FISHING BOAT SEAT
United States Patent 3839757
A combined running and fishing seat for a boat adapted to be moved longitudinally and in elevation between a first running position and a second elevated fishing position. The seat includes a seat base on which a rotatable seat is mounted and two pairs of spaced parallel bars pivoted at upper ends to the seat base and at lower ends to mounting means secured with the bottom of the boat. The mounting means has a supporting surface for holding the seat base at a lower running position and a latch assembly for engaging and locking the parallel bars to support the seat base at an upper fishing position.
US Patent References:
/1143195.html
Henderson - June 1915 - 1143195
/1245098.html
Goldthwait - October 1917 - 1245098
Combined seat and tote box for fishermen's use
Hamill - June 1954 - 2681809
Flat bottomed fishing boat
Ward - December 1963 - 3179961
Movable seat for motor vehicle
Lathers - July 1963 - 3236556
/1143195.html
Henderson - June 1915 - 1143195
/1245098.html
Goldthwait - October 1917 - 1245098
Combined seat and tote box for fishermen's use
Hamill - June 1954 - 2681809
Flat bottomed fishing boat
Ward - December 1963 - 3179961
Movable seat for motor vehicle
Lathers - July 1963 - 3236556
Application Number:
05/303528
Publication Date:
10/08/1974
Filing Date:
11/03/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
297/344.140, 297/344.210, D12/318, 297/188.130
International Classes:
A47C3/36; B63B29/06; A47C3/20; B63B29/00; B63B29/04; A47C3/20; A47C7/62
Field of Search:
9/7,5 297/193,192,4,326,349
US Patent References:
| 3300172 | Multiple position seat for material handling equipment | January 1967 | Noller |
Primary Examiner:
Makay, Albert J.
Assistant Examiner:
Auton, Gary L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Garland, Mathews H.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A seat support assembly for a fishing boat adapted to be moved between a first low running position and a second elevated fishing position spaced horizontally from said first position, comprising: a mounting console adapted to be secured along the bottom of a boat to provide a base for said seat support, said mounting console having a first horizontal storage section having a removable top to provide access into said storage section when open and a horizontal support surface when closed for supporting a seat base at said first low running position, said console having a second elevated vertical storage section provided with an access door opening toward said horizontal storage section for housing apparatus including a depth finder observable to the operator of said boat when occupying a seat on said assembly when in said low running position; a pair of parallel support legs pivotally secured at lower ends at horizontally spaced locations along a lower portion of each side of said console, corresponding legs of each pair of legs being aligned longitudinally with each other along said console sides and said leg lower ends being horizontally located such that said legs slope at substantial angles at both said low and elevated seat positions; a seat base pivotally connected with the upper ends of said legs for supporting a rotatable seat movable between said running and fishing positions, said seat base resting on said top of said horizontal storage section at said low running position; means along opposite sides of said console for stabilizing said legs laterally when positioned for supporting said seat base at said elevated fishing position; and latch means on said console for locking at least one of said legs against movement when said seat base is at said elevated fishing position.
2. A fishing boat seat base assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said seat base is spaced above the top of said vertical storage section of said console when at said elevated running position and including means for securing said latch means at a plurality of locations along a side of said console for releasably locking said seat at a plurality of elevations at said fishing position.
1. A seat support assembly for a fishing boat adapted to be moved between a first low running position and a second elevated fishing position spaced horizontally from said first position, comprising: a mounting console adapted to be secured along the bottom of a boat to provide a base for said seat support, said mounting console having a first horizontal storage section having a removable top to provide access into said storage section when open and a horizontal support surface when closed for supporting a seat base at said first low running position, said console having a second elevated vertical storage section provided with an access door opening toward said horizontal storage section for housing apparatus including a depth finder observable to the operator of said boat when occupying a seat on said assembly when in said low running position; a pair of parallel support legs pivotally secured at lower ends at horizontally spaced locations along a lower portion of each side of said console, corresponding legs of each pair of legs being aligned longitudinally with each other along said console sides and said leg lower ends being horizontally located such that said legs slope at substantial angles at both said low and elevated seat positions; a seat base pivotally connected with the upper ends of said legs for supporting a rotatable seat movable between said running and fishing positions, said seat base resting on said top of said horizontal storage section at said low running position; means along opposite sides of said console for stabilizing said legs laterally when positioned for supporting said seat base at said elevated fishing position; and latch means on said console for locking at least one of said legs against movement when said seat base is at said elevated fishing position.
