SUBMERSIBLE STERN PLATFORM COMPRISING A RECREATION DEVICE AND MOVABLE BACKREST ELEMENTS

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention belongs to the field of mechanical and nautical engineering, and also to architecture, more specifically to reservoirs, tanks, swimming pools, bathtubs and the like, intended for use on vessels.

INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates to a submersible stern platform comprising a recreation device, concealable in a sliding manner from a recess of the platform, with a seating region, backrest elements and an opening for positioning the feet.

FUNDAMENTALS

Submersible stern platforms are widely used on vessels for several purposes, among them assisting the water entry and exit, forming small bathing platforms, for using cooking equipment, assisting the launching, collecting or lifting accessories, diving tanks and even other smaller vessels, among other applications.

As swimming pools and other recreational and leisure elements are also very appreciated on vessels, especially on speedboats, yachts and the like, there are several devices and systems that form reservoirs to be filled with water.

These devices can be inflatable or fixed, but they are always part of an additional device that either requires a relatively high effort to be assembled and/or needs complex movement and concealment systems.

PRIOR ART

Examples of solutions of this nature are described, for example, by patent document PCT/BR2019/050346, entitled “Submersible stern platform provided with openings for recreation”, which discloses a submersible stern platform provided with openings for recreation, comprising an opening, one or more secondary openings preferably arranged along the vicinity of the opening, the opening being reversibly closed by a gate and the secondary openings being reversibly closed by one or more secondary gates.

The solution proposed by PCT/BR2019/050346 discloses a platform with secondary openings and gates, but does not provide a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, concealable in a sliding manner, with backrests abutments and a removable cover for positioning the feet.

Another relevant prior art document is the one of number US20200385089 A1, entitled “Walk-on aft deck and extendable swim platform system and method”, which discloses a system, apparatus and method comprising a walk-on aft deck and an extendable swim platform. The walk-on aft deck includes an extended support platform, which may include gunwales, extending from the stern of the boat between engines of the boat, and extends beyond an aftermost surface of the engines in order to protect the engines from impact. The extendable swim platform extends afterward from the extended support platform, is actuatuated and retractable, and does not act as a running surface when the boat moves forward, but acts as a planing surface when the boat moves in reverse allowing high reverse speeds. The extendable swim platform includes angled non-slap surfaces.

The solution proposed by document US20200385089 discloses a platform with secondary openings and gates, but does not provide a platform comprising recreation device, concealable in a sliding manner, with backrest abutments and a removable cover for positioning the feet.

Other solutions are also described by documents U.S. Pat. No. 9,278,731 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,375,880, but as in the other documents cited above, they also fail to provide a platform comprising recreation device, concealable in a sliding manner, with backrest abutments and a removable cover for positioning the feet.

As can be inferred from the descriptions above, there is space for a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, concealable in a sliding manner, with backrest abutments and a removable cover for positioning the feet.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, according to the characteristics of independent claim 1 of the appended set of claims.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, according to the characteristics of independent claim 5 of the appended set of claims.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, according to the characteristics of independent claim 8 of the appended set of claims.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, according to the characteristics of independent claim 10 of the appended set of claims.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a movable backrest, according to the characteristics of independent claim 13 of the appended set of claims.

Additional characteristics and details of these characteristics are defined by the dependent claims in the appended set of claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For better understanding and visualization of the object of the present invention, it will now be described with reference to the appended drawings, representing the technical effect obtained by means of exemplary embodiments without limiting the scope of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1: presents a rear perspective view of a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, according to the present invention, showing the initial or closed position of the recreation device;

FIG. 2: presents a partial sectional rear perspective view of the submersible stern platform;

FIG. 3: presents a partial sectional perspective view of the submersible stern platform of the invention, emphasizing the protrusions and the gap;

FIG. 4: presents the partial sectional perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of the invention, showing the semi-open or intermediate position of the recreation device of the invention, emphasizing the protrusions and the gap;

FIG. 5: presents a partial sectional perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of the invention, showing the final or open position of the recreation device, emphasizing the protrusions and the gap;

FIG. 6: presents a partial sectional perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of the invention, showing the recreation device in its final or open position;

FIG. 7: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of the invention, showing the final or open position and a user using the central opening for positioning the feet;

