Pontoon boat with slide-out compartment
The slide-out compartment system in pontoon boats addresses the limited passenger space issue by extending to provide additional deck space, enhancing usability without increasing the boat's size or cost.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- US19/059138
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-21
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-21
AI Technical Summary
Pontoons boats have limited passenger space despite their high usability, and increasing the boat's size to address this issue results in higher costs and storage difficulties.
A slide-out compartment system with movable sections that can extend or retract to provide additional deck space, utilizing slide mechanisms, travel limiters, and prime movers for controlled movement, and a control system to manage operation.
Enhances usable passenger space without increasing the boat's overall size, providing flexible and accessible deck area for passengers.
Smart Images
Figure US20250263151A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] An advantage of pontoon boats compared to other forms of watercraft is that pontoon boats typically provide a large amount of passenger space for a given boat length and width. A typical pontoon boat includes a deck supported by a frame, which in turn is supported by at least a port pontoon and a starboard pontoon. Typically, a passenger barrier extends around at least a portion of the deck near the perimeter of the deck. The passenger barrier is configured to inhibit passengers from inadvertently stepping off the deck and falling into the water below the deck. The passenger barrier often takes the form of a rail system having openings through which passengers can board or disembark the pontoon boat. Each such opening typically is provided with a gate configured to selectively open and close the opening. Nearly the entirety of the deck area within the passenger barrier is readily usable by a passenger on the pontoon boat. Thus, the deck may define a passenger space having an area nearly as great as the footprint defined by the port and starboard pontoons.
[0002] Some of the passenger space is occupied by a helm and various forms of deck furniture disposed upon or above the deck. Such deck furniture may include without limitation, seating units, storage units, tables, or combinations thereof. For example, a pontoon boat seating unit may combine a bench having a seat and a backrest, with a storage unit underneath the seat and another storage unit behind the backrest. Another portion of the passenger space is left open so that passengers may freely walk about the deck to easily access the deck furniture and to easily board and disembark the pontoon boat as desired.
[0003] Notwithstanding the high percentage of usable passenger space on the deck of a typical pontoon boat, a user of the pontoon boat might nevertheless desire more usable passenger space. Typically, the desire for more usable space can be met only by providing a larger boat. However, a larger boat typically would be more costly and more difficult to trailer and store than a smaller boat.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide a pontoon boat with more usable passenger space without increasing the boat's overall size.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present disclosure is directed to a pontoon boat having a first pontoon, a second pontoon, a frame connected to and supported by the first and second pontoons, a deck supported by the frame, the deck defining an interior region of the pontoon boat, and a slide-out compartment. The slide-out compartment includes a first fixed section attached to the frame, a second fixed section attached to the frame, and a movable section slidingly supported by the first and second fixed sections. The movable section is selectively movable between a first position in which the movable section is disposed relatively near the interior region of the pontoon boat and substantially between the first and second fixed sections, and a second position in which the movable section is disposed relatively far from the interior region of the pontoon boat and is at least partially outboard of the first and second fixed sections.
[0006] In embodiments, the slide-out compartment includes a first slide mechanism connected between the first fixed section and the movable section second, and a second slide mechanism connected between the second fixed section and the movable section. The first slide mechanism may include a fixed rail connected to the first fixed section and a movable rail connected to the movable section.
[0007] In embodiments, the slide-out compartment includes a travel limiter configured to limit travel of the movable section with respect to the first fixed section in at least one of a direction toward the interior region of the pontoon boat and a direction away from the interior region of the pontoon boat. The travel limiter may include a first stop block connected to one of the first fixed section and the movable section, and a stop arm connected to the other of the first fixed section and the movable section. The travel limiter also may include a second stop block connected to one of the first fixed section and the movable section. In embodiments, the slide-out compartment includes a travel lock configured to inhibit movement of the movable section with respect to the first fixed section.
[0008] In embodiments, the slide-out compartment may include a prime mover connected between the movable section and one of the first fixed section and the second fixed section. The prime mover may be connected between the movable section and the other of the first fixed section and the second fixed section. In embodiments, the slide-out compartment may include a second prime mover connected between the movable section and the other of the first fixed section and the second fixed section. The prime mover may be a telescopic actuator.
[0009] In embodiments, the pontoon boat may include a control system configured to control operation of the prime mover. The control system may include an interlock configured to inhibit operation of the pontoon boat under power if the movable section is not in the first position.