2. A fishing boat seat base assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said seat base is spaced above the top of said vertical storage section of said console when at said elevated running position and including means for securing said latch means at a plurality of locations along a side of said console for releasably locking said seat at a plurality of elevations at said fishing position.
Description:
This invention relates to boat seats and more particularly relates to a movable fishing boat seat for use in both running and fishing positions.
The requirements of a boat seat for both operating a boat and for fishing from the boat are not necessarily compatible. A running seat for operating the boat desirably is at a position within the boat within easy reach of all of the controls and at an elevation which is as near the center of gravity of the boat as is consistent with good visibility. Thus, the more desirable position for such a running seat is along the center line of the boat and somewhat removed from the forward or aft end of the boat. In contrast, however, a fishing seat preferably is at an elevated position within the boat to provide optimum vision to the fisherman and maximum space for casting and otherwise manipulating the fishing gear. Additionally, it is preferred that the seat for fishing be near the edge of the boat so that the visibility will be further improved and the fisherman will be in an accessible location to readily bring fish aboard. A further desirable feature in boats which carry at least two fishing seats is for the fishing positions of the seats to be spaced as far apart as possible to give maximum room to the fisherman. Presently available fishing seats are permanently mounted at a fixed location in a boat and are movable only in elevation between low and higher positions while not being shiftable longitudinally to give the fishermen maximum room and improved visibility, especially when two are in the boat. Additionally, the vertically movable seats are cumbersome to handle and not readily adjustable between elevations.
It is, therefore, a principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved combination running and fishing seat for a boat.
It is another object of the invention to provide a movable boat seat which is adjustable between a running position and a plurality of fishing positions at various elevations and longitudinal locations in a boat.
It is another object of the invention to provide a movable boat seat which is mounted on parallel pivoted supporting bars permitting the seat to be quickly shifted between running and fishing positions.
It is another object of the invention to provide a fishing seat which automatically latches in an upper fishing position responsive to movement to such position.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a fishing seat for a boat mounted on a platform which serves a dual function of supporting the seat base in the running mode while also providing storage space for such supplies and equipment as fishing gear, minnows, and depth measuring apparatus.
It is another object of the invention to provide a fishing boat seat which is movable from a first running position near the center of the boat at the boat controls and a fishing position at a higher elevation and moved toward one end of the boat for improved visibility and access over the side of the boat.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a combined running and fishing seat for a boat which includes a console platform mount, a seat base secured on parallel supporting bars pivoted at upper ends to the base and at lower ends to the console, a seat mount supporting surface at a low elevation on the console for holding the seat at a low running position, and a latch on the mounting platform releasably engageable with at least one of the parallel bars for locking the seat at a desired elevated fishing position spaced longitudinally along the boat from the running location.
The foregoing objects and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the following detailed description of a preferred form of a running and fishing seat for a boat taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the bow or forward end of a fishing boat showing a boat seat constructed in accordance with the invention at a low running position in the boat;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the boat seat in the forward elevated fishing position;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side view in elevation and section showing the forward portion of the boat with the boat seat in the low running position;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view in elevation and section similar to FIG. 3 showing the boat seat moved forward to the elevated fishing position;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view illustrating a portion of the mounting platform, one of the parallel supporting bars, and a latch for locking the seat at the upper position;
FIG. 6 is a further enlarged fragmentary view in section along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side view in elevation showing a connection between the seat base and one of the parallel support bars;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section along the line 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a mounting bar and the latch as seen along the line 9--9 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section and elevation along the line 10--10 of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section and elevation of the latch as viewed along the line 11--11 of FIG. 5.
