RETRACTABLE RAIL APPARATUS

Description

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/684,231, filed Aug. 16, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Recreational boating activities often include travelling between destinations while also being able to move about a deck of a boat. Users can have an occasion to sit or stand while the boat is in motion. Railings, walls, or other barriers can be located around a perimeter of a boat to at least partially enclose the usable areas of the boat.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rail apparatus is provided. The rail apparatus can include one or more stanchions. Each of the one or more stanchions can include a hollow interior portion and one or more spindles. The rail apparatus can be formed to transition between at least two positions. A first position can include a greater amount of the one or more spindles configured to be positioned within the hollow interior portion of the respective one or more stanchions. A second position can include a greater amount of the one or more spindles extending outside the hollow interior portion of the respective one or more stanchions.

In an example, at least one of the one or more stanchions can include a locking feature. The locking feature can include a first position wherein the one or more spindles can be coupled to the one or more stanchions. The locking feature can include a second position wherein the one or more spindles are uncoupled from the one or more stanchions. The first position can be characterized by discouraging movement of the spindle relative to the stanchion. The second position can permit relative motion between the spindle and the stanchion. The locking features can include a pin coupled to a spring. The spring can be configured to urge the pin into the first position.

In another example, each of the one or more stanchions can be connected to a base rail that extends therebetween.

In another example, each of the one or more spindles can include a flared end, the flared end can radially extend from the outer surface of the spindle toward a respective one of the one of the one or more stanchions.

In an example, a watercraft is provided. The watercraft can include a plurality of pontoons, a deck supported by the plurality of pontoons and the rail apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pontoon boat.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a passenger support interface and rail apparatus in a raised position according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rail apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a passenger support interface and rail apparatus in a lowered position according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5C is a schematic of a rail apparatus transitioning from a lowered configuration to a raised configuration according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of a rail apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the rail apparatus in a raised position according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the rail apparatus in an intermediate position according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the rail apparatus in a lowered position according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a rail apparatus in a lowered configuration according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a rail apparatus in a raised configuration according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Unless stated otherwise the drawings are proportional.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their teachings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, top, and right-side view of an example of a watercraft 100, according to some aspects described herein. The watercraft 100 can include a diverse range of vessels including pontoons, sailboats, motorboats, yachts, fishing trawlers, and the like. Each watercraft 100 can be designed for specific purposes ranging from recreational activities to commercial transportation and military operations. The watercraft 100 can include, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a pontoon boat. The watercraft 100 can include one or more motors 102, one or more pontoons 104, a deck 106, an operator seat 108, a platform 109, and one or more passenger seat 110 for boat users. Additional or alternative components that can be part of a pontoon boat, such as the watercraft 100. Further, it should be noted that while aspects of the present disclosure are described with respect to a pontoon boat, such aspects are not limited to a pontoon boat and can be applied to, for example, other types of watercraft, vehicles, and vessels.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, at least some of the passenger seats 110 can include chairs, beds, chaises, or benches. The passenger seat 110 can include a seat portion 111 and an upper passenger support interface 112 (e.g., a seat back). In some examples, the passenger seat 110 can take the form of an adjustable seat in which the upper passenger support interface 112 can be configurable in a fore position for a stern-facing seat, an aft position for a bow-facing seat, or a pillow position which can allow a user to recline across the stern-facing seat. The upper passenger support interface 112 (e.g., seat back) can be switched between a fore-facing and an aft-facing position, allowing the user to select their preferred orientation. When the seat back 112 is in the aft-facing direction, for example, a deck railing, such as rail apparatus 114, can obscure or restrict access to a stern 116 portion of the deck 106, such as the platform 109. At times, the rail apparatus 114 can limit a user's ability to move between the seat and a platform area on of a deck 106 or access to the perimeter 107 of the watercraft 100.

The platform 109 can extends between a user area, such as the passenger seat 110, and the perimeter 107 of the watercraft 100. The platform 109 can provide a transitional space where a user can engage in water-related activities (e.g., organizing diving gear, inflating a flotation device or water toy, applying protective equipment, equipment rinsing, gear cleaning, wet equipment removal, or the like) near or at the stern 116 portion.

