Seat And Foot Support Patents (Class 114/363)
  • Publication number: 20130025527
    Abstract: A pontoon boat including a plurality of pontoons and a deck secured to the pontoons. A wall assembly is anchored to and extends upwardly from the deck to provide an interior space of the deck for accommodating passengers. The pontoon boat includes a substantially enclosed storage space defined at least in part by a portion of the deck and a portion of the wall assembly. The wall assembly has a bottom edge that is spaced off of the deck to provide a first air access opening into the storage space from beneath the wall. At least one vent is provided in the wall portion at a location spaced above the bottom edge and in open communication with the storage space. The vent enhances air flow and venting of the storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Cooney
  • Patent number: 8307773
    Abstract: A suspension system for passenger modules used with high-speed boats, the suspension system including a shock absorbing assembly, for supporting the passenger module relative to the vessel. The passenger module is attached to the vessel via an assembly of pivoting spars. The spars may be configured such that the passenger module moves from an upper at-rest no-load position towards a bottom loaded position, the passenger module tilts. The amount of such tilt may be adjustable. The suspension system may have include means for resisting relative lateral movement (e.g. a panhard rod or a Watts linkage) and an anti-sway device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8307774
    Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member and a positioning structure. The foot-rudder control member pivotally coupled to the base. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member is supported on the foot-rudder control member. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The positioning structure is operatively coupled between the base and the foot-rudder control member. The positioning structure includes a contact member and a setting member. The contact member is movably provided to one of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The contact member is biased into contact with the other of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The setting member is adjustably arranged to change an urging force on the contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Keiji Matsueda
  • Publication number: 20120234226
    Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, an attachment structure, a limit structure and an adjustment structure. The attachment structure is coupled to the base, and configured and arranged to support a cleat. The limit structure limits a movement of the cleat to a first movement range in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal boat direction. The adjustment structure is provided at a location such that the adjustment structure adjusts the first movement range to a second movement range that is smaller than the first movement range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Machida Muneyasu
  • Patent number: 8261684
    Abstract: A watercraft cockpit includes a floor, sidewalls and forward and rearward bulkheads. A frame assembly having four corners supports the cockpit and includes an upper frame and a lower frame that are rotatably connected to one another. A pair of shock-absorbing members is provided at each of the four corners of the frame so that the entire cockpit is isolated from shocks. By cushioning the entire cockpit as a whole, the need for individual shock-absorbing seats is obviated. The walls of the cockpit are spaced apart from the sidewalls of the watercraft and are interconnected to the sidewall of the watercraft by a flexible member so that the sidewalls of the watercraft move up and down in response to shocks independently of the walls of the cockpit. Each shock-absorbing member preferably includes an airbag and a dashpot but other shock-absorbing members are within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Todd C. Werner
  • Patent number: 8261683
    Abstract: An interchangeable seat system for a water vehicle includes a front seat member, a common base member, at least two rear seat members, and at least two hand grips. One of the at least two rear seat members and one of the at least two hand grips are configured such that a combination of the front seat member, the common base member, the one of the at least two rear seat member and the one of the at least two hand grips provides a two-person seat configuration for the water vehicle, and another one of the at least two rear seat members and another one of the at least two hand grips are configured such that a combination of the front seat member, the common base member, the another one of the at least two rear seat member and the another one of the at least two hand grips provides a three-person seat configuration for the water vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America
    Inventors: Michael Knoblett, Otsuka Kenichi
  • Publication number: 20120205951
    Abstract: A lounger includes at least a weatherproof base frame, a weatherproof lounger frame with at least two movably mounted lounger frame elements, and at least one weatherproof drive unit for supplying at least one drive device with electric energy. The drive unit preferably includes a combination of an accumulator, a solar cell, and a grid connection, and contributes in connection with a weatherproof design of the frames to portable and grid-power-independent lounger with an automatic adjusting functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Johanna Strolka-Echols
  • Publication number: 20120192776
    Abstract: The boat comprises a rigid shell, and is characterised in that the rigid shell is formed by several sections of shell (1) that are attachable to one another. These sections of shell (1) may preferably be attached to one another by means of coupling profiles (2) which present a transversal profile in the shape of an H; the ends of the two adjacent sections of shell (1) being fitted in the slots which are defined by the H shape, and the boat also comprises closing elements (3), located on the ends of said boat. It allows the transportation of a boat with a rigid shell that has been disassembled, thereby occupying a reduced space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Luis CARRILLO LOSTAO
  • Publication number: 20120180715