Referring to the drawings, a fishing seat 20 embodying the features of the invention is mounted in a boat 21 for movement between a running position, as shown in FIG. 1, and an elevated forward fishing position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The seat assembly 20 includes a seat base 22, two pair of identical pivotally supported sets of parallel legs 23 secured between the seat base and a mounting platform or console 24 located along the center line of the boat aligned longitudinally on the bottom 25 of the boat.
The console 24 serves the dual purpose of a mount for the seat assembly 20 and a storage compartment for a plurality of equipment and fishing gear. The console includes a generally rectangular lower compartment portion 30 having opposite vertical sides 31 and a hinged top 32 which is secured closed by latch 33 on an end panel 34. The lower compartment portion of the console may serve a multitude of functions ranging from a dry storage chamber for any desired purpose to a well opening through the bottom of the boat for the keeping of live bait. The top 32 of the console lower portion functions as a support for the seat assembly 20 when the seat is at the lower running position. The console also includes an elevated end compartment portion 35 which is in the general shape of a quadrangle in side elevation leaning forward in relation to the boat to support the seat assembly as near as possible to the bow of the boat. The upwardly extending compartment defined by the forward end 35 of the console provides an excellent housing for a depth finder which may be accessible for operation and observation through a hinged door 40 opening toward the occupant of the seat 20 facing in the direction of the center of the boat. A portion 30a of each of the console side panels 30 extends upwardly and forwardly, as seen in FIG. 1, defining side panels for the upper console portion 35.
Each of the pairs of parallel legs 23 secured between the console and the seat base 22 comprises a forward leg 23a and a rear leg 23b. The legs 23a and 23b on each side of the console are each secured to the adjacent console side panel 30 by a bolt 41 suitably secured through the lower end of the leg into the side panel to provide a pivotal support for the leg so that it readily moves between the positions of FIGS. 3 and 4 to allow the seat to shift between the running and the fishing positions. Preferably, a washer 42 is disposed on the bolt 41 between the inside face of the leg and the outside surface of the console side panel to provide a bearing surface facilitating the pivotal movement of the leg. The upper end of each of the legs 23a and 23b is similarly secured to a side face of the seat base by a bolt 41 with a washer 42 on the bolt between the leg and the seat base edge. The details of the connection between one of the legs 23a and the seat base are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The spacings between the connections of the upper ends of the legs to the seat base are identical to the spacings of the connections of the lower ends of the legs with the side panels of the console so that the legs remain parallel at all times for supporting the seat base horizontal or, more accurately, parallel with the boat bottom 25 so that the fisherman in either the running or fishing position is always sitting on a surface parallel with the boat bottom.
At the lower running position of FIGS. 1 and 3, the seat base 22 is supported on the top surface of the console top 32. A sheet 43 of a suitable material such as rubber is secured along the bottom face of the seat base 22 to provide some cushioning for the seat base when it is at the lower running position resting on the console top. Obviously, if desired, a suitable spring unit, not shown, could be secured to the bottom of the seat base to provide still further cushioning for the base when resting on the console top. At the lower running position of the seat, and particularly when operating the boat with the operator occupying the seat, the legs 23a and 23b are not locked against movement because the weight of the operator holds the seat down and the extreme angle of the parallel legs minimizes any tendency of the seat to move in a forwardly and upwardly direction. It will be apparent, if desired, that suitable latch means, not shown, could be provided between the console and the parallel legs to lock the seat in the lower running position. Also, if a lower elevation is desired in the boat for the running seat position, the console may be made shallower with the top 32 nearer the boat bottom, thereby positioning the seat downwardly in the boat below the level shown in the drawings. The limit to such lower position would, of course, be the extent to which the parallel legs may move downwardly without interference with each other. The legs 23a and 23b on each side of the console lie in the same plane and, thus, it will be evident that by displacing the legs slightly laterally to separate planes, such as by movement of the legs 23b outwardly, interference between the legs could be eliminated and it would be possible to lower the seat downwardly, at least to the level of the bottom ends of the legs. Such a bottom position, however, would not be particularly comfortable to a boat operator as his legs would have to extend horizontally outwardly from the seat. The position selected and illustrated in the preferred form of the seat is deemed to be a desirable elevation for normal boat operation when running.