The platform 109 of the watercraft 100 can provide water access for users during a boating activity or operation of the watercraft 100. The platform 109 is, in some examples, positioned closer to the water surface than other portions of the watercraft 100. The platform 109 can be used for an activity that can include water entry or exit, such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, floating, or the like, because the platform 109 can provide direct access to the water from the watercraft 100. In some such examples, the aforementioned equipment can be deployed into the water from the platform 109. Optionally, the user can use the platform 109 for a post-water activity, such as equipment rinsing, gear cleaning, wet equipment removal, or the like. In some examples, the platform 109 can include a deployable ladder, such as to assist the user with entry to or exit from the watercraft 100 (e.g., from or to the water).

Providing a rail apparatus 114 with a movable, adjustable or repositionable bar, as discussed related to FIG. 2, can provide versatility or convenience to access one or more areas of the watercraft 100. Additional or other seat configurations can be utilized to provide access to one or more areas of the watercraft 100. The upper passenger support interface 112 can be arranged in a stowed position in which the upper passenger support interface 112 can be concealed or withdrawn from at least one of the bow-facing seat configuration and the stern-facing seat configurations, such that the seat can cooperate to provide a planar support surface along an aft-to-fore extent of the passenger seat 110. The upper passenger support interface 112 can be adjustable by hand without tools, such that a user can easily reconfigure the passenger seat 110 to sit facing the bow 115, to sit facing a stern 116, or to lie down. In some examples, such functionality can be referred to as a ‘swing back’ seat such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,992,131 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The watercraft 100 can include a rail apparatus 114 (or rail assembly) located or positioned between the passenger seat 110 and a perimeter of the watercraft 100. The rail apparatus 114 can be an example of one type of physical obstacle that can limit case of access to other portions of the watercraft 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rail apparatus 114 can be a barrier that can separate one or more passenger seat 110 from a platform 109 proximate to a perimeter 107 of the stern 116 of the watercraft 100. While the rail apparatus 114 is illustrated proximate to the stern 116 of the watercraft 100, the rail apparatus 114 can be located along one or more portions of the watercraft 100 such as a bow 115 or the port side 113 or the starboard side 117.

The rail apparatus 114 can be made from a variety of materials, including one or more of aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, wood, and composites, among potential others. The rail apparatus 114 can be positioned around at least a portion of one or more passenger seat 110. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the rail apparatus 114 can be positioned along or relative to a foot portion of the passenger seat 110. In other examples, the rail apparatus 114 can be arranged along one or more sides of the passenger seat 110. The rail apparatus 114 can be located along at least one side of one or more passenger seat 110 between a perimeter portion of the watercraft 100 and an edge portion of the one or more passenger seat 110. Optionally, the rail apparatus 114 can extend along a first edge portion and wrap, extend or the like, around another portion of the passenger seat 110. For example, the rail apparatus 114 can be located between a perimeter portion of the stern 116 (as discussed related to FIG. 1) and a perimeter portion of the starboard side 117 or port side or both.

In certain embodiments, the rail apparatus 114 can extend along one or more side portions 111a, 111b of the seat portion 111 located on a deck 106 or deck of the watercraft 100. The rail apparatus 114 can include a first bar 114a extending along a first side portion 111a facing, for example, the stern of the watercraft, a side bar 114b extending along a second side portion 111b facing either the port or starboard side, and a coupling bar 114c that joins the first bar 114a and the side bar 114b. The coupling bar 114c can include a curved or angled portion to facilitate a continuous bar of the rail apparatus 114 around the seat portion 111. This arrangement can provide, for example, structural integrity and a substantially seamless transition between the different rail portions (e.g., first bar 114a or side bar 114b).

The rail apparatus 114 can be a barrier between the passenger seat 110 and a perimeter 107 of the watercraft 100. In an example, the rail apparatus 114 can be arranged on the deck 106 as a barrier between the passenger seat 110 and the perimeter 107 or other portions of the deck 106. The rail apparatus 114 can be located between the passenger seat 110 and the perimeter 107 of the watercraft 100 proximate to the stern 116. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, the rail apparatus 114 can be a barrier between the passenger seat 110, as a bed or chaise, and the platform 109 located along the stern 116. In one example, the rail apparatus 114 can restrict or inhibit ingress or egress from the passenger seat 110, as a bed or chaise, and the platform 109 proximate to the stern 116.