    Abstract: A sectional shape of a seat provided on a personal watercraft includes first to third seat portions, first to third hip support portions, and first and second rearward inclined portions. The first hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second seat portion from the first seat portion. The second hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the third seat portion and higher than the first hip support portion from the second seat portion. The third hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second hip support portion from the third seat portion. The second rearward inclined portion is inclined at an inclination angle larger than an inclination angle of the first rearward inclined portion with respect to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichi OTSUKA, Yoshiyuki KANEKO
  • Patent number: 8196541
    Abstract: A personal support system for persons in the cockpit of a nautical vessel is disclosed. The system includes a personal support device that releasably engages a nautical winch located near the cockpit to provide support or securing for the back or other parts of the body of a person seated, standing, or otherwise located in the cockpit. The system also includes a winch-substitute device that attaches to the vessel and releasably engages the personal support device, allowing use of the personal support device in locations in the cockpit that are not near a winch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Martin Buxton
  • Publication number: 20120132128
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a multi-functional bench system for an inflatable boat having a bottom wall, spaced apart first and second tubular side walls, and an outboard motor. The bench system includes a first seating unit, a second seating unit, and an adjustable bracing assembly. The first seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the first tubular side wall. The first seating unit includes a first leg assembly hingedly connected to a first handle assembly. The second seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the second tubular side wall. The second seating unit includes a second leg assembly hingedly connected to a second handle assembly. The adjustable bracing assembly is positioned about the bottom wall of the inflatable boat and securely interconnects the first and second leg assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Tin Mac Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8156885
    Abstract: A emergency capsized boat seating apparatus includes a boat that has a hull with a bottom side. A plurality of chair assemblies is provided and each is embedded into the bottom side. Each of the chair assemblies is positionable in a stored position is approximately flush with the bottom side or in a deployed position extending outwardly away from the bottom side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Vannessa A. Beach
  • Publication number: 20120079979
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preventing entry of liquids into a cavity of a vehicle or similar object can include a body configured for insertion into the cavity and a flap extending from the body for engaging an edge of the cavity. Engagement between the flap and cavity can form a seal that reduces or prevents the passage of liquid, while engagement of the body within the cavity can prevent movement of the apparatus in a manner that would permit disengagement of the flap, and can optionally form an additional seal. The apparatus and methods thereby function as lightweight, inexpensive alternatives to covers for the entire vehicle that can be readily installed and removed between uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Pinera, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120073488
    Abstract: A mainframe for a float structure is described. The mainframe is detachably connectable to the dorsal surface of the float structure inflatables and comprises: a plurality of segmented and connectable cross-structure support members transversely attached to a plurality of segmented and connected longitudinal connector members via a connector member. Each of the longitudinal members and crossmembers may be made up of a plurality of detachable sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: James E. Temple
  • Patent number: 8113136
    Abstract: A watercraft has a deck connected to a hull, the deck having a wall, and a reboarding platform connected to at least one of the hull and the deck. The watercraft has a convertible seat assembly wherein a first panel is connected to the wall, and a second panel is movably connected to at least one of the wall, the reboarding platform and the first panel. The convertible seat assembly has a first configuration wherein the second panel is disposed on a reboarding platform side of the wall, and a second configuration wherein the first panel forms a generally vertical seat back and the second panel forms a generally horizontal seat bottom. A convertible seat assembly for a watercraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventors: Jacques Mayrand, Luc Quirin, Alexandre Curthelet, Steve Tetreault
  • Patent number: 8113137
    Abstract: A movable seat and backrest are coupled by a pivoted link system, allowing the seat to pivot from a raised stowed position to a lowered use position. A connecting link is coupled to one of the pivoted seat links, such that, as the seat is lowered, the connecting link raises the backrest. When the seat is raised to a stowed position, the connecting link lowers the backrest to a lowered position. When mounted in a vessel, the backrest forms part of the bolster system when the seat is stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: S2 Yachts Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce F. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120017821
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include convertible seats for watercraft, and more particularly to seat systems configured to provide both standard and elevated (also known as casting or sighting) seat options for recreational watercraft, such as kayaks and the like. In various embodiments, a recreational watercraft such as a kayak may include both a standard seat in the cockpit, and an elevated seat comprising a molded-in seat platform formed in the hull and/or deck of the watercraft. In various embodiments, the standard seat may be configured to be stowed at least partially under the elevated seat when the standard seat is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: CONFLUENCE HOLDINGS CORP.