[0010] In embodiments, the movable section of the slide-out compartment may occlude a portion of the deck when the movable section is in the first position, and not occlude the portion of the deck when the movable section is in the second position. In embodiments, the movable section includes a floor which may occlude a portion of the deck when the movable section is in the first position, and not occlude the portion of the deck when the movable section is in the second position.
[0011] In embodiments, the movable section may include a bench. The bench may be convertible between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. The bench may include a seat, a backrest, and a kick. The seat may be pivotable with respect to the backrest between a seating orientation in which the seat is generally perpendicular to the backrest and a stowed orientation in which the seat is generally parallel to the backrest. The kick may be pivotable with respect to the seat between a first position in which the kick is generally perpendicular to the seat and a second position in which the kick is generally parallel to the seat.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an illustrative pontoon boat with two slide-out compartments according to the present disclosure, showing the slide out compartments in a retracted configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1 showing the slide-out compartments in an extended configuration;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1 showing the slide-out compartments in an extended configuration;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a port side elevation view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1 showing the slide-out compartments in a retracted configuration;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1 showing the slide-out compartments in an extended configuration and with seat cushions in a deployed configuration;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1 showing the slide-out compartments in an extended configuration and with seat cushions in a stowed configuration;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear (aft) elevation view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1 showing the slide-out compartments in an extended configuration;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an illustrative slide-out compartment having first and second fixed sections, a movable section, and a convertible bench according to the present disclosure, with the movable section in a retracted position and the convertible bench in a deployed configuration;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the slide-out compartment of FIG. 9 with the movable section in an extended position and the convertible bench in the deployed configuration;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the slide-out compartment of FIG. 9 with the movable section in the retracted position and the convertible bench in a configuration intermediate the deployed configuration and a stowed configuration;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the slide-out compartment of FIG. 9 with the movable section in the retracted position and the convertible bench in the stowed configuration;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the slide-out compartment of FIG. 9 with the movable section in the extended position and the convertible bench in the stowed configuration; and
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view and detail view showing an illustrative connection of the fixed sections to a frame of the pontoon boat by bolted attachment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Terms such as forward, aft, port, starboard, left, right, up, down, front, rear, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, and the like, as might be used herein, should be construed in a relative sense, rather than an absolute sense, unless context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0027] FIGS. 1-8 show an illustrative pontoon boat 10 having a first slide-out compartment 100 and a second slide-out compartment 100′ opposite the first slide-out compartment 100. FIGS. 1-8 show the slide-out compartments 100, 100′ near the bow of the pontoon boat 10 and proximate respective port and starboard sides of the pontoon boat 10. In embodiments, either or both of the first and second slide-out compartments 100, 100′ may be located elsewhere. For example, without limitation, either or both of the first and slide-out compartment 100, 100′ may be located proximate any of the port side of the pontoon boat 10, the starboard side of the pontoon boat 10, the bow of the pontoon boat 10, and the stern of the pontoon boat 10. In embodiments, the second slide-out compartment 100′ may be omitted, and the first slide-out compartment may be located as desired with respect to the pontoon boat 10. In embodiments, one or more further slide-out compartments may be provided in addition to the first and second slide-out compartments 100, 100′. Such further slide-out compartments may be located as desired with respect to the pontoon boat 10.
[0028] The first and second slide-out compartments 100, 100′ are configured to selectively provide additional, accessible and usable deck space on the pontoon boat 10. To this end, each of the slide-out compartments 100, 100′ includes a movable section movable in directions toward and away from an interior region of the pontoon boat 10, as will be discussed further below. In embodiments, either or both of the slide-out compartments 100, 100′ may include a furniture unit, for example, without limitation, a convertible bench, as will be discussed further below.
[0029] As shown, the pontoon boat 10 includes a port pontoon 12, a starboard pontoon 14 spaced from and parallel to the port pontoon 12, and an optional center pontoon 16 spaced from, between, and parallel to the port pontoon 12 and the starboard pontoon 14. A frame 18 is disposed above and connected to each of the port pontoon 12, the starboard pontoon 14, and the optional center pontoon 16. A deck 20 is disposed above and connected to the frame 18.
