REMOVABLE BOW SEATING SYSTEM FOR PONTOON BOATS

Description

BACKGROUND

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to boat seating arrangements, and more specifically to a removable seating platform that allows passengers to sit at or slightly above the water level at the bow of a pontoon or similar boat.

Description of Related Art

Pontoon boats and similar watercraft are popular for recreational activities on the water. Passengers typically sit on bench seats or lounge seats on the deck of the boat. However, this seating arrangement does not allow passengers to be near the water level and interact closely with those who may be swimming or floating in the water, unless the passengers also enter the water.

Some existing seating systems for boats aim to provide more flexibility and options for passengers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,487,273 discloses a relocatable seat and removable seating arrangement, where support members can be removed and stored when not in use. U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,466 describes a convertible boat seat that transforms between a bench configuration and a lounger configuration to allow a passenger to lounge without impeding deck space.

However, the prior art does not disclose a removable seating platform that can be attached to the bow or other area of a pontoon boat to let passengers sit at approximately water level while remaining out of the water itself. Such a seating platform would allow non-swimmers, small children, elderly, or disabled individuals to interact with swimmers without having to enter the water themselves. It would also provide a safe and easy way to enter and exit the water, away from the dangers posed by the motor, propeller, and fumes at the rear of the boat. Additionally, a bow-mounted platform would make it easier to get into and out of flotation devices compared to the rear ladder area.

Accordingly, there is a need for a removable seating device for pontoon boats and the like that allows passengers to sit at or near water level while staying out of the water, provides safe and easy water entry and exit at the front of the boat, and facilitates use of flotation devices.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a removable seating system for pontoon boats that allows passengers to sit at approximately water level at the bow of the boat. The seating system comprises a seating deck with a planar surface for supporting seated individuals and a plurality of mounting slots along its opposing edges. Two vertical mounting assemblies, each having a mount piece with specific dimensions and a mounting hole, are adjustably coupled to the seating platform via the mounting slots to accommodate varying pontoon boat widths. A removable pin extends through the mounting holes of the vertical mounting assemblies to engage with a cleat, eyelet, or bracket near the bow of the pontoon boat, securing the seating system in place.

The seating platform is rotatable between a lowered position for seating passengers at water level and a raised position to avoid interference with the pontoons during transport. The seating system does not interfere with ropes or anchors attached to the bow cleat, eyelet, or bracket when a removable pin is engaged. Additionally, the seating system facilitates safe entry and exit to and from the water at a position away from the motor and propeller at the rear of the boat.

Further aspects of the invention include a textured, slip-resistant surface on the seating platform for enhanced user safety, corrosion-resistant materials for the vertical mounting assemblies, tie-down points for securing recreational flotation devices, a locking mechanism for the removable pin, a padded seat cushion, lightweight and high-strength materials for the seating platform, a folding backrest, height adjustment holes on the vertical mounting assemblies, and a retractable canopy for shade and protection from the elements.

In an alternative embodiment, the removable seating assembly comprises a seating platform with mounting holes along its lateral edges, a pair of vertical mounting brackets with specific dimensions and mounting holes, and a removable pin for securing the assembly to the bow of the pontoon boat. The seating assembly is rotatable between a lowered position slightly above or at water level and a raised position for stowage. Additional features include cleats for securing flotation devices, a locking mechanism for the removable pin, a textured non-slip surface, and specific dimensions to accommodate standard pontoon boat widths and weight capacities.

The removable seating system of the present invention provides a novel and convenient way for pontoon boat passengers to sit close to the water level without having to enter the water, allows for safe and easy water entry and exit at the front of the boat, and facilitates the use of recreational flotation devices. These benefits are especially advantageous for non-swimmers, children, elderly, or disabled individuals who wish to interact with those in the water while remaining on the boat.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vertical mounting system.

FIG. 2 provides a detailed view of the front of a pontoon, highlighting the mounting point for the vertical mounting system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the removable seating system for pontoon boats in its lowered position, mounted to the pontoon boat via cleats.

FIG. 4 provides a lateral view of removable seating system for pontoon boats in its lowered position, mounted to the pontoon boat via cleats.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the removable seating system for pontoon boats wherein the vertical mounting assemblies are constructed using a metal bracket

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present systems described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.

Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the present invention (especially in the context of certain claims) are construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

All systems described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the application. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might”, or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vertical mounting system 10. The removable seating system for pontoon boats 100 comprises two vertical mounting assemblies 10, each having a mount piece 12 in a triangular shape with a height of approximately 14 inches and a length of approximately 17 inches. In some embodiments the height ranges from 6-36 inches, and the length ranges from 6-40 inches. The apex angle 23 of the mount piece 12 in some embodiments is approximately 80 degrees and can vary between 80-100 degrees in other embodiments. A sleeve lined mounting hole 14 is disposed approximately 13 inches from the bottom edge of the mount piece 12 and approximately 3.75 inches from the rear edge near the apex corner 23.