One of the forward parallel legs 23a is equipped with a safety catch 50 which is engageable with a guide and locking bracket 51 mounted on the side panel 30a of the upper end portion of the console. The safety catch and locking bracket are seen in detail in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 11. The safety catch has a plunger housing 52 which is rectangular in cross section, as seen in FIG. 11, and a pair of parallel mounting plate extension portions 53 and 54 which span the thickness of the parallel leg 23a fitting on opposite sides along the inside and outside faces of the leg secured by bolts or rivets 55. The plunger housing 52 of the catch is disposed along the forward edge 23c of the arm 23a at a proper location along the length of the arm for engagement of the catch with the guide and bracket 51. A plunger 60 is slidably mounted in the plunger housing and biased downwardly by a spring 61 within the housing confined between the inner face of the top end plate of the housing and the top face of the plunger. An operator bolt 62 is secured to the plunger projecting from the housing through a longitudinal slot 63 in the forward edge face of the housing. A locking lug 64 is formed integral with the plunger projecting downwardly from the housing for engagement with the bracket 51, as shown in FIG. 5, when the plunger is extended fully downwardly. The plunger may be lifted against the spring in the housing a distance sufficient to retract the locking lug 64 during engagement and release of the catch with the bracket 51. The bracket 51 has a mounting plate portion 65, a leg support and locking plate portion 70, and an outer retainer and guide portion 71 provided with an outwardly turned lip edge 72.
The bracket 51 is mounted along the side face 30a of the upper portion of the console by a pair of spaced bolts 73 which fit through any one of three pairs of holes 74 depending upon the elevation and forward position desired for the seat. The bracket is secured against a spacer 75 which may be formed of a material such as Teflon. The top edge 71a of the side plate portion 71 of the bracket 51 is formed on a radius, as seen in FIG. 5, determined by the distance from the pivotal axis of the lower end of the leg 23a to provide clearance for the catch 50 as the seat moves between the running and elevated fishing positions. In the locked position of the seat represented in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the forward edge 23c of the seat leg 23a rests against the plate portion 70 of the bracket 51 with the leg confined between the plate retainer portion 71 and the spacer 75 on which the support and locking plate member is mounted. Thus, the leg 23a is cradled by the bracket 51 at the desired angular position and held against lateral movement thus aiding in providing lateral stability for the seat assembly. The locking bolt 64 projects downwardly along the forward face of the plate portion 70 on the opposite side from the leg 23a so that the leg is securely locked against longitudinal movement and cannot be returned in a rearward direction so long as the bolt is engaged with the plate 51. The free end of the bolt 64 and the top edge of the plate portion 70 of the bracket 51 are each bevelled to shapes which permit the catch to readily engage when the seat is shifted from the running to the fishing position. The three pairs of holes 74 in the side panels 30a of the console are positioned along radius lines determined by the distance of the catch 50 from the pivot axis of the arm 23a so that at each of the three available positions for the bracket 51 the proper relative positions for effective latching are maintained between the latch assembly and the bracket.
A stabilizer strip 90 is secured by brads or screws 91 to each of the console side panels 30 positioned, as best seen in FIG. 4, behind the rear legs 23b to provide lateral stability to the seat assembly when the seat is in the elevated fishing position. The stabilizer strips 90 are of the same thickness as the thicker portions of the spacers 75 so that lateral stability is provided to all four of the parallel legs when the seat is in the fishing position.