    Inventor: Robert McDonough
  • Publication number: 20110315065
    Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member, a first pivot structure and a second pivot structure. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The first pivot structure pivotally supports the foot-rudder control member on the base. The first pivot structure defines a first pivot axis of pivotal movement between the foot-rudder control member and the base. The second pivot structure pivotally supports the footrest member on the foot-rudder control member to change a shoe inclination of the footrest member with respect to the foot-rudder control member. The second pivot structure defines a second pivot axis of pivotal movement between the footrest member and the foot-rudder control member. The second pivot axis is not parallel to the first pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Atsushi SAKAUE
  • Publication number: 20110315066
    Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, a foot-rudder control member, a footrest member and a positioning structure. The foot-rudder control member pivotally coupled to the base. The foot-rudder control member includes a rudder control attachment. The footrest member is supported on the foot-rudder control member. The footrest member includes a shoe attachment. The positioning structure is operatively coupled between the base and the foot-rudder control member. The positioning structure includes a contact member and a setting member. The contact member is movably provided to one of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The contact member is biased into contact with the other of the base and the foot-rudder control member. The setting member is adjustably arranged to change an urging force on the contact member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Keiji MATSUEDA
  • Patent number: 8056494
    Abstract: The disclosure depicts and describes flotation device including a deck, and a chaira seat on the deck. A well extends downwardly from the deck, and a ledge extends upwardly from the deck. The deck has an aperture positioned adjacent the ledge; additionally, the invention includes a motor having a power head and tiller positioned above the deck, a shaft passing through the aperture, and a propeller adjacent the terminal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tube Scooter, LLC
    Inventor: Jack E Shalley
  • Patent number: 8056497
    Abstract: A boat coverable by a flexible cover has a hull, a deck, and a tower movably connected to the deck. The tower has a central structure. The tower is movable between a first position and a second position. The deck is coverable by the flexible cover when the tower is in the second position such that the flexible cover is associated with at least a portion of the central structure. The portion of the central structure is movable to a third position vertically intermediate positions of the central structure in the first and second positions of the tower to tension the cover. A boat having a flexible cover connected to the central structure of the tower and a method of a method of installing a flexible cover on a boat are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Rondeau, Claude Gagnon, Sam Spade, Joey Larouche, Vincent Tognon, Daniel Mercier
  • Patent number: 8051794
    Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly includes a footrest member coupled to a boat structure and a shoe retaining mechanism supported to the footrest member. The shoe retaining mechanism includes a permanent magnet mechanism operable between a shoe retaining mode and a shoe releasing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keiji Matsueda, Yasushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8028641
    Abstract: A convertible bench seat/platform that is pivotally connected to the deck of a pontoon boat and is movable between an inboard position adjacent to the boat side rail for use as a bench seat and an outboard position for use as a platform for fishing, sitting, diving and swimming or for search and rescue operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Sly
  • Patent number: 8015936
    Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a stationary boat mounting, a shoe support and a lateral adjustment mechanism. The stationary boat mounting structure is arranged to be coupled to a rowing boat, the stationary boat mounting structure. The first shoe support unit stationary boat mounting structure is arranged to be coupled to a rowing boat. The shoe support includes an attachment member adjustably coupled to the stationary boat mounting structure, and a footrest member attached to the attachment member. The lateral adjustment mechanism is disposed between the stationary boat mounting structure and the shoe support to slidably mount the shoe support on the stationary boat mounting structure. The lateral adjustment mechanism is arranged to selectively secure the shoe support in at least two different lateral foot positions with respect to the stationary boat mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Sakaue, Keiji Matsueda
  • Publication number: 20110210597
    Abstract: A vehicular seat, a watercraft seat, a method for making the vehicular seat, and a method for making the watercraft seat that can achieve a favorable riding comfort, reduce the number of work processes involved, and reduce a manufacturing cost even by foaming a first cushion member of urethane on a second cushion member of a thermoplastic elastomer to make an integrated assembly of the first cushion member of urethane and the second cushion member. A vehicular seat includes a first cushion member formed of urethane and covered with a seat skin and a second cushion member formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and disposed between the first cushion member and a bottom plate. A covering sheet is disposed between the first cushion member and the second cushion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Tsutomu TAKEUCHI, Mitsue Koyano, Takeshi Ohara
