Transformable furnishing arrangement for a boat

Abstract

Transformable furnishing arrangement for a boat, comprising: a first furnishing element (12) vertically translatable between a raised position and a lowered position, and a second furnishing element (15) adjoining the first furnishing element (12) and rotatable between a raised position in which the second furnishing element (15) is vertically oriented, and a lowered position in which the second furnishing element (15) is horizontally oriented, wherein the first furnishing element (12) and the second furnishing element (15) in their respective raised positions respectively provide a seat and a backrest of a sofa or bench, and wherein the second furnishing element (15) and the first furnishing element (12) in their respective lowered positions together provide a bed.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally concerns boats and, more specifically, a transformable furnishing arrangement for a boat.

[0002] WO 2020 / 092349 A2 describes a stem-facing seating arrangement for a boat. Such arrangement is on multiple levels and comprises a seat level vertically translatable and a seat level having backrests rotatable between a closed position and an open position.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a solution to increase the versatility of environments on a boat.

[0004] In view of this object, the invention relates to a transformable furnishing arrangement for a boat, comprising a cockpit floor and a lower floor arranged at a lower level than the cockpit floor, and a transformable furnishing assembly arranged at a housing formed in the cockpit floor and comprising: a first furnishing element vertically translatable between a raised position in which the first furnishing element has a top surface arranged at a higher level than the cockpit floor, and a lowered position in which the top surface of the first furnishing element is arranged at an intermediate level between the cockpit floor and the lower floor, a second furnishing element adjoining the first furnishing element and rotatable between a raised position in which the second furnishing element is vertically oriented, and a lowered position in which the second furnishing element is horizontally oriented and arranged at an intermediate level between the top surface of the first furnishing element and the lower floor, wherein the top surface of the first furnishing element and a surface of the second furnishing element facing the first furnishing element are provided with respective paddings, wherein the first furnishing element and the second furnishing element in their respective raised positions provide a seat and a backrest of a sofa or bench, and wherein the second furnishing element and the first furnishing element in their respective lowered positions together provide a bed.

[0005] For the purposes of the present invention, it is understood that the term "bed" includes both indoor beds and outdoor beds, commonly known as sun beds.

[0006] The proposed solution therefore allows to make a sofa or bench in the area of a stern cockpit of a boat, which can be converted into a sun bed in the area of a bathing platform. The application of said solution is not limited to the above-mentioned areas, but can be extended to other areas on a boat.

[0007] Further features and advantages of the arrangement according to the invention will be presented in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, provided solely by way of example and not limitation, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a furnishing arrangement according to the invention, in a sun bed configuration; figure 2 is a perspective view of the furnishing arrangement in a sofa configuration; figure 3 is a longitudinal section perspective view of the furnishing arrangement of figure 1; figure 4 is a longitudinal section perspective view of the furnishing arrangement of figure 2; figure 5 is another section perspective view transverse to the boat of the furnishing arrangement of figure 1; figure 6 is another section perspective view transverse to the boat of the furnishing arrangement of figure 2; and figure 7 is a perspective view of the furnishing arrangement in a further use position.

[0008] With reference to figures 1 and 2, a cockpit floor and a lower floor of a boat are respectively denoted by PP and PI. The cockpit floor PP is the walking surface of a first open area made on a boat, for example of the stern cockpit. The lower floor PI is arranged at a lower level than the cockpit floor PP, and is the walking surface of a second open area made on the boat, for example of a bathing platform. Between the two floors PP and PI there is an interposed transition area AT in which one or more stair ramps R can be formed to allow the passage of people between the two floors PP and PI.

[0009] A transformable furnishing unit, denoted overall by 10, is arranged at a seat 11 formed in the cockpit floor PP and in the transition area AT. The views of figures 3-6 are sectioned and devoid of some panels so as to facilitate the recognition of some components of the furnishing unit 10. The transformable furnishing unit 10 may be arranged adjacent to a stair ramp R, or between two distinct stair ramps R.

[0010] The furnishing unit 10 may comprise a frame (not shown) provided to support the components that will be described below, and to allow anchoring of the furnishing unit to boat structures, at the seat 11.

[0011] The furnishing unit 10 comprises a first furnishing element 12 vertically translatable between a raised position in which the first furnishing element 12 has a top surface 12a arranged at a higher level than the cockpit floor PP (shown in figures 2, 4, and 6), and a lowered position in which the top surface 12a of the first furnishing element 12 is arranged at an intermediate level between the cockpit floor PP and the lower floor PI (shown in figures 1, 3, and 5). For the purposes of the present invention, it is understood that the expression "at an intermediate level between the cockpit floor and the lower floor" includes not only the case in which the top surface 12a of the first furnishing element 12 is below the cockpit floor PP and above the lower floor PI, but also the extreme case in which the top surface 12a of the first furnishing element 12 is at the same level as the cockpit floor PP.

[0012] The first furnishing element 12 comprises a lower structural part 13, and a padding 14 arranged at the top surface 12a of the first furnishing element 12. Said padding 14 may be fixed to the lower structural part 13, or to an adjustable element mounted on the lower structural part 13 as will be described with reference to figure 7.

