Deployable Table with Configurable Cockpit Seating

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/650,002, filed May 21, 2024.

This invention relates to a deployable and stowable table for a sport boat and, more particularly, to boat cockpit configurations with a deployable and stowable table.

Many sport boats include tables that can be positioned within a sport boat for passenger use. In general, such tables are often difficult to use, require separate or inconvenient stowage or are not conducive to a cockpit configuration that adapts to the user's desires.

The present application describes a deployable table and reversible cockpit seat which can be positioned for user convenience. Generally speaking the sport boat hereof comprises an engine hatch proximate the stern of the sport boat and having an upper portion. Preferably the sport boat includes a deployable, elongated, generally planar table proximate the engine hatch and operable in two or more positions, including a first, stowed position proximate the upper portion of the engine hatch and a second, deployed position generally horizontally oriented forward of the upper portion of the engine hatch. Preferably the upper portion of the engine hatch includes a table engagement mechanisms that connects with the deployable table in the first and second positions.

Preferably, the sport boat includes a reversible cockpit seat that can be positioned proximate the engine hatch or spaced forward of the engine hatch. In some boat configurations, the reversible seat can be installed on the aft cockpit seating wall. In a preferred form the reversible seat can be collapsed with a back horizontally engaging a base or expanded with the back more vertical. In a preferred form the vertical back is pivotal with respect to the base allowing users to face forward or to the rear.

In one embodiment, the deployable table is positioned in a second, deployed position, and the reversible seat is expanded and positioned proximate the end of the deployable table in the second, deployed position with the table and seat describing a first configuration.

In another embodiment, the deployable table is in a second, deployed position and the reversible seat is collapsed and positioned proximate the engine hatch with the deployable table in the second, deployed position with the table and seat describing a second configuration.

In another embodiment the deployable table is in a first, stowed position and the reversible seat positioned proximate the engine hatch with the deployable table in the first, stowed position with the table and seat describing a third configuration.

The preferred embodiments are illustrated in, with alternative embodiments represented in. A first configuration of the table and seats in a first configuration is shown in. Turning first to, a sport boathaving a bowand sternis illustrated in plan form. A transomlocated at the stern represents the terminus of the rear of the hull of boat. Sometimes herein, a direction towards the bowis regarded as forward, while a direction towards the sternis regarded as rearward. The stern areaof the boatcontains generally an inboard engine hatch located at, and side regions,where ballast locations or stowage may be located. Transom seatingis also illustrated inintegral with or attached to the transom.

are views of the boatin a first configuration. In, hatch seats,are located in the transom regions,on either side of engine hatch. The transomregion need not include seats, but the configuration ofshows fixed transom seatsand pivotable hatch seats,that can be configured to face forward or rearward or to lay flat. A deployable tableis illustrated in the deployed position in, with a reversible cockpit seatconfigured in a deployed, reverse facing configuration.

is another view of the boatofin a first configuration, but from a perspective and portions of the boatcut-away to show in particular the stern area. As can be seen from, the deployable tableextends outwardly in a forward direction from the engine. Fixed, forward facing cockpit seats,are adjacent the deployed table. The reversible cockpit seatis shown in a rear facing orientation. The deployable tableincludes a hinged, articulating leaf, which is shown inin the deployed configuration. The reversible seatpreferably includes a base portionand a back portionwhich is connected to the baseby a hinge. In the first configuration of, a U-shaped area is presented around deployed tablewith the reversible seat facing to the rear in an expanded more vertical orientation.

are other views of the boatin a second configuration.is from a perspective and portions of the boatcut-away to show in particular the stern area, whileis a plan view of boat.is similar to, but illustrates an alternative configuration of the deployable tableand reversible seat. As can be seen from, the deployable tableextends outwardly in a forward direction from the engine, but inthe leafis stowed. That is, the leafis hinged to overlay (or alternatively underlay) the main portion of the table. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seatis shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the backis folded onto the baseand the seatslid rearward underneath the tableproximate engine hatch. In some boat configurations, the reversible seat can be installed on the aft cockpit seating wall. It can be appreciated that in the configuration ofmore area is allowed in the cockpit of the boatfor user movement, while still allowing some utility of the table. In the preferable form of, the top of stowed seatis flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.

is another view of the boatof, but from a plan view to show in particular the entire boat.is similar to, but illustrates an alternative configuration of the deployable tableand reversible seatfrom. That isshow the cockpit table and seating in a first configuration, whileshow the cockpit table and seating in a second configuration. As can be seen from, the deployable tableextends outwardly in a forward direction from engine hatch, but inthe leafis stowed. That is, the leafis hinged to overlay (or alternatively underlay) the main portion of the table. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seatis shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the backis folded onto the baseand the seatslid rearward underneath the table. It can be appreciated that in the configuration ofmore area is allowed in the cockpit of the boatfor movement, while still allowing some utility of the table. In the preferable form of, the top of stowed seatis flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.

are other views of the boatin a third configuration withfrom a perspective and portions of boatcut-away view to show in particular the stern area. As can be seen from, the deployable tableis retracted in a rearward direction over the engine hatch. However, leafis deployed and fixed, forward facing cockpit seats,are adjacent the deployed leaf. The reversible cockpit seatis shown in a stowed, collapsed position. The reversible cockpit seatpreferably includes back portionwhich is connected to the baseby a hinge with the back in the folded position.