  • Patent number: 7992676
    Abstract: A tuned acoustic attenuation device includes a housing defining a chamber within with air inlet and outlet channels opening into the chamber. An acoustic chamber or chambers are arranged on an exterior wall of or alternately within the housing and positioned to extend in a substantially lateral parallel relationship to the inlet or outlet channel and are configured as quarter wave tuners. The acoustic chambers may be realized within the housing by adapting housing stiffening support ribs of the housing. The acoustic attenuation characteristics of individual acoustic chambers cooperate to broaden the sound attenuation bandwidth or increase the attenuation at selected noise frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Desjardins, Keat Boon Mah
  • Patent number: 7992234
    Abstract: A seat assembly for sliding along opposing rims of a bathtub is disclosed. The seat assembly includes a seat member, a friction element affixed to the seat member so as to extend under the seat member, and a flexible slider affixed to the seat member so as to also extend under the seat member. The slider and friction element are positioned and configured so that in a first state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims without additional weight on the seat member, the slider holds the friction element up off a rim while facilitating sliding of the seat member along a rim. In a second state, if the seat member is positioned on the opposing rims with a human weighing over 50 pounds sitting on the seat member, the friction element can contact the rim and thereby impede sliding of the seat member along a rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bates, Jeffrey F. Tempas
  • Patent number: 7980192
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a chair mount assembly and related kit for retrofitting a bench-style boat seat or thwart. The inventive chair mount assembly kit includes (1) first and second rails; (2) first and second sliders having respective first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion of the first slider section includes a first rail connector and the first end portion of the second slider section includes a second rail connector, and wherein the first rail connector is matingly and slidably engagable to the first rail and the second rail connector is matingly and slidably engagable to the second rail; and (3) an interconnecting base plate adjustably connectable to the second end portions of the first and second sliders and movable together with the first and second sliders back and forth along the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: James Flynn
  • Publication number: 20110168077
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat and a pedestal connected to the seat. A height adjustment mechanism is positioned between the seat and the pedestal for selectively changing height of the seat relative to the pedestal. A footrest is mounted on the pedestal for sliding vertical movement thereon and for pivotal movement between a stored position and a foot-supporting use position. A floor slide is adapted to be connected to a support surface and configured to slidably and pivotally receive the pedestal so as to enable selective fore and aft movement and swivel movement of the seat relative to the floor slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bostrom, Wayne R. Block, Travis D. Knutson
  • Patent number: 7971549
    Abstract: A hydration system for kayak integration includes a deck port configured to allow fluid passage through a deck of a kayak. The system includes a reservoir having an internal sealable compartment configured to contain a liquid under pressure. The reservoir has a first port configured to receive pressurizing gasses into the compartment, a second port, and a third port through which the liquid can be supplied into the compartment. A transfer tube couples the reservoir to the deck port. The transfer tube has a first end configured to be coupled to the second port of the reservoir and a second end configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position within an interior space of the kayak. A pressurizer is configured to be coupled to the first port of the reservoir. The pressurizer is operable to supply the pressurizing gasses. A drinking tube has a first end with a valve and a second end. The second end is configured to be coupled to the deck port at a position exterior to the kayak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Skillern, James H. Sadler
  • Publication number: 20110146562
    Abstract: Boats including elevated walkways that are useful for increasing cabin height in a boat, such as a bow rider style boat, are described. Such elevated walkways are elevated relative to either a cockpit deck portion or a deck portion of a bow area and can be used to connect the bow area to the cockpit area. The cabin of a boat with an elevated walkway as described is located at least partially below the elevated walkway. The portion of the cabin below the elevated walkway has a ceiling area that is elevated relative to either the deck portion of the bow area or the cockpit area deck portion where the elevated walkway overlaps the cabin space. Elevated walkways as described herein are located on the boat such that they either overlap the central longitudinal axis of the boat or the end of the elevated walkway near the cockpit is located between port and starboard dash consoles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CHAPARRAL BOATS, INC.