In this embodiment, the two mount pieces 12 are spaced apart by approximately 2.5 inches, with a piece of wood 16 positioned between them. The vertical mounting assemblies 10 are secured to the deck planks 18 of the pontoon boat 13 via a corner mount 20 and multiple screws 22. The mounting holes 14 on the top of the mount pieces 12 allow the vertical mounting assemblies 10 to be attached to the tip of each pontoon of the pontoon boat 13 via a removable pin 24 and a mounting point 26 on the pontoon.

The vertical mounting system 10 can be configured as either single-sided or dual-sided, with one or two mount pieces 12 depending on the specific requirements of the pontoon boat 13. The mount pieces 12 can be constructed from various materials, comprising aluminum, wood, plastic, or composite materials.

In one embodiment, the removable pin 24 that secures the vertical mounting assemblies to the pontoon boat's 13 mounting points can be equipped with locking mechanisms such as a cotter pin, locking nut, or spring-loaded ball detent to ensure a secure connection.

FIG. 2 provides a detailed view of the front of a pontoon, highlighting an embodiment of the mounting point 26 for the vertical mounting system 10. The mounting point 26 is typically a cleat, eyelet, slot, hole, or deck-mounted bracket that is attached to the deck of the pontoon boat 13 near the bow.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the removable seating system for pontoon boats 100 in its lowered position, mounted to the pontoon boat 13. In this configuration, the seating system does not interfere with the pontoon boat 13 being stowed on a trailer 27. The width of the vertical mounting assemblies 10 and their positioning on the seating area 28 are designed to avoid interference with the curvature of the pontoon flotation tubes 34 or the deck of the pontoon boat 23. Adjustment slots (not shown) in the deck seating area 28 and the spacing between the vertical mounting assemblies 10 allow for variations in the width of the pontoon tubes 34 and the positioning of the attachment points 26.

FIG. 4 provides a lateral perspective view of an embodiment of the removable seating system for pontoon boats 100 in its lowered position, mounted to the pontoon boat 13 via cleats 26. As in FIG. 3, the seating system 100 does not interfere with the pontoon boat 13 being stowed on a trailer 27 in this configuration. The vertical mounting assemblies 10 and the deck seating area 28 are designed and positioned to avoid interference with the curvature of the pontoon flotation tubes 34 and the deck of the pontoon boat 23. The adjustment slots (not shown) in the deck seating area 28 and the spacing between the vertical mounting assemblies 10 accommodate variations in the width of the pontoon tubes 34 and the positioning of the attachment points 26.

The removable seating system 100 is designed to provide a safe and comfortable seating area at approximately water level, allowing users to easily enter and exit the water without interference from the pontoon boat's 13 motor and propeller (now shown). In some embodiments, the seating platform 28 can be constructed from materials including but not limited to, marine-grade plywood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, composite hybrids, thermoplastic, thermosetting plastics with or without fibrous reinforcements, injection molded plastic, heat formed plastic, aluminum honeycomb panel. In one embodiment, the removable seating system may feature a textured, slip-resistant surface for enhanced user safety. The vertical mounting assemblies 10 are typically made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or marine-grade polymers to withstand the marine environment.

Additional features of the removable seating system may include tie-down points for securing recreational flotation devices, a padded seat cushion for added comfort, a folding backrest for support and compact storage, height adjustment holes for customizing the seating position relative to the water level, and a retractable canopy for shade and protection from the elements.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment wherein the vertical mounting assemblies 10 are constructed using a metal bracket 36 made from a single piece of steel. The metal bracket 36 comprises two triangular pieces 38 connected by a bottom piece 40 that acts as a base. The bottom piece 40 is positioned between the two triangular pieces 38, forming a unitary structure. The triangular pieces 38 are oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the bottom piece 40, similar to the configuration of the mount pieces 12 described in FIG. 1. The bottom piece 40 includes a hole 42 for attaching the metal bracket 36 to the deck planks 18 of the pontoon boat 13 using bolts/rivets 44 or other secure fasteners. The metal bracket 36 is designed to provide enhanced structural stability and durability compared to other materials, such as wood or plastic. The hole 42 in the bottom piece 40 enables secure attachment to the deck planks 18, ensuring that the vertical mounting assemblies 10 remain firmly in place. In some embodiments the hole 42 can be a slot, wherein the slot allows for varied positioning of the vertical mounting assemblies 10. The metal bracket 36 can be finished with various forms of protective coating, comprising powder coating, galvanization, or anodization. The coating improves the system's 100 resistance to corrosion and weathering, thereby extending its service life in the marine environment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the triangular mount piece 12 of the vertical mounting assembly 10 featuring a cutout 47. This cutout 47 is designed to allow the vertical mounting assembly 10 to fold over the deck 23 of the pontoon boat 13. This design modification enables the vertical mounting assembly 10 to be folded up when not in use. The cutout 47 is strategically placed allow the vertical mounting assemblies 10 to fold over the deck 23 providing added convenience for boat owners, allowing for a more streamlined profile when the removable seating system 100 is not deployed. This feature may also facilitate easier trailering and storage of the pontoon boat 13 with the removable seating system 100 installed.

The embodiments described herein are given for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The respective elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, or the like of the embodiment are not limited to the illustrated examples but may be appropriately changed. Further, the constituents described in the embodiment may be partially replaced or combined together.