The seat 100 is mounted on the base 22 on a suitable thrust bearing 101 permitting the seat to rotate 360 degrees on the base. The thrust bearing includes a plate 102 secured by bolts 103 to the seat base 22. Any suitable thrust bearing seat mount and any form of seat may be used.
It will be evident from FIGS. 2, 4, and 7 that when the seat is in the elevated fishing position, it is supported solely on the parallel legs though it will be recognized that some form of padding or springing could be provided between the seat base 22 and the top of the console portion 35, though such additional support would have to be adjustable in thickness because the distance of the seat base from the console varies depending upon the location of the bracket 51 in the available holes 74. It will be apparent that if the rear pair of holes is selected, the seat is at a higher elevation and is somewhat farther back longitudinally in the boat than with the central or forward holes.
When operating the boat between a dock or shore location and a fishing location, and when moving between fishing locations, the seat assembly 20 is normally in the lower running position both for safety and stability reasons and to place the operator within easy reach of the boat controls, such as the levers 110, 111, and 112 controlling the steering and power functions of the boat. At this low running position of the seat assembly, the base 22 rests on the console top 32 providing a solid support for the seat, especially under the weight of the operator. When a fishing location is reached, the operator gets out of the seat and lifts the seat upwardly and forwardly lowering it into the locked position of FIGS. 2 and 4. As the forward leg 23a enters the bracket 51, the bolt 64 engages the top edge of the plate portion 70 of the bracket camming the bolt upwardly until it clears the plate edge permitting the leg 23a to move fully into the cradled position of FIG. 6 when the spring 61 expands forcing the bolt downwardly to the locked relationship with the bracket as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the seat is firmly locked in the upper, forward, fishing position. The seat is readily returned to the running position by the operator's engaging the bolt 61 and lifting the plunger and locking lug 64 upwardly against the spring 61 releasing the catch from the member 51 so that the seat is moved rearwardly and downwardly back to the running position.
While only a single seat assembly is illustrated and described in the boat, at least two such seat assemblies may be mounted in a boat with one secured forward and one aft. The seat in the rear portion of the boat would preferably be mounted so that its running position would be forward and it would be moved toward the stern of the boat to place it in the elevated fishing position. By so mounting two of the seats, the fishing positions of the seats place them at maximum distances apart to give the fishermen more room between each other and from a third fisherman, should there be one in the center of the boat.
The requirements of a boat seat for both operating a boat and for fishing from the boat are not necessarily compatible. A running seat for operating the boat desirably is at a position within the boat within easy reach of all of the controls and at an elevation which is as near the center of gravity of the boat as is consistent with good visibility. Thus, the more desirable position for such a running seat is along the center line of the boat and somewhat removed from the forward or aft end of the boat. In contrast, however, a fishing seat preferably is at an elevated position within the boat to provide optimum vision to the fisherman and maximum space for casting and otherwise manipulating the fishing gear. Additionally, it is preferred that the seat for fishing be near the edge of the boat so that the visibility will be further improved and the fisherman will be in an accessible location to readily bring fish aboard. A further desirable feature in boats which carry at least two fishing seats is for the fishing positions of the seats to be spaced as far apart as possible to give maximum room to the fisherman. Presently available fishing seats are permanently mounted at a fixed location in a boat and are movable only in elevation between low and higher positions while not being shiftable longitudinally to give the fishermen maximum room and improved visibility, especially when two are in the boat. Additionally, the vertically movable seats are cumbersome to handle and not readily adjustable between elevations.
It is, therefore, a principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved combination running and fishing seat for a boat.
It is another object of the invention to provide a movable boat seat which is adjustable between a running position and a plurality of fishing positions at various elevations and longitudinal locations in a boat.
It is another object of the invention to provide a movable boat seat which is mounted on parallel pivoted supporting bars permitting the seat to be quickly shifted between running and fishing positions.