FIG. 8: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of FIG. 7, with the platform and recreation device fully submerged allowing the user to be partially submerged;

FIG. 9: presents a perspective view of a submersible stern platform of the invention according to an alternative embodiment of the recreation device, showing the initial or closed position of the recreation device;

FIG. 10: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform with a partial section of the recreation device of FIG. 9, showing the retracted, or closed position of the recreation device, highlighting the protrusions and the gap;

FIG. 11: presents a side view of the submersible stern platform with a partial section of the recreation device of FIG. 9, showing the initial or closed position of the recreation device, highlighting the protrusions and the gap;

FIG. 12: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform with a partial section of the recreation device of FIG. 9, showing the semi-open or intermediate position of the recreation device, emphasizing the protrusions and the gap;

FIG. 13: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform with a partial section of the recreation device of FIG. 9, showing the final or open position of the recreation device, emphasizing the protrusions and the gap;

FIG. 14: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising the recreation device of FIG. 9, showing the open position of the recreation device on the submersible stern platform of the boat and a user using the central opening for positioning the feet;

FIG. 15: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of FIG. 9, with the platform and recreation device fully submerged allowing the user to be partially submerged;

FIG. 16: presents an enlarged side view of a rail with two concavities, according to the present invention;

FIG. 17: presents an enlarged upper view of the rail of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18: presents a partial sectional upper perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 19: presents a partial sectional side perspective view of the submersible stern platform of FIG. 18, emphasizing the submersible stern platform rails;

FIG. 20: presents an enlarged side perspective view of the recreation device of FIG. 18, emphasizing the protrusions of the recreation device;

FIG. 21: presents a partial sectional enlarged side perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of FIG. 18, showing the initial or closed position of the recreation device;

FIG. 22: presents a partial sectional perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of FIG. 18, showing the intermediate or semi-open position of the recreation device;

FIG. 23: presents a partial sectional perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of FIG. 18, showing the final or open position of the recreation device;

FIG. 24: presents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device, according to the present invention;

FIG. 25: presents a partial sectional upper perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of FIG. 24, showing the recreation device in the initial or closed position;

FIG. 26: presents a partial sectional upper perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device of FIG. 24, showing the recreation device in the final or open position;

FIG. 27: presents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the recreation device with backrests, according to the present invention, showing one of the sliding backrest elements in the final or open position;

FIG. 28: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device with backrests of FIG. 27, showing two of the sliding backrest elements in the final or open position;

FIG. 29: presents a perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device with backrests of FIG. 27, showing four of the sliding backrest elements in the final or open position;

FIG. 30: presents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the recreation device with backrests, according to the present invention, showing one of the pivoting backrest elements in the final or open position;

FIG. 31: presents a top perspective view of the submersible stern platform comprising recreation device with backrest elements of FIG. 30, showing one of the pivoting backrest elements in the final or open position;

FIG. 32: presents a upper perspective view of a submersible stern platform comprising recreation device with backrests of FIG. 30, showing four of the pivoting backrest elements in the final or open position; and

FIG. 33: presents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the recreation device with backrests, according to the present invention, showing four of the attachable backrest elements in the final or engaged position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A submersible stern platform comprising recreation device (100) or simply platform (100), according to the invention, comprises at least one recess (110) wherein a recreation device (200) is arranged, sliding from the recess (110) between an initial or closed position and a final or open position.

It should be noted that the recreation device (200) may also assume any intermediate position other than the extreme positions, depending on its construction form, dimensions, type of design and other construction possibilities and/or limitations.

The recess (110) of the platform (100) comprises a bottom wall (111), two side walls (112), an upper wall (113) and a lower wall (114), wherein the recess (110) may be arranged in any position on the platform (100), preferably being arranged on the free vertical faces (three free sides) of the platform (100) and, more preferably, on the rear face of the platform (100), and can have any shape suitable and adaptable to the geometry of the vessel for which it is intended, but being preferably polygonal, wherein the platform (100) can be used in small, medium and large vessels. It should be noted that the recess (110) can be opened either at its upper part or at its lower part, or at both.