The rail apparatus 114, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, can be adjustable. The rail apparatus 114 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be in a raised configuration. The rail apparatus 114 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be in a lowered configuration. The rail apparatus 114 of FIG. 2 can include a movable portion 118 and a stanchion 120. The movable portion 118 can be movable relative the stanchion 120 as discussed herein. The stanchion 120 can be stationary, such as a stationary portion, with respect to the deck 106. The stanchion 120 can be immovable or statically located (e.g., held, retained, positioned, or the like), or the like relative to the deck 106. Optionally, the rail apparatus 114 can have a substantially fully raised height of at least 24 inches (approximately 61 centimeters) and a substantially lowered height of at least 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters). In a lowered configuration, the stanchion 120 can have a height of approximately 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters). In the raised configuration, the spindle 124 can have a height of approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters). The stanchion 120 and the spindles 124 can have lengths according to the purpose or specification. Optionally, the total height of the rail apparatus 114 can be greater than 24 inches (approximately 61 centimeters).

In one example, the stanchion 120 can be coupled (e.g., fastened, retained, connected, joined or the like) to the deck 106 or the passenger seat 110 through one or more deck mounting assemblies 121. The deck mounting assemblies 121 can include mounting brackets, flanges, or pedestal bases that can be configured to support the stanchion 120 on or relative to the deck 106 or the passenger seat 110. The stanchion 120 can be permanently coupled (e.g., welding, through-bolting with backing plates, riveting, etc.) or releasable coupled (e.g., threaded fasteners such as screws, bolts, clamps, etc.) to the deck 106 or the passenger seat 110. In examples, one or more components of the deck mounting assemblies 121 can be permanently fastened and another component of the deck mounting assemblies 121 can be releasably fastened. For instance, a bracket 126 can be permanently coupled with the deck 106 or a portion of the passenger seat 110 and a part of the stanchion 120 can be removably retained by the one or more brackets 126. Optionally, the deck mounting assemblies 121 can be allow some movement of the stanchion 120 to accommodate, for instance, thermal expansion and contraction or other repositioning of the stanchion 120 relative to the deck 106. Movement can be accommodated through the use of, for example, slotted mounting holes or flexible coupling elements.

The deck mounting assemblies 121 can be positioned at various locations along the stanchion 120. In some examples, the deck mounting assemblies 121 can be located along intermediate points of the stanchion 120 or between adjacent stationary portions. In another example, the deck mounting assemblies 121 can be located along different portions of one or more stanchion 120, adjacent or spaced, from another stanchion 120.

Illustrated in FIG. 3, the rail apparatus 114 is depicted in a raised position such as that depicted in FIG. 2; however, FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the seat portion 111 cut back so as to expose in greater detail the rail apparatus 114. The stanchion 120 illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, can be coupled to a first side portion 131a of the passenger seat 110. For example, one or more brackets 126 can be coupled with the first side portion 131a along a first end segment 128 of the stanchion 120. The one or more brackets 126 can be coupled proximate to the deck 106 or proximate to a lower portion of the passenger seat 110, such as proximate to a junction of the passenger seat 110 with the deck 106. Another bracket, such as a seat bracket 132, can be coupled with a second end segment 134 of the stanchion 120. The second end segment 134 of the stanchion 120 can be along a more portion of the stanchion 120 more vertically spaced from the deck 106 than the first end segment 128. The seat bracket 132 can be coupled (e.g., fastened, retained, connected, joined or the like) with the seat portion 111 (e.g., a user engagement portion) of the passenger seat 110. In another example, the seat bracket 132 can be coupled with a seat support 130. The seat support 130 can include a portion of the passenger seat 110 which a cushion, padding or the like can be arranged. The seat bracket 132 can be coupled with a supportive portion of the passenger seat 110 proximate to the seat portion 111 and a cushion or other covering can be arranged over the seat bracket 132. The second end segment 134 of the stanchion 120 can be coupled with the seat bracket 132 while the seat bracket 132 can be at least partially hidden from a user's view when a cushion or other covering is arranged over the seat bracket 132.