It is another object of the invention to provide a fishing seat which automatically latches in an upper fishing position responsive to movement to such position.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a fishing seat for a boat mounted on a platform which serves a dual function of supporting the seat base in the running mode while also providing storage space for such supplies and equipment as fishing gear, minnows, and depth measuring apparatus.
It is another object of the invention to provide a fishing boat seat which is movable from a first running position near the center of the boat at the boat controls and a fishing position at a higher elevation and moved toward one end of the boat for improved visibility and access over the side of the boat.
In accordance with the invention there is provided a combined running and fishing seat for a boat which includes a console platform mount, a seat base secured on parallel supporting bars pivoted at upper ends to the base and at lower ends to the console, a seat mount supporting surface at a low elevation on the console for holding the seat at a low running position, and a latch on the mounting platform releasably engageable with at least one of the parallel bars for locking the seat at a desired elevated fishing position spaced longitudinally along the boat from the running location.
The foregoing objects and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the following detailed description of a preferred form of a running and fishing seat for a boat taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the bow or forward end of a fishing boat showing a boat seat constructed in accordance with the invention at a low running position in the boat;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the boat seat in the forward elevated fishing position;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side view in elevation and section showing the forward portion of the boat with the boat seat in the low running position;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view in elevation and section similar to FIG. 3 showing the boat seat moved forward to the elevated fishing position;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view illustrating a portion of the mounting platform, one of the parallel supporting bars, and a latch for locking the seat at the upper position;
FIG. 6 is a further enlarged fragmentary view in section along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side view in elevation showing a connection between the seat base and one of the parallel support bars;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section along the line 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a mounting bar and the latch as seen along the line 9--9 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section and elevation along the line 10--10 of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section and elevation of the latch as viewed along the line 11--11 of FIG. 5.
Referring to the drawings, a fishing seat 20 embodying the features of the invention is mounted in a boat 21 for movement between a running position, as shown in FIG. 1, and an elevated forward fishing position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The seat assembly 20 includes a seat base 22, two pair of identical pivotally supported sets of parallel legs 23 secured between the seat base and a mounting platform or console 24 located along the center line of the boat aligned longitudinally on the bottom 25 of the boat.
The console 24 serves the dual purpose of a mount for the seat assembly 20 and a storage compartment for a plurality of equipment and fishing gear. The console includes a generally rectangular lower compartment portion 30 having opposite vertical sides 31 and a hinged top 32 which is secured closed by latch 33 on an end panel 34. The lower compartment portion of the console may serve a multitude of functions ranging from a dry storage chamber for any desired purpose to a well opening through the bottom of the boat for the keeping of live bait. The top 32 of the console lower portion functions as a support for the seat assembly 20 when the seat is at the lower running position. The console also includes an elevated end compartment portion 35 which is in the general shape of a quadrangle in side elevation leaning forward in relation to the boat to support the seat assembly as near as possible to the bow of the boat. The upwardly extending compartment defined by the forward end 35 of the console provides an excellent housing for a depth finder which may be accessible for operation and observation through a hinged door 40 opening toward the occupant of the seat 20 facing in the direction of the center of the boat. A portion 30a of each of the console side panels 30 extends upwardly and forwardly, as seen in FIG. 1, defining side panels for the upper console portion 35.
Each of the pairs of parallel legs 23 secured between the console and the seat base 22 comprises a forward leg 23a and a rear leg 23b. The legs 23a and 23b on each side of the console are each secured to the adjacent console side panel 30 by a bolt 41 suitably secured through the lower end of the leg into the side panel to provide a pivotal support for the leg so that it readily moves between the positions of FIGS. 3 and 4 to allow the seat to shift between the running and the fishing positions. Preferably, a washer 42 is disposed on the bolt 41 between the inside face of the leg and the outside surface of the console side panel to provide a bearing surface facilitating the pivotal movement of the leg. The upper end of each of the legs 23a and 23b is similarly secured to a side face of the seat base by a bolt 41 with a washer 42 on the bolt between the leg and the seat base edge. The details of the connection between one of the legs 23a and the seat base are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The spacings between the connections of the upper ends of the legs to the seat base are identical to the spacings of the connections of the lower ends of the legs with the side panels of the console so that the legs remain parallel at all times for supporting the seat base horizontal or, more accurately, parallel with the boat bottom 25 so that the fisherman in either the running or fishing position is always sitting on a surface parallel with the boat bottom.