[0013] The furnishing unit 10 further comprises first movement means 21 operable to control the first furnishing element 12 in vertical translation. In the illustrated example, and as shown in figures 5 and 6, the first movement means 21 comprise a pantograph structure arranged inside the seat 11 and comprising a first pair of rods 21a and a second pair of rods 21b hinged to the first pair of rods 21a. The first pair of rods 21a comprises a first end hinged to a bottom of the seat 11, and the second pair of rods 21b comprises a first end hinged to the lower structural part 13 of the first furnishing element 12. The first pair of rods 21a comprises a second end hinged to a horizontally sliding element fixed to the lower structural part 13 of the first furnishing element 12, and the second pair of rods 21b comprises a second end hinged to a horizontally sliding element fixed to the bottom of the seat 11. The pantograph structure described above further comprises a linear actuator 21c, for example a hydraulic cylinder, having a first end connected to the bottom of the seat 11 and a second end connected to the sliding end of the second pair of rods 21b. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described movement means, and includes any movement means capable of controlling the first furnishing element in translation.

[0014] The furnishing unit 10 further comprises a second furnishing element 15 adjoining the first furnishing element 12 and rotatable between a raised position in which the second furnishing element 15 is vertically oriented (shown in figures 2 and 4), and a lowered position in which the second furnishing element 15 is horizontally oriented and arranged at an intermediate level between the top surface 12a of the first furnishing element 12 and the lower floor PI (shown in figures 1, 3, and 7). For the purposes of the present invention, it is understood that the expression "at an intermediate level between the top surface of the first furnishing element and the lower floor" includes not only the case in which the second furnishing element 15 is below the top surface 12a of the first furnishing element 12 and above the lower floor PI, but also the extreme case in which the second furnishing element 15 is at the same level as the top surface 12a of the first furnishing element 12.

[0015] The second furnishing element 15 comprises a structural support part 16 in the form of a rigid body with thickness, and a padding 17 fixed to the second furnishing element 15 at a surface 15a of the second furnishing element 15 which, in the raised position of figures 2 and 4, is facing the first furnishing element 12, and which, in the lowered position of figures 1, 3, and 7, is facing upward. As can be seen especially in figures 3 and 4, the second furnishing element 15 is hinged to opposite lateral walls of the seat 11, and is therefore capable of rotating around a horizontal rotation axis x arranged at an end of the second furnishing element 15 adjacent to the first furnishing element 12.

[0016] The furnishing unit 10 further comprises second movement means 25 operable to control the second furnishing element 15 in rotation. In the illustrated example, and as shown in figures 3 and 4, the second movement means 25 comprise, on each of the two opposite sides of the second furnishing element 15, a crank 25a rotatable about the axis x and rotationally integral with the second furnishing element 15, and a linear actuator 25b, for example a hydraulic cylinder, having a first end connected to a respective wall of the seat 11 and a second end connected to the respective crank 25a. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described movement means, and includes any movement means capable of controlling the second furnishing element in rotation.

[0017] A control unit 30, comprising for example a programmable logic controller (PLC), is configured to activate, for example remotely, the first and second movement means 21 and 25 in a coordinated manner so that the entire furnishing unit 10 is transformable between the sun bed configuration illustrated in figures 1, 3, and 5, in which the first furnishing element 12 and the second furnishing element 15 are in their respective lowered positions, and the sofa / bench configuration illustrated in figures 2, 4, and 6, in which the first furnishing element 12 and the second furnishing element 15 are in their respective raised positions.

[0018] In the sofa / bench configuration illustrated in figures 2, 4, and 6, in which the first furnishing element 12 and the second furnishing element 15 are in their respective raised positions, the first furnishing element 12 and the second furnishing element 15 respectively provide a seat and a backrest of a bench / sofa facing the inside of the boat, and in particular facing the bow in the case where the furnishing unit 10 is positioned in the stern cockpit. Advantageously, the second furnishing element 15 further provides a barrier / guard between two environments of the boat (for example between stern cockpit and bathing platform).

[0019] In the sun bed configuration illustrated in figures 1, 3, and 5, in which the second furnishing element 15 and the first furnishing element 12 are in their respective lowered positions, the second furnishing element 15 and the first furnishing element 12 together provide a bed, wherein the bed is facing the outside of the boat, and in particular facing the stern should the furnishing unit 10 be positioned in the stern cockpit. In particular, the second furnishing element 15 is arranged cantilevered above the lower floor PI.

[0020] To avoid interferences between the first furnishing element 12 and the second furnishing element 15, the control unit 30 may be configured to activate first the second movement means 25 and subsequently the first movement means 21 in the movement from the raised position to the lowered position, and first the first movement means 21 and subsequently the second movement means 25 in the movement from the lowered position to the raised position. For this purpose, sensor means may be provided configured to detect the achievement of a predetermined position by the second furnishing element 15 and / or the first furnishing element 12 and provide a corresponding signal to the control unit 30.