In another embodiment, the first end segment 128 can be secured in place (i.e., affixed to the seat 110) using one of the one or more brackets 126 and or the seat bracket 132. Certain ones (up to and including all) of the one or more brackets 126 or the seat bracket 132 can be integral with the stanchion 120, or can be integrated such as by permanent fastening (such as via e.g., welding, riveting, etc.), or can be releasably fastened (such as via e.g., threaded fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc.). In some embodiments, certain ones (up to and including all) of the one or more brackets 126 or the seat bracket 132 can be fastened to the stanchion 120 through joinery (e.g., dovetail joints, etc.). The stanchion 120 can be fastened to a side of passenger seat 110 through any suitable technique, including permanently fastening (e.g., welding, riveting, etc.) or releasable fastening (e.g., threaded fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc.). In some examples, the stanchion 120 can be fastened to the side of the passenger seat 110 through joinery (e.g., dovetail joints, etc.). In other examples, at least one of the first end segment 128 of the stanchion 120, can be fastened to the deck (such as deck 106 illustrated and discussed related to FIG. 1). In further embodiments, the second end segment 134 of the stanchion 120, can be fastened to side of passenger seat 110 or, alternatively any other suitable structure (such as other areas or items of furniture on the boat platform).

The movable portion 118 can be configured to translate, rotate, pivot or the like (or a combination thereof) relative to the stanchion 120 so as to permit flexibility of use of the rail apparatus 114 during any phase of use of the watercraft 100. For example, the movable portion 118 and the stanchion 120 can form a telescopic assembly as a repositionable rail assembly 105. In an example, the repositionable rail assembly 105 can include the movable portion 118 that can translate at least partially within and relative to its respective stanchion 120.

Optionally, the rail apparatus 114 can be placed in the raised position (as illustrated in FIG. 2) when watercraft 100 is underway, and moved to the lowered position (as illustrated and discussed related to FIG. 4) when case of access to and from the platform 109 relative to the passenger seat 110 is desired. During use, the rail apparatus 114 can be raised or lowered by hand, and can be secured (or locked) in the raised position or the lowered position to prevent inadvertent movement between the movable portion 118 and the stanchion 120. In one embodiment, the rail apparatus 114 can be configured to include a raised position whereby at least a portion of the rail apparatus 114 extends vertically to a preferred, desired, or specified height above the deck (such as deck 106) and/or above a top portion of the seat portion 111. When lowered, the movable portion 118 can reside at any suitable height above the platform 109 and/or below a top portion of the seat portion 111.

The movable portion 118 can include a bar 122 such as a banister or handrail. The bar 122 can be coupled with at least one of the spindles 124 to jointly the movable portion 118. The bar 122 can extend between two adjacent spindles 124. The bar 122 can be substantially horizontal or nearly horizontal, such as within 5, 10, or 15 degrees from horizontal (e.g., oriented 180 degrees with respect to a direction of a gravitational force).

The movable portion 118 can comprise any number of individual portions or components which are assembled (including permanently attached to one another) including the bar 122 and spindles 124 in, for example, the configuration provided in the illustrated embodiment. The spindles 124 can be fastened to the bar 122 through any suitable technique, including permanently fastening (e.g., welding, riveting, etc.), or releasable fastening (e.g., threaded fasteners such as screws, bolts, magnets, etc.). In some embodiments, the spindles 124 can be fastened to the bar 122 through joinery (e.g., dovetail joints, etc.). The bar 122 can be connected to the movable portions 118 such that the bar 122 can move with the movable portions 118 between the first position (e.g., lower position) and the second position (e.g., vertically higher position). The bar 122 can be a single, continuous bar or rail (optionally monolithic) configured to move at least partially vertically when the movable portions 118 translate or move with respect to their stanchions 120.

The stanchion 120 can include an elongated base rail 136 extending from at least a portion of the stanchion 120. The stanchion 120 can include any number of individual portions or components which can be assembled (including permanently attached to one another) to form the elongated base rail 136. Additionally, the stanchions 120 can be fastened to the base rail 136 through any suitable technique, including permanently fastening (e.g., welding, riveting, etc.), and releasable fastening (e.g., threaded fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc.). In some embodiments, the stanchion 120 can be fastened to the base rail 136 through joinery (e.g., dovetail joints, etc.).