    Inventors: William S. Pegg, Michael J. Fafard, Michael Anthony Werle
  • Publication number: 20110132252
    Abstract: Removable deck assemblies for boats, boats having removable deck assemblies, and permanently installed deck assemblies for boats are disclosed. A removable deck assembly includes a deck panel and a structure for removably attaching the deck panel in a bow of the boat. The structure supports the deck panel in a stable, substantially horizontal manner. The removable deck assembly can be adapted to be attached to various types of boats, including rigid inflatable boats, collapsible boats, inflatable boats, and rigid boats. The removable deck assembly can include additional features, for example, a deployable swim ladder, a pedestal seat support fitting, an outboard motor mount, a fishing pole holder, and/or an anchor line management fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Alex R. Kaye and Frances Kaye Trust
    Inventor: Alex R. Kaye
  • Patent number: 7938377
    Abstract: A seat slider assembly is disclosed. The slider seat includes a seat mount and a first slider guide extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the seat mount. A second slider guide extends from the surface of the seat mount at a position distally located from the perimeter of the seat mount. A slider plate to which a vehicle seat can be mounted includes a first channel for slidably engaging the first slider guide and a second channel for slidably engaging the second slider guide such that the slider plate is slidable between a first position and a second position relative to the seat mount. A locking lever is movably coupled to the slider plate and includes a locking structure to prevent the slider plate from moving relative to the seat mount. A control member operatively coupled to the locking lever to cause the locking lever to move toward an unlocked position wherein the locking structure allows the slider plate to move relative to the seat mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Draghici, Kevin Downey
  • Publication number: 20110100284
    Abstract: A foot-steered, split-construction watercraft adjustable to accommodate users of different heights and compactable into a transport configuration and having a reversible bow with different leading hull geometries for accommodating different water conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Eran Baru
  • Patent number: 7930988
    Abstract: A joint assembly for a boat seat is provided. In one example, the joint assembly includes a front panel having a T-shaped opening formed by a groove and a channel. An end panel is configured to couple to the front panel via a T-shaped member formed by a tongue joined to a neck. A T-shaped insert is configured to slidingly engage the groove and channel after the end panel has been inserted in order to lock the end panel in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Friend Success Inc.