is a plan view of the third configuration and should be seen in conjunction with. Inthe deployable tableis retracted in a rearward direction over the engine hatch. However, leafis deployed and fixed, forward facing cockpit seats,are adjacent the deployed leaf. That is, the leafis hinged to overlay (or alternatively underlay) the main portion of the table. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seatis shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the backis folded onto the baseand the seatslid rearward underneath the tableto be proximate the engine compartment. It can be appreciated that in configuration three ofmore area is allowed in the cockpit of the boatfor movement, while still allowing some utility of the table. In the preferable form of, the top of stowed seatis flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.

are other views of the boatin a fourth configuration withfrom a perspective view and portions of boatcut-away view to show in particular the stern area. As can be seen from, the deployable tableis retracted in a rearward direction over the engine. Leafis stowed and withdrawn between fixed, forward facing cockpit seats,. However, a portion of leafis accessible from fixed, forward facing cockpit seats,. The reversible cockpit seatis shown in a stowed position. The reversible cockpit seatpreferably includes back portionwhich is connected to the baseby a hinge with the back in the folded, collapsed position. The reversible seatcan be expanded with the backmore vertical relative to base, see e.g..

is a plan view of the fourth configuration and should be seen in conjunction with. Inthe deployable tableis retracted in a rearward direction over the engine hatch. The leafis similarly stowed over the primary surface of table. That is, the leafis hinged to overlay (or alternatively could underlay) the main portion of the table. Additionally, the reversible cockpit seatis shown in a stowed position. That is, in the stowed position the backis folded onto the baseand the seatslid rearward underneath the tableto be proximate the engine hatch. It can be appreciated that in configuration four ofmore area is allowed in the cockpit of the boatfor movement, while still allowing some utility of the table. In the preferable form of, the top of stowed seatis flush with or nearly flush with the bases of the surrounding cockpit seats.

show more detail of the preferred embodiments of. In, the engine hatchis broadly illustrated with the deployable tableshown in a stowed position with the leafstowed. Port and starboard tracks,are provided for guiding the tablebetween the deployed and stowed positions. In, the table is in the stowed position of. Starboard trackis elongated with a forward indentand a rear indent.

The tableincludes forward pins and trailing carriage for engaging in the track.shows the starboard trackwith the forward starboard pinsettled into the starboard rear indent. The starboard trailing carriage is shown atengaging the track. As can be seen in, the trailing carriageis hinged with respect to the tableto allow pivot of the table around carriage.

show the operation of the tablebetween the stowed position ofand the deployed position of. To deploy tablefrom the stowed position ofthe user grasps the front edge of the tablelifting starboard pinout of the rear indent. The user then pulls the table in the forward direction with the pinand carriageengaging track. Carriageis sized and configured to ride over the rear indentas the table moves from the stowed position ofto the deployed position of. In the deployed position ofthe pinhas fallen into the forward indent. Movement from the deployed position ofto the stowed position ofis similar from a user motion point of action. The user grasps the forward edge of the tableinand lifts the pinout of indent. The table can now slidingly engage trackrearward to the stowed position of.

Preferably, the tracks,are angled upwardly such that in the stowed position the users do not have to step as high when walking over the engine hatchtowards the rear of the boat. See. With the tabledeployed, the users enjoy more leg room from additional clearance.

show an alternative embodiment of a deployable tableengaging proximate an engine hatch. In, the table is shown in a stowed position with starboard and port pins,and starboard and port carriages,. In, the tableis in the deployed position where the pins,and carriages,have traveled upwardly along tracks,and the tablepivoted downwardly towards boat.shows the carriages,abutting structure in the engine hatch as atto prevent further downward pivoting. However, alternative stop structures could be used.

show another alternative embodiment of a deployable tablewithshowing a stowed position anda deployed position. Ina tableis stowed above the engine hatch and rotated into a deployed position as in. In, starboard and port pivot pins (port pin shown at) engage the engine hatch. Inthe tablehas been rotated by the user upwardly and forward around pins as at. A stop atprevents further rotation.

show another alternative embodiment of a deployable table. In this embodiment, the surfaces are upholstered and are part of the seat back for cockpit seats proximate the engine hatch.shows the tablein the stowed position, whileshows the tablein the deployed position. The upper portion of the tableis hinged to connect to the engine hatch. The user rotates the tableto the deployed position ofwith a locking mechanism underneath and adjacent to the hinges (not shown).

show another alternative embodiment of a deployable table. In this embodiment, the surfaces are upholstered and are part of the seat back for cockpit seats proximate the engine. The tableincludes a center sectionand starboard and port rests,.shows the tablewith the center sectionin a deployed position.shows the tablewith the rests,in the deployed position and the center sectionin a stowed position. The sectionand rests,are hinged towards their upper ends as shown for pivoting between the deployed and stowed positions.

show another alternative embodiment of a deployable table. In this embodiment, the surfaces are upholstered and are part of the seat back for cockpit seats proximate the engine. The deployable tablehas a center sectionand starboard and port rests,adjacent the center section.shows the tablewith the center sectionand rests,in the in a stowed position. The sectionand rests,are hinged towards their upper ends as shown for pivoting between the deployed and stowed positions.shows the tablewith the center sectionand rests,in the in a deployed position.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this invention is believed to provide deployable tables and cockpit seating configurations of various types. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.