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is an example of the movable portion 118 including the bar 122, as a horizontal bar, extending between the two or more spindles 124. In a lowered position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the bar 122 can be arranged adjacent to the deck (such as deck 106), with at least a portion of each spindle 124 received within a hollow interior portion 141 of a respective stanchion 120. A linkage mechanism 150, comprising one or more pivot joints, hinges, slides, or other couplies can enable the rail to transition into a lowered, or stowed, orientation. The lowered or stowed orientation can allow unobstructed access to the seat 110 or deck. Optionally, a locking feature 161 can be engaged to secure the bar 122, as a rail, in the lowered position, discouraging movement of the spindle 124 relative to the stanchion 120.

Illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are an example of a rail apparatus 224 that can rotatably transition, or pivotally transition, between a raised position and a lowered position. The rail apparatus 224 is configured to enable the rail 222 to transition between multiple distinct positions, including a down position, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, an intermediate position, as illustrated in 5B, and a raised position, as illustrated in 5C. In operation, the rail 222 initially resides in the down position 252, wherein it is situated adjacent to the deck 206 or seat (such as seat 110 illustrated and discussed related to FIGS. 1-4). Upon actuation, the linkage mechanism 250 allows the rail 222 to rotate upward, passing through an intermediate position 254 in which the rail 222 is partially elevated but not fully upright.

Continued movement of the linkage mechanism 250 can bring the rail 222 into the raised position 258, where the rail 222 is oriented substantially vertically or in a locked upright configuration. This multi-positional functionality facilitates convenient stowage and deployment of the rail 222.

The linkage mechanism 250 can include one or more joints 260. The joints 260 can include pivot joints, hinges, or rotational connectors that can couple the rail 222 to a stationary portion 220 (e.g., stanchion), such as a stanchion or mounting bracket. When actuated, the linkage mechanism 250 can enable the rail 22 to rotate about a defined axis, allowing controlled movement between the down, intermediate, and raised positions. The linkage mechanism 250 can include mechanical stops, detents, or locking features to secure the rail 222 in each position and reduce unintended movement. In some embodiments, the linkage mechanism 250 can further incorporate assistive elements to facilitate easier lifting and lowering of the rail 222. The design of the linkage mechanism can provide a rail that can transition between several positions, providing different arrangements of the rail according to a user's preference.

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of rail apparatus 114 in which the movable portion 118 is separated from the stanchion 120. The spindles 124 each have an insertion end 140 sized to be fit inside an opening 142 at a second end segment 134 of each of the stanchions 120. When in a first position the spindles 124 are disposed such that a greater amount of each spindle 124 is retained within a respective stanchion 120. When in a second position, the spindles 124 are disposed such that a greater amount each spindle 124 can be located outside of a respective stanchion 120. In an alternative embodiment, when in one or both of the first and second positions, the spindle 124 body can be substantially entirely retained inside of or outside of the stanchion 120, respectively, with a minimal portion of the spindle 124 body disposed elsewhere. The rail apparatus 114 further can include a plurality of grommets 144 each inserted into the respective openings 142 of the second end segment 134 of each of the stanchion 120. The grommets 144 can include respective grommet openings 146 sized to receive the insertion ends 140 of the spindles 124. The grommets 144 can provide improved wear resistance and sealing properties, reducing friction between the spindles 124 and the stanchion openings 142 while preventing water intrusion and debris accumulation that could impair the sliding operation of the movable portion 118.

To assemble the rail apparatus 114, a sleeve of the grommet 144 can be inserted into the opening 142 in the stanchion 120. The spindle 124, for example the insertion end 140 of the spindle 124, can be inserted into the grommet opening 146. The grommet 144 can be used to reduce rattle between the movable portion 118 and the stanchion 120 during use to raise and/or lower the movable portion 118. The grommet 144 can also provide friction to provide resistance when raising or lowering the movable portion 118 relative to the stanchion 120. For example, to provide aid to a person lowering the movable portion 118, friction caused between the grommet 144 and the spindles 124 can slow the speed of descent. In some embodiments, the grommet 144 can be used in one or more of the stanchions 138. Other suitable closure device to reduce a gap between the spindles 124 and the stanchions 138 can be used in place or in addition to the grommet 144. For example, a bushing, gasket, sleeve, or other closure device can be placed between the spindle 124 and the stanchion 138 to help locate the spindles 124.

Illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is an example of a cross-section of the rail apparatus 114 including the stanchion 120 and a movable portion 118. The movable portion 118 can include the spindles 124 and the bar 122, as for example, a horizontal bar. One or more of the spindles 124 can include a flared end 148. The flared end 148 can extends radially away from the outer surface 125 of the spindles 124 and can act in similar fashion to the grommet 144 to support the spindles 124 relative to the stanchion 120. In another embodiment, the flared end 148 can also act as an air damper to provide a resisting force when the movable portion 118 is raised or lowered, depending on a size of a gap between the flared end 148 and an inner surface of the stanchions 138.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate, for example, the movable portion 118 that can be secured in either or both of a first (e.g., raised) position or orientation or a second (e.g., lowered) position or orientation through use of a locking feature 152 that can act as a mechanical lock when inserted into an aperture, or can act as a snubber by rubbing against a moving surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking feature 152 can include a pin 154 and a handle 156 that can be arranged relative to the stanchions 138 through a spring 158 (or biasing element). The pin 154 of each locking feature 152 can be sized to be received through an aperture 160 in each stanchion 138 to which the locking feature 152 is attached (e.g., the spring 158 provides a force to urge the pin 154 into engagement with the stanchions 138). The pin 154 can also be sized to be received into one or more apertures, such as the first apertures 160 of FIG. 9 and/or the second apertures 162 of FIG. 7 of the spindles 124. When it is desired to raise and/or lower the movable portion 118 relative to the stanchion 120, a user can grasp the handle 156, withdraw the pin 154 against the bias of the spring 158 from engaging each of respective the spindles 124, so that the movable portion 118 can be moved with respect to the stanchion 120. To secure a position of the movable portion 118 relative to the stanchion 120, a user can release the handle 156 so that the spring 158 can urge the pin 154 into engagement with the respective spindles 124 through the stanchions 138. When in the raised and locked position, the pin 154 is inserted into the second apertures 162 of the respective spindles 124 (see FIG. 7). When in the lowered and locked position, the pin 154 can be inserted into the first apertures 160 of the respective spindles 124 (see FIG. 9).

FIG. 8 depicts an intermediate position in which pin 154 is not received into either the first aperture 160 or the second aperture 162. If a user applies sufficient force to overcome the spring 158, the pin 154 can retract slightly relative to the spindles 124 to allow movement from the intermediate position. If insufficient force is applied to the spring 158 (e.g., by releasing the handle 156 after the pin 154 has been withdrawn from either the first apertures 160 or the second apertures 162), an end of the pin 154 can contact respective one of the spindles 124. If the pin 154 contacts respective one of the spindles 124, the contact force can further reduce the motion of the movable portion 118 between the raised and lowered positions.

The locking feature 152 can take on other forms in different embodiments. For example, the locking feature 152 can take the form of a set screw, removeable pin (e.g., cotter pin), electronic solenoid, etc. It is contemplated that, like the embodiment of the locking feature 152 having the pin 154, other embodiments of the locking feature 152 can block further motion of the movable portion 118 at any position (e.g., raised, lowered, or intermediate) by locking the movable portion 118 to the stanchion 120 until locking feature 152 is released. Each rail apparatus can have any number of locking feature 152 disposed throughout the assembly.

The handle 156 and the pin 154 of the locking feature 152 can have a detent position useful to hold open the pin 154 from engaging an outer surface 125 of the respective spindle 124 without further action of a person. For example, in some embodiments the handle 156 can be placed in a fully open position and held by a detent mechanism in the locking feature 152. Such a detent permits a user to release a grip upon the handle 156 and leave the handle 156 and the pin 154 in the fully open position. The detent can be selected by rotating the handle 156 so as to catch a lip of the handle 156 upon a protrusion built into the locking feature 152. To deselect the detent, the handle 156 can be rotated in an opposite direction to disengage the lip of the handle 156 from the protrusion.