[0030] A passenger barrier 22, for example, a railing or other structure, extends about the deck 20 near the outer perimeter of the deck 20. The passenger barrier 22 extends upwardly from the deck 20, and it may be connected to one or both of the frame 18 and the deck 20. The passenger barrier 22 may define one or more openings 24 configured to allow passage therethrough. A corresponding gate 26 operable by a user of the pontoon boat 10 may be provided to selectively open and close each such opening 24. The passenger barrier 22 generally defines the interior region of the pontoon boat 10, the interior region being located generally within the confines of the passenger barrier 22.
[0031] A variety of deck furniture 28, including, without limitation, benches and storage units, may be provided above the deck 20. At least some of the deck furniture 28 may be disposed proximate the perimeter of the deck 20 and within the confines of the passenger barrier 22. In embodiments, the deck furniture 28 may define at least a portion of the passenger barrier 22. For example, without limitation, a back rest of a seating unit facing the interior of the pontoon boat 10 may function as a portion of the passenger barrier. The deck furniture 28 may be connected to one or both of the frame 18 and the deck 20.
[0032] A helm 30 may be provided above the deck 20. The helm 30 may include a seat, instruments, and controls, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.
[0033] Similarly, each of the slide-out compartments 100, 100′, discussed in greater detail below, may be provided above the deck 20 and may be disposed proximate the perimeter of the deck 20. So located, either or both of the slide-out compartments 100, 100′ may define at least a portion of the passenger barrier 22.
[0034] As shown, the first slide-out compartment 100 and the second slide-out compartment 100′ are mirror images of each other. One skilled in the art would understand that the second slide-out compartment 100′ may be, but need not be, configured and operated in a manner similar to the first slide-out compartment 100. One skilled in the art also would understand that any additional slide-out compartment(s) may be, but need not be, configured and operated in a manner similar to the first slide-out compartment 100. For brevity, only the first slide-out compartment 100 will be described in detail herein, and it may be referred to herein simply as “the slide-out compartment 100.”
[0035] FIGS. 9-13 show the slide-out compartment 100 in greater detail. As shown, the slide-out compartment 100 includes a first fixed section 102, a second fixed section 104 spaced in a first direction from the first fixed section 102, and a movable section 106. The slide-out compartment 100 and, therefore, each of the first fixed section 102, the second fixed section 104, and the movable section 106 has an inboard side I facing the interior region of the pontoon boat 10 and an outboard side O facing away from the interior region of the pontoon boat 10. Each of the first fixed section 102 and the second fixed section 104 may be securely connected to either or both of the frame 18 and the deck 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, each of the first fixed section 102 and the second fixed section 104 may be connected to the frame 18, for example to a cross member 18X of the frame 18 by bolted attachment using threaded fasteners 34. In embodiments, the first fixed section 102 and the second fixed section 104 may be connected to the frame 18 by welded attachment thereto. The cross member 18X may in turn be connected to the ones of the pontoons 12, 14, 16 via intervening risers 32. The movable section 106 is movably connected to the first fixed section 102 by at least a first slide mechanism 108, and to the second fixed section 104 by at least a second slide mechanism 110, as will be discussed further below.
[0036] The first and second slide mechanisms 108, 110 are operable to enable the movable section 106 to move back and forth in a second direction between first and second positions with respect to the first fixed section 102 and the second fixed section 104. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. In the first position (which may be referred to herein as the retracted position), the movable section 106 is disposed relatively near the interior region of the pontoon boat and generally between the first and second fixed sections 102, 104. In the second position (which may be referred to herein as the extended position), the movable section 106 is disposed relatively far from the interior region of the pontoon boat and generally outboard O of the first and second fixed sections 102, 104. As shown, the first and second slide mechanisms 108, 110 are configured so that the second direction is generally parallel to the deck 20. As such, the movable section 106 is movable toward and away from an interior region of the pontoon boat 10, generally parallel to the deck 20. In embodiments, the first and second slide mechanisms 108, 110 could be configured so that the second direction has components both parallel to and perpendicular to the deck 20. As such, the movable section 106 could be movable toward and away from the interior region of the pontoon boat 10 and simultaneously toward and away from the deck 20.