The recess (110) comprises at least one rail (120), preferably two rails (120) in the form of a slot, with positions and dimensions preferably equal to each other, the rails (120) being preferably arranged on the side walls (112), with at least one rail (120) for each side wall (112). Additionally, the rails (120) of the side walls (112) have the shape of a straight line parallel to the level of the upper wall (113) and/or lower wall (114) of the recess (110).

A recreation device (200) according to the present invention comprises a front region (210), a plurality of backrest elements (220), a seating region (230), a bottom (240) with or without an opening for the feet and a plurality of protrusions (250), wherein the recreation device (200) is concealable in a sliding manner and can be used on platforms of small, medium and large vessels.

The front region (210) of the recreation device (200) remains within the recess (110) of the platform (100) even in cases where the recreation device (200) is projecting out of the platform (100) in its final or open position.

The backrest elements (220) of the recreation device (200) are preferably walls of the recreation device (200) that carry out the function of backrest support for a user's back (400). It should be noted that the height of the backrest elements (220) is independent of the height of the platform (100) for which it is intended, the backrest and thus the recreation device (200), may have lower, upper or even equal height to the height of the platform (100).

Furthermore, it is to be noted that the backrest elements (220) may comprise movable backrest elements (221). Wherein at least one movable backrest element (221) pivots and/or slides and/or attaches and/or a combination thereof, on the recreation device (200) comprised by the submersible stern platform (100), allowing to increase the backrest height for the user (400).

More specifically, the sliding movement of the movable backrest elements (221) is possible by means of any suitable traction device. Suitable traction devices are, but are not limited to, manual traction, gears, spindles, levers, ratchets and the like, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motors, gravitational systems, capillary and/or communicating vase systems and any others that are suitable for the vessel and the conditions of use and application, isolated or eventually in combination. The pivoting movement of the movable backrest elements (221) is possible by means of hinges of type: common, strap, spring, hidden, overlapping, butterfly, shifted or any type of hinge on the recreation device (200), as long as it allows the pivoting movement of said recreation device (200). The attachment of the movable backrest elements (221) is possible by means of secondary openings or rails, specific for this purpose, present on the recreation device (200).

The seating region (230) of the recreation device (200) is the region of the recreation device (200) that serves as a seat to support the user (400), providing a stable and reliable surface even in high seas.

The bottom (240) with opening of the recreation device (200) may have any shape, and may be, without limitation, polygonal, round, oval, oblong and the like, preferably having the polygonal shape.

Alternatively, the recreation device (200) may comprise at least one gate (241), which may be shifted, slid, pivoted, or removed, to provide at least one opening in the bottom (240). Said gate (241) is removable, or sliding, or pivoting and allows the opening of the central part of the bottom (240), fulfilling the function of providing an opening for the feet of a user (400), and may have any shape, and may be, without limitation, polygonal, round, oval, oblong and the like, preferably having the polygonal shape. It is also possible to add to the opening of the bottom (240) a mechanism that enables the footrest to the user (400).

The protrusions (250) of the recreation device (200) have dimensions and geometries suitable for attaching and sliding on the rails (120), so as to allow the recreation device (200) to shift between the initial/closed and final/open positions.

The recreation device (200) therefore slides along the platform (100) guided by the rails (120) through at least two protrusions (250), wherein the protrusions (250) project outwards and perform the fixing of the recreation device (200) to the rails (120). The ends of the rails (120) also perform the function of stops, limiting the translation of the recreation device (200) both in opening and closing.

Furthermore, both the recreation device (200) and the recess (110) have corresponding dimensions, so that they allow the free passage of the recreation device (200) through the recess (110), as required for use.

It should be noted that the recess (110) and the recreation device (200) must have appropriate and consistent dimensions with the dimensions of the platform (100).

Furthermore, the rails (120) of the platform (100) may have a descending shape and comprise a plurality of straight portions (121) and at least one inclined portion (122), wherein the inclined portion (122) is interspersed between the straight portions (121).

Regardless of whether the rails (120) have the shape of a straight line or an inclined line, the rails (120) may comprise at least one concavity (123). Preferably, each rail (120) comprises one or more concavities (123) in each of the straight portions (121).

It should be noted that the shape and size of the concavities (123) may vary according to the shape and size of the protrusions (250), so as to ensure that the recreation device (200) remains in a locked position when it is open, or when it is closed. Preferably, in the case of there being two or more concavities (123), they will be arranged so as to allow the protrusions (250) to be locked within them.