As described above, the movable portion 118 can be configured to move relative to the stanchion 120 such as translating in a vertical direction. The movable portion 118 and the stanchion 120 can translate in any number of directions relative one another. The stanchion 120 can rotate or move in any number of directions as well. Lastly, it is appreciated that although illustrated with a spindle 124 of the movable portion 118 being received within a stanchion 138 of the stanchion 120, in another embodiment the movable portion 118 can be rotated or pivoted and rest proximate to the stanchion 120. For example, the movable portion 118 can be pulled upward toward a user, then translocated to the user's right or left such as by providing a flexible inner tube or pivotable mechanisms located at one or both ends of the spindles 124 and/or stanchions 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, in an alternative embodiment, the spindle 124 can be configured to rotate relative to the stanchion 138 about a hinge joint 172 or pivot connection. The hinge joint 172 can facilitate transitioning the rail apparatus 114 from a lowered position (e.g., FIG. 10) to a raised position (e.g., FIG. 11) through rotational movement rather than linear translation. The hinge joint 172 can be positioned at a connection point between the spindle 124 and the stanchion 138. The hinge joint 172 can allow the spindle 124 to pivot from a folded configuration (e.g., FIG. 10) wherein the spindle 124 can be oriented against the stanchion 138, to a raised configuration wherein the spindle 124 extends substantially vertically upward from the stanchion 138. The rotational or pivotable movement can be facilitated by various hinge mechanisms including pin hinges, living hinges, ball joints, or other pivot connections that permit controlled angular displacement of the spindle 124 relative to the stanchion 120.

While this disclosure has been described as having various embodiments, the present embodiments can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Aspects