[0037] As shown, the movable section 106 is disposed generally between the first and second fixed sections 102, 104 when the movable section 106 is in the first (or retracted) position, and the movable section 106 is disposed generally outboard O of the first and second fixed sections 102, 104 when the movable section 106 is in the second (or extended) position. As best shown in FIG. 5, when the movable section 106 is in the retracted position, the movable section 106 covers a selectively occluded portion 20A of the deck 20, such that the selectively occluded portion of the deck 20 generally is inaccessible from above for occupation or use by a passenger. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the movable section 106 is in the second position, the movable section 106 does not cover the selectively occluded portion of the deck 20, thus rendering the selectively occluded portion 20A of the deck 20 accessible from above for occupation or use by a passenger. See FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0038] The movable section 106 includes a first side portion 106A and a second side portion 106B spaced from the first side portion 106A. A back portion 106C is disposed between and connected to each of the first and second side portions 106A, 106B, proximate corresponding rear or outer ends thereof. As suggested above, the back portion 106C of the moveable section 106 may serve as a portion of the passenger barrier 22, regardless of whether the movable section 106 is in the first position the second position, or therebetween. Also, the first and second side portions 106A, 106B of the movable section 106 may serve as a portion of the passenger barrier 22 when the movable section 106 is in the second position. A bottom portion 106D is disposed between and connected to each of the first and second side portions 106A, 106B, proximate corresponding lower or bottom ends thereof. As shown in the drawings, the bottom portion 106D of the movable section 106 may be embodied as or otherwise include a floor configured to enable users to stand thereon. As suggested above, the floor would overlie the selectively occluded portion 20A of the deck 20 when the movable section 106 is in the first position but not when the movable section 106 is in the second position.
[0039] As mentioned above, the movable section 106 is movably connected to the first fixed section 102 by the first slide mechanism 108, and to the second fixed section 104 by the second slide mechanism 110. As shown, the movable section 106 is further connected to the first fixed section 102 by an optional third slide mechanism 112, and the movable section 106 is further connected to the second fixed section 104 by an optional fourth slide mechanism 114. As shown, each of the slide mechanism 108-114 is identical to or a mirror image of another of the slide mechanisms 108-114.
[0040] As shown, the first slide mechanism 108 includes a fixed rail 108F connected to an upper region of the first fixed section 102 and a movable rail 108M connected to an upper region of the first side 106A of the movable portion 104. Similarly, the second slide mechanism 110 includes a fixed rail 110F connected to an upper region of the second fixed section 104 and a movable rail 110M connected to an upper region of the second side 106B of the movable portion 106. Also, the third slide mechanism 112 includes a fixed rail 112F connected to a lower region of the first fixed section 102 and a movable rail 112M connected to a lower region of the first side 106A of the movable portion 106. Similarly, the fourth slide mechanism 114 includes a fixed rail 114F connected to a lower region of the second fixed section 104 and a movable rail 114M connected to a lower region of the second side 106B of the movable portion 106. Each of the foregoing fixed rails 108F, 110F, 112F, 114F slidingly engages with the corresponding movable rail 108M, 110M, 112M, 114M in a manner that would be understood by one skilled in the art. Bearings, low friction surfaces, or the like (not shown) may be provided between respective pairs of the rails 108F / M, 110F / M, 112F / M, 114F / M of the slide mechanisms 108, 110, 112, 114, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. An intermediate rail (not shown) may be disposed between the fixed rail and movable rail of any or all of the slide mechanisms 108, 110, 112, 114, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.
[0041] The foregoing slide mechanisms 108, 110, 112, 114 are illustrative and not limiting. One skilled in the art would understand that any or all of the slide mechanisms 108, 110, 112, 114 could be embodied as any form of mechanism configured to enable controlled, relative translation or sliding of the movable section 106 with respect to the first and second fixed sections 102, 104. Further non-limiting examples of mechanisms that may be used to effect such relative motion include rack and pinion systems, slide blocks, and the like.