In an alternative embodiment, the platform (100) comprises at least one protruding rail (130) in place of the cut-out rail (120), such that both options have the shape of a straight line parallel to the level of the upper wall (113) and/or lower wall (114) of the recess (110), or, alternatively, comprise a plurality of straight portions (121, 131) and at least one inclined portion (122, 132).

It is noted that both configurations, i.e., cut-out rails (120) or protruding rails (130), allow the recreation device (200) to slide forward or backward on the platform (100).

Additionally, the recreation device (200) slides along the straight portions (121) and the inclined portion (122) of the platform (100) through at least two protrusions (250) that move on the rails. It should be noted that the number of protrusions (250) must be chosen as to provide the best shift, balance and stability of the set.

When the recreation device (200) comprises rails (120) or protruding rails (130) and makes the sliding concealable movement with the protrusions (250) passing through the inclined portion (122, 132), its movement will be in the inclined direction. And when the recreation device (200) makes the sliding concealable movement with the protrusions (250) passing through the straight portions (121, 131), its movement will be in the horizontal orientation.

The recreation device (200) is a suitable closing element that acts as a gate, attachable (FIGS. 1 and 2) and/or concealable in a sliding manner into the recess (110) of the platform (100).

The recreation device (200) may have any shape, and may be, but is not limited to, polygonal, round, oval, oblong and the like, preferably having the polygonal shape.

The positional combinations provide a recreation device (200) capable of serving as seating or recreation location, with or without water and, depending on the position of the recreation device (200) in water, with variable volume, which can serve as a small beach, swimming pool, bathtub, opening for fishing, water collection, and other possibilities.

It should be noted that the recreation device (200) may also comprise complementary elements such as covers, drains, grids, screens, footrests or a combination of these possibilities, according to the desired application.

The sliding movement of the recreation device (200) is possible by means of any suitable traction device. Suitable traction devices are, but are not limited to, manual traction, gears, spindles, levers, ratchets and the like, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motors, gravitational systems, capillary and/or communicating vase systems and any others that are suitable for the vessel and the conditions of use and application, isolated or eventually in combination.

Being hollow or solid, with or without air filling, the recreation device (200), the backrest elements (220), the movable backrest elements (221) and the seating region (230) elements may have built-in pipes and wiring, enabling the direct internal or indirect external installation of pumps and nozzles for hydromassage, lighting, massagers, heating, cooling, etc.

It is important to note that, depending on the intended application, the elements of the platform (100) may comprise seals between their walls and contact and/or sliding surfaces.

It can be noted that the recreation device (200) may comprise at least one protrusion (250), preferably two protrusions, containing a head, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, so as to avoid the recreation device (200) from detaching from the platform (100), or even the protrusions (250) from coming off the rails.

In another alternative embodiment, the straight portions (121, 131), or straight rails (120), may comprise unevenness, which would function so as to lock the protrusions (250) and prevent the recreation device (200) from opening or closing accidentally.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the rails (120, 130) are configured downwardly so as to facilitate the sliding of the recreation device (200) while preventing it from accidentally moving.

In a new alternative embodiment, the protruding rails (130) are completely straight, having only one continuous protruding rail (130), allowing the recreation device (200) to easily slide forward and backward, while allowing the recess (110) opening to have dimensions similar to the dimensions of the recreation device (200).

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AND DESCRIPTIONS

The person skilled in the art will realize that the recreation device (200), according to the present invention, solves several problems of the prior art, providing a submersible stern platform (100) comprising a recreation device (200) capable of overcoming the deficiencies of the prior art described above, in particular, it comprises a recreation device (200) that comprises a sliding gate with backrest abutments and a reservoir with an opening for the feet.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the present invention offers a recreation device (200) that, together with the aforementioned dimensions and characteristics, enhances in a new and inventive way the solutions to problems involving a platform (100) of the prior art and the like.

FINAL REMARKS

It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be performed to the present invention without thereby departing from the concepts set out in the description above. Such modifications should be considered as included within the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the particular embodiments previously described in detail are merely illustrative and exemplary, and not limiting in terms of the scope of the present invention, to which the full extent of the appended claims should be given, in addition to all and any equivalents thereof.