• • Aspect 1 can include a rail apparatus for a watercraft, the rail apparatus comprising: two or more stanchions each including a hollow interior portion; two or more spindles, each of the two or more spindles movably arranged within respective ones of the hollow interior portion, the two or more spindles each including an end portion; and a bar coupled with and extending between the end portion of two adjacent spindles of the two or more spindles; wherein each of the two or more spindles are configured to transition between at least a first position including at least a portion of each of the two or more spindles is received in a respective one of the hollow interior portion and a second position including at least a portion of each of the two or more spindles is configured to extend from a respective two or more stanchions further than in the first position.
  • Aspect 2 can include or can include or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include the two or more spindles are configured to transition to an extended configuration; wherein, in the extended configuration, a majority of a length of at least one of the two or more spindles is located outside of the hollow interior portion.
  • Aspect 3 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1 or 2, to optionally include the bar includes a horizontal bar configured to move with the two or more spindles between the first position and the second position.
  • Aspect 4 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 1 to 3, to optionally include a locking assembly including a first locking element arranged on at least one of the two or more stanchions and a second locking element cooperatively arranged along at least one of the two or more spindles.
  • Aspect 5 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 1 to 4, to optionally include the locking assembly includes one or more of a pin lock, a clamp lock, corresponding threads, or a cam lock.
  • Aspect 6 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 1 to 5 to optionally include at least one spindle of the two or more spindles is configured to rotate relative to its respective one of the two or more stanchions to move into an extended configuration.
  • Aspect 7 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 1 to 6 to optionally include at least one spindle of the two or more spindles is configured to translate from a respective stanchion of the two or more stanchions into an extended configuration.
  • Aspect 8 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 1 to 7 to optionally include in the second position at least one spindle of the two or more spindles is configured to be locked with a respective stanchion of the two or more stanchions.
  • Aspect 9 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 1 to 8 to optionally include the rail apparatus extends along one or more side portions of a seat located on a deck of the watercraft, the rail apparatus including: a first bar extending along one side portion facing a stern of the watercraft; a side bar extending along a second side portion facing one of a port or a starboard side of the watercraft; and a coupling bar including a curved portion or an angled portion, the coupling bar joining the first bar and the side bar.
  • Aspect 10 can include an adjustable rail apparatus located proximate to a seat on a watercraft, the adjustable rail apparatus comprising: at least two stanchions arranged along a deck of the watercraft proximate to the seat, each stanchion of the at least two stanchions including a lower segment and an upper segment, the lower segment coupled to the deck; at least two spindles each of the at least two spindles including a coupling segment movably coupled with an upper segment of the at least two stanchions; and a bar extending between two adjacent spindles of the at least two spindles; wherein each of the at least two spindles and the bar are configured to transition from a first orientation to a second orientation, the first orientation more proximate to the deck than the second orientation.
  • Aspect 11 can include or can include or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 10, to optionally include at least one stanchion of the at least two stanchions includes a locking feature, the locking feature having a first position; wherein at least one spindle is of the at least two spindles is in a locked arrangement to the at least one stanchion of the at least two stanchions and a second position; wherein the at least one spindle of the at least two spindles are unlocked from the at least one stanchion of the at least two stanchions; wherein the first position characterized by discouraging movement of the at least one spindle relative to the at least one stanchion, the second position permitting relative motion between the at least one spindle and the at least one stanchion.
  • Aspect 12 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 10 or 11, to optionally include the locking feature includes a pin coupled to a spring, the spring is configured to urge the pin into the first position.
  • Aspect 13 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 10 to 12, to optionally include each stanchion of the at least two stanchions includes a base rail that extends between two adjacent stanchions of the at least stanchions.
  • Aspect 14 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 10 to 13, to optionally include each of the at least two stanchions includes a wall having an inner surface surrounding a cavity extending within a length of the stanchion; wherein at least one spindle is translatably arranged within the cavity of an associated stanchion, the at least one spindle including an outer surface of a perimeter wall of the at least one spindle; wherein at least one of the at least two spindles each includes a flared end located along an end of the coupling segment proximate to an associated stanchion, the flared end radially extending from the outer surface of the at least one spindle toward a respective inner surface of the at least one stanchion of the associated stanchion.
  • Aspect 15 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 10 to 14, to optionally include a plurality of the at least two stanchions, a plurality of at the at least two spindles, and a plurality of the bar; wherein the plurality of the at least two stanchions and the plurality of at the at least two spindles are arranged along one or more side portions of the seat; wherein the plurality of the bar includes at least one horizontal bar extending between the at least two adjacent spindles and in the second orientation, the at least one horizontal bar is a distance more vertical than a top of the seat.
  • Aspect 16 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 10 to 15, to optionally include at least one spindle is pivotally coupled with the respective at least one stanchion; wherein the at least one spindle is rotationally coupled along an upper portion of the respective at least one stanchion.
  • Aspect 17 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 10 to 16, to optionally include a plurality of the at least two stanchions, a plurality of at the at least two spindles, and a plurality of bars; wherein the plurality of bars includes a first bar, a second bar, and a coupling bar joining the first bar and the second bar; wherein the plurality of the at least two stanchions, the plurality of at the at least two spindles, and the plurality of bars are configured to rotate or pivot as one unit.
  • Aspect 18 can include or can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of any of Aspects 10 to 17, to optionally include the at least two stanchions are coupled with the seat.
  • Aspect 19 can include a watercraft, comprising: a plurality of pontoons; a deck supported by the plurality of pontoons; a seat coupled with the deck; and a rail apparatus coupled to the deck proximate to the seat and arranged on the watercraft between the seat and a perimeter of the watercraft, the rail apparatus including: a stationary portion extending vertically from the deck, a movable portion movably coupled to the stationary portion and a horizontal bar extending from one of the stationary portion or the movable portion; wherein the movable portion transitions a position relative to the stationary portion.
  • Aspect 20 can include or can include or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include the movable portion is translatably or pivotally Each of these non-limiting aspects can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other aspects.

The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “aspects” or “examples.” Such aspects or example can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate aspects or examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate aspects or examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more features thereof), either with respect to a particular aspects or examples (or one or more features thereof), or with respect to other Aspects (or one or more features thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Geometric terms, such as “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “round,” or “square,” are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round,” a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.

Method aspects or examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some aspects or examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above aspects or examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an aspect or example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Aspects or examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described aspects or examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72 (b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as aspects, examples, or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.