[0042] The slide-out compartment 100 may include one or more travel limiters configured to limit the travel of the movable section 106 with respect to the first and second fixed sections 102, 104 when the movable section 106 is moved between the first and second positions. For example, as shown, each of the first and second fixed sections 102, 104 includes a first (or inboard) stop block 116 proximate an inboard end I thereof, and a second (or outboard) stop block 118 proximate an outboard end O thereof. Also, the movable section 106 includes a stop arm 120 connected to each of the first and second side portions 106A, 106B thereof. The stop arms 120 are located so that they may engage with the corresponding first stop block 116 to preclude movement of the movable section 106 in an inboard direction I further than desired, and so that they may engage with the corresponding second stop block 118 to preclude movement of the movable section 106 in an outboard direction O further than desired. The stop arms 120 may be, but need not be, located so that they engage with the corresponding first stop block 116 at the desired inboard travel limit, and so that they engage with the corresponding second stop block 118 at the desired outboard travel limit. That is, a gap may remain between the stop arms 120 and the corresponding first and second stop blocks 116, 118 at the desired travel limits. In embodiments, the relative locations of the stop blocks 116, 118 and the stop arms could be reversed. That is, the stop blocks 116, 118 could be connected to the respective first and second side portions 106A, 106B of the movable section 106, and the stop arms 120 could be connected to the respective first and second fixed portions 102, 104.
[0043] The slide-out compartment 100 may further include one or more travel locks to secure the movable section 106 in the retracted position, the extended position, or an intermediate position with respect to the first and second side sections 102, 104. For example, as shown, each stop block 116, 118 may include a corresponding extension 116A, 118A defining a corresponding through-hole (not shown). A corresponding locking pin 122 having a longitudinal axis and a free end is received by each of the foregoing through-holes (not shown) in a manner that allows the locking pin 122 to be selectively moved along its longitudinal axis, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. For example, the locking pin 122 could be slidingly engaged with the corresponding stop block 116, 118 through-hole (not shown) and moved axially by application of an appropriate axial force. Such sliding engagement could be sufficiently tight to preclude to locking pin 122 from sliding under its own weight, yet sufficiently loose to allow a user to slide the locking pin 122 without applying undue force thereto. Alternatively, the locking pin 122 could be threadingly engaged with the corresponding stop block 116, 118 through-hole (not shown) and moved axially by screwing the locking pin into or out of the through-hole. Also, each of the stop arms 120 defines a corresponding hole (not shown) configured to selectively receive the free end of the corresponding locking pin 122, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.
[0044] In use, the movable section 106 may be locked into the retracted position by aligning the locking pins 122 of the first stop blocks 116 with the corresponding holes (not shown) in the respective stop arms 120, and then engaging the locking pins 122 of the first stop blocks 116 with the corresponding holes of the respective stop arms 120. Similarly, the movable section 106 may be locked into the extended position by aligning the locking pins 122 of the second stop blocks 118 with the corresponding holes in the respective stop arms 120, and then engaging the locking pins 122 of the second stop blocks 118 with the corresponding holes of the respective stop arms 120. The movable section 106 may be unlocked from either locked position by disengaging the applicable locking pins 122 from the corresponding holes in the respective stop arms 120.
[0045] The foregoing arrangement of travel limiters and travel locks is illustrative and not limiting. One skilled in the art would understand that any or all of the foregoing travel limiters and travel locks could be embodied as any mechanism configured to limit and selectively preclude travel of the movable section 106 with respect to the first and second fixed sections 102, 104.
[0046] The movable section 106 may be manually operable. For example, a user may move the movable section 106 between the first and second positions by disengaging the locking pins 122, if provided and engaged, and by pushing or pulling the unlocked movable section 106 as desired to move it from the any of the first position, the second position, and an intermediate position to or toward another of the first position, the second position, or an intermediate position. Once the user has moved the movable section 106 to one of the first and second positions, the user may manually engage the locking pins 122, if provided, as suggested above to lock the movable section 106 in place there.
[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the movable section 106 may be power-operated. For example, as shown, the slide-out compartment 100 includes a first prime mover 124 connected between the movable section 106 and the first fixed section 102, and a second prime mover 124 connected between the movable section 106 and the second fixed section 104. The first and second prime movers 124 are configured to exert force on the movable section 106 and thereby move the movable section 106 with respect to the first and second fixed sections 102, 104, as desired. In embodiments, either of the first prime mover 124 connected between the movable section 106 and the first fixed section 102 and the second prime mover 124 connected between the movable section 106 and the second fixed section 104 may be omitted. In embodiments, a single prime mover 124 may be connected between the movable section 106 and both of the first and second fixed sections 102, 104
[0048] The prime mover 124 is shown as an electrically-operated, screw-type telescopic actuator powered by an electrical system (not shown) provided with the pontoon boat 10 for powering electrical loads on the pontoon boat 10. In embodiments, the prime mover 124 may be any other form of telescopic actuator, for example without limitation, an electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic piston-and-cylinder assembly. In embodiments, the prime mover 124 may be a motor-driven rack and pinion assembly, a powered cable mechanism, or any other prime mover capable of exerting a force on the movable section 106 to thereby move the movable section 106 with respect to the first and second fixed sections 102, 104.
