the gunwale or transom of a boat without having to drill holes for each accessory. The accessory mounting track for watercraft comprises an elongate track member with various channels, recesses and flanges for slideably engaging with slide mounts and a track mounting assembly that secures the track member to the boat surface using a sandwich-style clamping method. Slide mounts are brackets to which the accessories are mounted. The slide mount with its respective accessory is then placed end-to-end with said track member to align the various flanges with their mating grooves and recesses and slideably engaged therewith and is free to travel along the entire length of the track although vertical travel is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Curtis Kell
  • Patent number: 6550414
    Abstract: A universal boat accessory rack that provides a lighted hitch, a first support, a second support, a cross-bar connecting the first support to the second support, and a plurality of fasteners, which connect the first support and second support to a boat hull. More specifically, the lighted hitch may be attached to one of the supports, and the first support, the second support and the cross-bar are all adjustable in length. Therefore, the boat accessory rack has a light located at the highest point on the boat accessory rack and an adjustable height, width and depth. In addition, the fasteners are capable of being attached in a vertical, horizontal or angular position with respect to the boat hull. In this manner, a boat owner may quickly and easily install the boat accessory rack on boats embodying a number of different sizes and designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Marine Accessories Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Correll, Darryl Todd Box
  • Publication number: 20030066474
    Abstract: To provide an article storage structure for a small boat having a reduced number of components and being able to be assembled without much time and effort. The article storage structure for a small boat is constructed in such a manner that a storing box body is supported so as to be capable of being opened and closed in the vertical direction by swinging a lid by a front hinge. The front hinge includes a bearing bracket mounted on the lid. A round hole is formed on the bearing bracket. A notch is provided continuing into the round hole. A bifacial shaft has an outer diameter corresponding to the round hole and is formed with two faces each having a width corresponding to the width of the slit by notching. A leg portion is provided for fixing the bifacial shaft to the hull. A retaining member is provided for preventing the notch and the bifacial shaft from establishing an angular relation in which they can be attached and detached with each other when the notch is rotated about the bifacial shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Jun Nakajima, Tadaaki Nagata
  • Publication number: 20030066473
    Abstract: To provide an article storage structure for a small boat in which the forward visibility of the small boat can be increased substantially and the center of gravity of the small boat can be lowered. The article storage structure for a small boat includes a steering handle for a hull disposed thereon. A display panel is disposed forwardly of the steering handle. An article storage box is provided forwardly of the display panel. A lid is provided for covering the upper surface opening of the article storage box. A hinge is provided at the front end of the lid. A latch is provided at the rear end for locking the lid. The article storage structure for a small boat includes a downwardly recessed mounting bracket provided forwardly of the display panel and rearwardly of the article storage box. An engaging member is provided on the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Tadaaki Nagata, Jun Nakajima, Koji Mizuta, Hirotsugu Ueno
  • Patent number: 6539886
    Abstract: A tow-line-attachment assembly for mounting atop a towing structure on a boat includes a tow-line-attachment portion to which a tow line can be connected for towing a water sports performer, and a light portion, disposed above the tow-line-attachment portion, for emitting light. Preferably, the tow-line-attachment assembly also includes a neck portion for connecting the assembly to the towing structure, and the tow-line-attachment portion is a spool-shaped sleeve that is rotatably mounted about the neck portion. Also disclosed is a boat tower including such a tow-line-attachment assembly, and a boat provided with a tower having such an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Henry, Darren S. Sheedy
  • Patent number: 6532888
    Abstract: Featured is a fuel spill containment device that collects fuel being spilled from the vent of a fuel tank. The fuel spill containment device includes a first member having a through aperture, a flexible container being attached to the first member so an interior volume of the container is in fluid communication with the through aperture and an adhesive layer. The first member through aperture also is configured and arranged so as to be larger than a structure of the vent as it passes through a surface of a tank support structure. The adhesive layer is applied to a portion of a surface of the first member at an angle to an axis of the through aperture. This portion is set so the first member is removably secured to the tank support structure surface. Also featured is a fuel spill containment device for use in containing spills s from the vent of a motorized water vessel and methods related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mark J. Enik
  • Publication number: 20030040233
    Abstract: A paddle support having a storage device assists in rowing a vessel. The paddle is retained in the upper portion of a support that has a base section that may be connected to the storage device or a support strap. The storage device may rest directly on the floor of the vessel, or may be suspended over the opening of a vessel by a support strap. The storage device may be a backpack, bag, box or insulated cooler. The use of the support strap allows the storage device and support to be used with a watertight skirt or covering stretched over the opening of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: David E. Oathout
  • Patent number: 6508192
    Abstract: A marine instrument includes a housing, a processor for processing an input signal comprising vessel navigation information, a substantially water resistant display connected to the processor, the display having at least one control switch extending outwardly from the display, a removable face plate having a window, a front surface, and a back surface, the removable face plate having at least one substantially flexible raised portion along the front surface forming a complementary concavity along the back surface, the face plate positioned on the display so that the concavity matingly receives therein the control switch, and so that the display is visible through the window, and a bezel connected to the housing so as to hold the removable face plate in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Norcross Marine Products
    Inventor: Gregory E. Lentine
  • Publication number: 20020178991
    Abstract: An articulated arm attachment for use in handling a boat windshield. The attachment includes an elongated vertical member including a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the vertical member is adapted for connection to the articulated arm. The attachment also includes a windshield holding assembly having a suction device for holding the windshield via vacuum pressure. The suction device is connected to a mounting structure that is positioned adjacent to the bottom end of the vertical member. The mounting structure is pivotally moveable relative to the vertical member about a horizontal axis. The attachment further includes a catch member connected to the mounting structure for catching the windshield if the windshield accidentally disengages from the suction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin John Kapsner, Gregory Herman Rohr
  • Publication number: 20020174821
    Abstract: A boat having a sunken seating area in the bow of the boat. This seating area is hidden by a panel. The panel is movable to expose and allow access to the bow seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Galen Fecht
  • Publication number: 20020166493
    Abstract: An integrated safety accessory arrangement and components for users of personal watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and catamarans. The arrangement is comprised of safety related components providing the following integrated features: alternate personal hydration for paddlers accommodating common beverage containers as well as compartments for contemporary sports reservoirs with hull and hatch cover ports to route and seal the attached drinking tubes for use underway, and mounting and storage for navigation and communication devices such as marine compasses, GPS, VHF and FRS radios, cell phones, and the like. All are accessible while underway; and one-handed kayak skirt-on use of common portable manual pump with in-hull pump storage holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: John D. ?apos;Jack?apos; Sorensen