    Inventor: Kate Chen
  • Publication number: 20110092113
    Abstract: A boat includes a hull, an inboard rotary engine, and a jet propulsion unit connected to the engine via a direct drive connection. The hull may be a stepped hull with one or more aft steps. A large, low, substantially flat aft fishing/swim deck is disposed above the engine and an exhaust system of the engine. The exhaust system may vent into the step of the stepped hull and include a check valve that discourages water from backflowing into the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Tracker Marine, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert F. MATAYA
  • Publication number: 20110088610
    Abstract: A stool for a paddleable watercraft having a support surface includes a base omnidirectionally pivotly supporting a saddle. An upper portion of the stool includes a post supporting a saddle for partially supporting a paddler in a sitting position. The base, supported by the support surface of the watercraft, includes a support assembly for the post including a bearing assembly and a flexible, resilient, cylindrical coupling omnidirectionally pivotly supporting the lower end of the post. The saddle includes a tubular member for connecting with the support assembly to place the upper portion in a stowed position wherein the post is substantially horizontal to the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce G. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110092114
    Abstract: A boat includes a hull, an inboard rotary engine, and a jet propulsion unit connected to the engine via a direct drive connection. The hull may be a stepped hull with one or more aft steps. A large, low, substantially flat aft fishing/swim deck is disposed above the engine and an exhaust system of the engine. The exhaust system may vent into the step of the stepped hull and include a check valve that discourages water from backflowing into the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Tracker Marine, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert F. MATAYA
  • Patent number: 7913637
    Abstract: A boat comprising an assembled modular seat formed from two individual, modular seating components. Each seating component includes a base and a seating frame secured thereto. The seating frame further includes a front wall, a back wall, and a connecting structure extending therebetween. The connecting structure forms a void or depression extending substantially entirely between the front wall and the back wall of the seating frame. Extending from the front wall to the back wall and across the depression formed by the connecting structure is a layer of tightly stretched, resiliently extensible fabric support material. The support material, which may be attached directly to the seating frame, can then be covered by cushioning material and/or a final covering, such as foam and/or vinyl, respectively, to form the final seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Roehm Marine, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Roehm, II, Clifford M. Roehm
  • Patent number: 7900575
    Abstract: A deployable seating platform preferably includes a base configured for attachment to a horizontal surface, such as the underside of a swimming platform on a boat. The base is coupled to a slide and pivot mechanism, which is coupled to a first end of an elongated member, with the second end of the elongated member coupled to a seat. The slide and pivot mechanism allows the elongated member to slide and pivot from a non-deployed position to a deployed position and allows the elongated member to slide and pivot from the deployed position to the non-deployed position. When in the non-deployed position, the deployable seating platform is out of the water and out of the way under the swimming platform. When in the deployed position, the seat of the deployable seating platform is in the water, providing a place for a person to sit in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: McKibben & Walbridge Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Wayne Walbridge, Thomas Fitzgerald McKibben
  • Publication number: 20110053440
    Abstract: An inlet grate for a water jet propulsion system to be used in a watercraft has a water passage having an inlet defined by a forward and a rearward area with respect to the watercraft. The inlet grate comprises a first end portion adapted to be connected to the forward area of the inlet and a second end portion adapted to be connected to the rearward area of the inlet as well as at least one elongated member extending from the first end portion toward the second end portion. The inlet grate also comprises at least one deflector having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end being adjacent to the first end portion of the inlet grate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: BRP US INC.
    Inventor: Patrice DUSABLON
  • Patent number: 7882795
    Abstract: An adjustable fisherman seat assembly includes an elongated base member and a seat section. A mechanism for linearly displacing the seat includes: a linear shaft; a pair of linear slots; a bore; first and second linear arms; a bracket; and first and second pairs of spring members. A mechanism for adjustably pivoting the seat includes: a bar; a support plate; a rod; a toothed wheel; an elbow lever; an actuating arm; and a pawl. A fishing rod holder is statically coupled to the adjustably pivoting mechanism. A mechanism for supporting user feet includes a platform and a support stand. Such a platform has a finger extending downwardly and a locking pin. A plurality of independently compressible spring members is nested within the seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Carl Snyder
  • Patent number: 7874885
    Abstract: A rowing boat foot support assembly is provided with a support member, a shoe attachment member and a release trigger mechanism. The support member is configured to be coupled to a rowing boat. The shoe attachment member is pivotally supported on the support member. The shoe attachment member includes a base portion and a movable fixing portion that is movably arranged with respect to the base portion between a shoe retaining position and a shoe releasing position. The release trigger mechanism is provided between the support member and the movable fixing portion to move the movable fixing portion from the shoe retaining position to the shoe releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Keiji Matsueda, Yasushi Nakamura, Takuji Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 7874257
    Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A first suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. A second suspension member, disposed rearwardly of the first suspension member, has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The first and second suspension members each have a fixed length. A suspension element is connected between any two of: the deck, the HSD assembly, and one of the suspension members. The HSD assembly is moveable relative to the deck between a first position and a second position that is upward and rearward of the first position. A watercraft suspension geometry is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Mathieu Duquette, Pascal Toupin
  • Publication number: 20100319604
    Abstract: A watercraft has a deck connected to a hull, the deck having a wall, and a reboarding platform connected to at least one of the hull and the deck. The watercraft has a convertible seat assembly wherein a first panel is connected to the wall, and a second panel is movably connected to at least one of the wall, the reboarding platform and the first panel. The convertible seat assembly has a first configuration wherein the second panel is disposed on a reboarding platform side of the wall, and a second configuration wherein the first panel forms a generally vertical seat back and the second panel forms a generally horizontal seat bottom. A convertible seat assembly for a watercraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: BRP US INC.