[0049] Embodiments including a power-operated movable section 106 may further include a control system (not shown) for operating the prime mover(s) 124 and thereby extending and retracting the movable section 106. The control system (not shown) may include a control switch (not shown) proximate one or more of the helm 30 and the slide-out compartment 100, the control switch (not shown) being operable to control operation of the prime mover 124 and thereby control extension and retraction of the movable section 106. The control system (not shown) also may include an interlock to preclude moving the pontoon boat 10 under power while the movable section 106 is not in the first position, that is when the movable section 106 is fully or partially extended to or toward the second position. To this end, the control system (not shown) may include one or more position sensors (not shown) configured to detect whether the movable section 106 is or is not in the first position, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In embodiments including slide-out compartments on opposite sides of the pontoon boat (for example, without limitation, the first slide-out compartment 100 and the second slide-out compartment 100′ as shown), the control system (not shown) may be, but need not be, configured to extend and retract corresponding pairs of such slide-out compartments simultaneously to better maintain side-to-side stability and balance of the pontoon boat 10.
[0050] The movable section 106 may, but need not, include a bench 200. As shown, the movable section 106 includes a bench 200, and the bench 200 is convertible between a first (or deployed) configuration and a second (or stowed) configuration. In the deployed configuration, the bench 200 provides a seating unit. With the bench 200 in the stowed configuration, the slide-out compartment 100 may take the form of an open platform, for example, a fishing platform or a balcony. The bench 200 may be converted between the first and second configurations regardless of whether the movable section 106 is in the first position or the second position. In embodiments, the bench 200 could be fixed, that is, not convertible as described herein.
[0051] As shown, the bench 200 includes a seat 202, a backrest 204, and a kick 206. The seat 202 has an inboard end facing inboard I, and an outboard end facing outboard O. Each of the backrest 204 and the kick 206 has an inboard surface facing inboard I and an outboard surface facing outboard O. The kick 206 may, but need not, function as a leg supporting the inboard end of the seat 202 when the bench 200 is in the deployed configuration. In embodiments, one or both of the backrest 204 and the kick 206 may be omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest 204 functions as a portion of the passenger barrier 22. If the backrest 204 is omitted, another structure (not shown) may be provided in its place or thereabouts to function as the portion of the passenger barrier 22. In embodiments, the bench 200 may further include arm rests or bolsters (not shown). Each of the seat 202, the backrest 204, and the kick 206 may be, but need not be, cushioned. Also, each of the seat 202, the backrest 204, and the kick 206 may be provided in one piece or in two or more sections.
[0052] The seat 202 may be pivotably connected proximate the outboard end thereof to the backrest 204 proximate a lower end thereof (as shown in the drawings) or otherwise to the movable section 106 so that the seat 202 may be pivoted between a seating position in which the seat is generally parallel to the deck 20 and generally perpendicular to the backrest 204, and a stowed position in which an upper surface of the seat 202 faces the inboard surface of the backrest 204 and is generally parallel to the backrest 204 and / or generally perpendicular to the deck 20. Similarly, the kick 206 may be pivotably connected proximate an upper end thereof to the seat 202 proximate the inboard end thereof so that the kick 206 may pivoted between a first position generally perpendicular to the seat 202 and a second position generally parallel to and adjacent the seat 202. The foregoing pivotable connections may be effected using any suitable form of hinge (not shown), as would be understood by one skilled in the art.
[0053] It is apparent from the drawings that the bench 200 occludes a portion of the floor of the movable section 106 when the bench 200 is in the deployed configuration, and that the foregoing portion of the floor of the movable section 106 is exposed and usable by a passenger when the bench 200 is in the stowed configuration.