At the lower running position of FIGS. 1 and 3, the seat base 22 is supported on the top surface of the console top 32. A sheet 43 of a suitable material such as rubber is secured along the bottom face of the seat base 22 to provide some cushioning for the seat base when it is at the lower running position resting on the console top. Obviously, if desired, a suitable spring unit, not shown, could be secured to the bottom of the seat base to provide still further cushioning for the base when resting on the console top. At the lower running position of the seat, and particularly when operating the boat with the operator occupying the seat, the legs 23a and 23b are not locked against movement because the weight of the operator holds the seat down and the extreme angle of the parallel legs minimizes any tendency of the seat to move in a forwardly and upwardly direction. It will be apparent, if desired, that suitable latch means, not shown, could be provided between the console and the parallel legs to lock the seat in the lower running position. Also, if a lower elevation is desired in the boat for the running seat position, the console may be made shallower with the top 32 nearer the boat bottom, thereby positioning the seat downwardly in the boat below the level shown in the drawings. The limit to such lower position would, of course, be the extent to which the parallel legs may move downwardly without interference with each other. The legs 23a and 23b on each side of the console lie in the same plane and, thus, it will be evident that by displacing the legs slightly laterally to separate planes, such as by movement of the legs 23b outwardly, interference between the legs could be eliminated and it would be possible to lower the seat downwardly, at least to the level of the bottom ends of the legs. Such a bottom position, however, would not be particularly comfortable to a boat operator as his legs would have to extend horizontally outwardly from the seat. The position selected and illustrated in the preferred form of the seat is deemed to be a desirable elevation for normal boat operation when running.
One of the forward parallel legs 23a is equipped with a safety catch 50 which is engageable with a guide and locking bracket 51 mounted on the side panel 30a of the upper end portion of the console. The safety catch and locking bracket are seen in detail in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 11. The safety catch has a plunger housing 52 which is rectangular in cross section, as seen in FIG. 11, and a pair of parallel mounting plate extension portions 53 and 54 which span the thickness of the parallel leg 23a fitting on opposite sides along the inside and outside faces of the leg secured by bolts or rivets 55. The plunger housing 52 of the catch is disposed along the forward edge 23c of the arm 23a at a proper location along the length of the arm for engagement of the catch with the guide and bracket 51. A plunger 60 is slidably mounted in the plunger housing and biased downwardly by a spring 61 within the housing confined between the inner face of the top end plate of the housing and the top face of the plunger. An operator bolt 62 is secured to the plunger projecting from the housing through a longitudinal slot 63 in the forward edge face of the housing. A locking lug 64 is formed integral with the plunger projecting downwardly from the housing for engagement with the bracket 51, as shown in FIG. 5, when the plunger is extended fully downwardly. The plunger may be lifted against the spring in the housing a distance sufficient to retract the locking lug 64 during engagement and release of the catch with the bracket 51. The bracket 51 has a mounting plate portion 65, a leg support and locking plate portion 70, and an outer retainer and guide portion 71 provided with an outwardly turned lip edge 72.