[0021] With reference to figure 7, an embodiment is shown in which the padding 14 is fixed to an element 14a adjustable in inclination mounted on the lower structural part 13. The adjustable element 14a has an end 14b, facing the second furnishing element 17, which is hinged to the lower structural part 13 so that the adjustable element 14a can be manually rotated with respect to a horizontal hinging axis y. A latch 14b, hinged to a bottom of the element 14a, has an engagement portion 14d capable of engaging a tooth of a plurality of teeth 14e arranged on the lower structural part 13, to lock the adjustable element 14a at a respective inclination angle with respect to the lower structural part 13. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the latch described above, and includes any stop means operable to lock the adjustable element 14a at different inclination angles with respect to the lower structural part 13.

Claims

1. Transformable furnishing arrangement for a boat, the transformable furnishing arrangement comprising a cockpit floor (PP) and a lower floor (PI) arranged at a lower level than the cockpit floor (PP), and a transformable furnishing unit (10) arranged at a seat (11) formed in the cockpit floor (PP) and comprising a first furnishing element (12) vertically translatable between a raised position in which the first furnishing element (12) has a top surface (12a) arranged at a higher level than the cockpit floor (PP), and a lowered position in which the top surface (12a) of the first furnishing element (12) is arranged at an intermediate level between the cockpit floor (PP) and the lower floor (PI), and a second furnishing element (15) adjoining the first furnishing element (12) and rotatable between a raised position in which the second furnishing element (15) is vertically oriented, and a lowered position in which the second furnishing element (15) is horizontally oriented and arranged at an intermediate level between the top surface (12a) of the first furnishing element (12) and the lower floor (PI), wherein the top surface (12a) of the first furnishing element (12) and a surface (15a) of the second furnishing element (15) facing the first furnishing element (12) are provided with respective paddings (14, 17), wherein the first furnishing element (12) and the second furnishing element (15) in their respective raised positions respectively provide a seat and a backrest of a sofa or bench, and wherein the second furnishing element (15) and the first furnishing element (12) together in their respective lowered positions provide a bed.

2. Transformable furnishing arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second furnishing element (15) is capable of rotating around a horizontal rotation axis (x) arranged at an end of the second furnishing element (15) adjacent to the first furnishing element (12).

3. Transformable furnishing arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the second furnishing element (15) in the lowered position is arranged cantilevered above the lower floor (PI).

4. Transformable furnishing arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising first movement means (21) operable to control the first furnishing element (12) in vertical translation, and second movement means (25) operable to control the second furnishing element (15) in rotation.

5. Transformable furnishing arrangement according to claim 4, further comprising a control unit (30) configured to activate the first and second movement means (21, 25) in a coordinated manner in such a way that the furnishing unit (10) is transformable between a sun bed configuration, in which the first furnishing element (12) and the second furnishing element (15) are in their respective lowered positions, and a sofa configuration in which the first furnishing element (12) and the second furnishing element (15) are in their respective raised positions.

6. Transformable furnishing arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the control unit (30) is configured to first activate the second movement means (25) and subsequently the first movement means (21) in the movement from the raised position to the lowered position, and first the first movement means (21) and subsequently the second movement means (25) in the movement from the lowered position to the raised position.

7. Transformable furnishing arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the padding (14) of the first furnishing element (12) is fixed to an adjustable element (14a) having an end (14b) hinged to a lower structural part (13) of the first furnishing element (12), in such a way that the adjustable element (14a) is manually rotatable with respect to a horizontal hinging axis (y).

8. Transformable furnishing arrangement according to claim 7, further comprising catching means (14c, 14d, 14e) operable to lock the adjustable element (14a) at different angles of inclination with respect to the lower structural part (13).

9. Boat comprising a transformable furnishing arrangement, the transformable furnishing arrangement comprising a cockpit floor (PP) and a lower floor (PI) arranged at a lower level than the cockpit floor (PP), and a transformable furnishing assembly (10) arranged at a housing (11) formed in the cockpit floor (PP) and comprising: a first furnishing element (12) vertically translatable between a raised position in which the first furnishing element (12) has a top surface (12a) arranged at a higher level than the cockpit floor (PP), and a lowered position in which the top surface (12a) of the first furnishing element (12) is arranged at an intermediate level between the cockpit floor (PP) and the lower floor (PI), and a second furnishing element (15) adjoining the first furnishing element (12) and rotatable between a raised position in which the second furnishing element (15) is vertically oriented, and a lowered position in which the second furnishing element (15) is horizontally oriented and arranged at an intermediate level between the top surface (12a) of the first furnishing element (12) and the lower floor (PI), wherein the top surface (12a) of the first furnishing element (12) and a surface (15a) of the second furnishing element (15) facing the first furnishing element (12) are provided with respective paddings (14, 17), wherein the first furnishing element (12) and the second furnishing element (15) in their respective raised positions respectively provide a seat and a backrest of a sofa or bench, and wherein the second furnishing element (15) and the first furnishing element (12) in their respective lowered positions together provide a bed.

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