[0054] The embodiments shown and described herein are illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art would understand how to modify the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A pontoon boat comprising:a first pontoon;a second pontoon;a frame connected to and supported by the first and second pontoons;a deck supported by the frame, the deck defining an interior region of the pontoon boat; anda slide-out compartment, the slide-out compartment comprising:a first fixed section attached to the frame;a second fixed section attached to the frame; anda movable section slidingly supported by the first and second fixed sections,wherein the movable section is selectively movable between a first position in which the movable section is disposed relatively near the interior region of the pontoon boat and substantially between the first and second fixed sections, and a second position in which the movable section is disposed relatively far from the interior region of the pontoon boat and is at least partially outboard of the first and second fixed sections.
2. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the slide-out compartment further comprises:a first slide mechanism connected between the first fixed section and the movable section second; anda second slide mechanism connected between the second fixed section and the movable section.
3. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the first slide mechanism comprises a fixed rail connected to the first fixed section and a movable rail connected to the movable section.
4. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the slide-out compartment further comprises:a travel limiter configured to limit travel of the movable section with respect to the first fixed section in at least one of a direction toward the interior region of the pontoon boat and a direction away from the interior region of the pontoon boat.
5. The pontoon boat of claim 4, wherein the travel limiter comprises:a first stop block connected to one of the first fixed section and the movable section; anda stop arm connected to the other of the first fixed section and the movable section.
6. The pontoon boat of claim 5, wherein the travel limiter further comprises:a second stop block connected to one of the first fixed section and the movable section.
7. The pontoon boat of claim 1 further comprising a travel lock configured to inhibit movement of the movable section with respect to the first fixed section.
8. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the slide-out compartment further comprises:a prime mover connected between the movable section and one of the first fixed section and the second fixed section.
9. The pontoon boat of claim 8, wherein the prime mover further is connected between the movable section and the other of the first fixed section and the second fixed section.
10. The pontoon boat of claim 8, wherein the slide-out compartment further comprises:a second prime mover connected between the movable section and the other of the first fixed section and the second fixed section.
11. The pontoon boat of claim 8 wherein the prime mover is a telescopic actuator.
12. The pontoon boat of claim 8, further comprising a control system configured to control operation of the prime mover.
13. The pontoon boat of claim 12, wherein the control system comprises an interlock configured to inhibit operation of the pontoon boat under power if the movable section is not in the first position.
14. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the movable section occludes a portion of the deck when the movable section is in the first position, and wherein the movable section does not occlude the portion of the deck when the movable section is in the second position.
15. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the movable section comprises a floor, wherein the floor occludes a portion of the deck when the movable section is in the first position, and wherein the floor does not occlude the portion of the deck when the movable section is in the second position.
16. The pontoon boat of claim 1 wherein the movable section comprises a bench.
17. The pontoon boat of claim 16 wherein the bench is convertible between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration.
18. The pontoon boat of claim 17,wherein the bench comprises a seat, a backrest, and a kick,wherein the seat is pivotable with respect to the backrest between a seating orientation in which the seat is generally perpendicular to the backrest and a stowed orientation in which the seat is generally parallel to the backrest, andwherein the kick is pivotable with respect to the seat between a first position in which the kick is generally perpendicular to the seat and a second position in which the kick is generally parallel to the seat.
19. A pontoon boat comprising:a first pontoon;a second pontoon;a frame connected to and supported by the first and second pontoons;a deck supported by the frame, the deck defining an interior region of the pontoon boat, anda slide-out compartment, the slide-out compartment comprising:a first fixed section supported by the frame;a second fixed section supported by the frame; anda movable section slidingly supported by the first and second fixed sections,wherein the movable section is selectively movable between a first position in which the movable section is disposed relatively near the interior region of the pontoon boat, and a second position in which the movable section is disposed relatively far from the interior region of the pontoon boat,wherein the movable section comprises a floor, wherein the floor occludes a portion of the deck when the movable section is in the first position, and wherein the floor does not occlude the portion of the deck when the movable section is in the second position,wherein the movable section further comprises a bench,wherein the bench is convertible between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration,wherein the bench comprises a seat, a backrest, and a kick,wherein the seat is pivotable with respect to the backrest between a seating orientation in which the seat is generally perpendicular to the backrest and a stowed orientation in which the seat is generally parallel to the backrest, andwherein the kick is pivotable with respect to the seat between a first position in which the kick is generally perpendicular to the seat and a second position in which the kick is generally parallel to the seat.
20. The pontoon boat of claim 19, wherein the seat occludes a portion of the floor when the convertible bench is in the first position and wherein the sat does not occlude the portion of the floor when the convertible bench is in the second position.