The bracket 51 is mounted along the side face 30a of the upper portion of the console by a pair of spaced bolts 73 which fit through any one of three pairs of holes 74 depending upon the elevation and forward position desired for the seat. The bracket is secured against a spacer 75 which may be formed of a material such as Teflon. The top edge 71a of the side plate portion 71 of the bracket 51 is formed on a radius, as seen in FIG. 5, determined by the distance from the pivotal axis of the lower end of the leg 23a to provide clearance for the catch 50 as the seat moves between the running and elevated fishing positions. In the locked position of the seat represented in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the forward edge 23c of the seat leg 23a rests against the plate portion 70 of the bracket 51 with the leg confined between the plate retainer portion 71 and the spacer 75 on which the support and locking plate member is mounted. Thus, the leg 23a is cradled by the bracket 51 at the desired angular position and held against lateral movement thus aiding in providing lateral stability for the seat assembly. The locking bolt 64 projects downwardly along the forward face of the plate portion 70 on the opposite side from the leg 23a so that the leg is securely locked against longitudinal movement and cannot be returned in a rearward direction so long as the bolt is engaged with the plate 51. The free end of the bolt 64 and the top edge of the plate portion 70 of the bracket 51 are each bevelled to shapes which permit the catch to readily engage when the seat is shifted from the running to the fishing position. The three pairs of holes 74 in the side panels 30a of the console are positioned along radius lines determined by the distance of the catch 50 from the pivot axis of the arm 23a so that at each of the three available positions for the bracket 51 the proper relative positions for effective latching are maintained between the latch assembly and the bracket.
A stabilizer strip 90 is secured by brads or screws 91 to each of the console side panels 30 positioned, as best seen in FIG. 4, behind the rear legs 23b to provide lateral stability to the seat assembly when the seat is in the elevated fishing position. The stabilizer strips 90 are of the same thickness as the thicker portions of the spacers 75 so that lateral stability is provided to all four of the parallel legs when the seat is in the fishing position.
The seat 100 is mounted on the base 22 on a suitable thrust bearing 101 permitting the seat to rotate 360 degrees on the base. The thrust bearing includes a plate 102 secured by bolts 103 to the seat base 22. Any suitable thrust bearing seat mount and any form of seat may be used.
It will be evident from FIGS. 2, 4, and 7 that when the seat is in the elevated fishing position, it is supported solely on the parallel legs though it will be recognized that some form of padding or springing could be provided between the seat base 22 and the top of the console portion 35, though such additional support would have to be adjustable in thickness because the distance of the seat base from the console varies depending upon the location of the bracket 51 in the available holes 74. It will be apparent that if the rear pair of holes is selected, the seat is at a higher elevation and is somewhat farther back longitudinally in the boat than with the central or forward holes.
When operating the boat between a dock or shore location and a fishing location, and when moving between fishing locations, the seat assembly 20 is normally in the lower running position both for safety and stability reasons and to place the operator within easy reach of the boat controls, such as the levers 110, 111, and 112 controlling the steering and power functions of the boat. At this low running position of the seat assembly, the base 22 rests on the console top 32 providing a solid support for the seat, especially under the weight of the operator. When a fishing location is reached, the operator gets out of the seat and lifts the seat upwardly and forwardly lowering it into the locked position of FIGS. 2 and 4. As the forward leg 23a enters the bracket 51, the bolt 64 engages the top edge of the plate portion 70 of the bracket camming the bolt upwardly until it clears the plate edge permitting the leg 23a to move fully into the cradled position of FIG. 6 when the spring 61 expands forcing the bolt downwardly to the locked relationship with the bracket as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the seat is firmly locked in the upper, forward, fishing position. The seat is readily returned to the running position by the operator's engaging the bolt 61 and lifting the plunger and locking lug 64 upwardly against the spring 61 releasing the catch from the member 51 so that the seat is moved rearwardly and downwardly back to the running position.
While only a single seat assembly is illustrated and described in the boat, at least two such seat assemblies may be mounted in a boat with one secured forward and one aft. The seat in the rear portion of the boat would preferably be mounted so that its running position would be forward and it would be moved toward the stern of the boat to place it in the elevated fishing position. By so mounting two of the seats, the fishing positions of the seats place them at maximum distances apart to give the fishermen more room between each other and from a third fisherman, should there be one in the center of the boat.