    Inventors: Jacques MAYRAND, Luc QUIRIN, Alexandre CURTHELET, Steve TETREAULT
  • Patent number: 7819483
    Abstract: A leaning post seat assembly includes a D-ring having a D-shape and a cross tube disposed in the D-ring for defining a rectangular boundary having long sides and short sides. Two side frames are removably attached at opposite ends of the D-ring and a crossbar is removably attached between the side frames. A seat cushion is pivotably attached to the crossbar and a soft-sided storage compartment is removably attached to the rectangular boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: William Kushner, Terry Fisher
  • Patent number: 7789035
    Abstract: A combination stabilizer and standing support for a kayak or canoe. A pontoon assembly is attachable to the deck of the kayak or canoe and provides a buoyant pontoon held laterally spaced from each side of the kayak or canoe for maintaining stability. A standing support also assembly attachable to the deck includes a body support elevated above the deck a distance sufficient to provide leaning support for a person standing in the kayak or canoe while fishing. A locking latch releasibly locks each pontoon arm in a pivotally downwardly deployed position placing the pontoons into water to stabilize the kayak or canoe from substantial rolling movement while a rope and pulley arrangement connected to each of the pontoon arms facilitates manually lifting of the pontoons above the water when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard H. Rosenberg, Harold J. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7789034
    Abstract: A suspension system for an airboat is disclosed. The suspension system may support a seating system on an airboat and may be configured to absorb forces from waves, running over dry ground, et cetera. The suspension system may include one or more dampers configured to absorb forces to smooth out the ride on the airboat. In at least one embodiment, the suspension system may include adjustable dampers that enable the amount of dampening to be adjusted to accommodate different loads, such as more or less people seated on the airboat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: David W. Simpson, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100216357
    Abstract: A watercraft having a main hull and at least one deployable outrigger pontoon moveable between a stored condition in which the at least one outrigger pontoon is located adjacent the main hull, and a use condition in which the at least one outrigger pontoon is located spaced from the main hull to increase at least one footprint dimension of the watercraft at the waterline, the at least one deployable outrigger pontoon moving at least partially outwardly and downwardly during deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: BRINGABOATALONG PTY LTD
    Inventors: Hilary Eric Hanslow, Elizabeth Margaret Hanslow
  • Publication number: 20100186658
    Abstract: A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a stationary boat mounting, a shoe support and a lateral adjustment mechanism. The stationary boat mounting structure is arranged to be coupled to a rowing boat, the stationary boat mounting structure. The first shoe support unit stationary boat mounting structure is arranged to be coupled to a rowing boat. The shoe support includes an attachment member adjustably coupled to the stationary boat mounting structure, and a footrest member attached to the attachment member. The lateral adjustment mechanism is disposed between the stationary boat mounting structure and the shoe support to slidably mount the shoe support on the stationary boat mounting structure. The lateral adjustment mechanism is arranged to selectively secure the shoe support in at least two different lateral foot positions with respect to the stationary boat mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi SAKAUE, Keiji MATSUEDA