EXTENDABLE SUN PAD SEATING FOR A BOAT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/680,130, filed Aug. 7, 2024, and titled “EXTENDABLE SUN PAD SEATING FOR A BOAT,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure relates to seating for a boat, particularly sun pad seating.

BACKGROUND

[0003]In recreational boating, passengers often seek areas to sit or lounge for relaxation while on the water. A sun pad is a type of seating structure on a boat that provides a cushioned, generally flat surface suitable for reclining or sunbathing. In some boats, the sun pad is located at the stern of the boat, located above an engine compartment or integrated into a rear seating area. Some sun pads may include hinged sections, allowing access to storage compartments or mechanical components beneath the seating surface.

SUMMARY

[0004]The subject matter described herein generally relates to a sun pad seat that is extendable between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0005]In one aspect, the subject matter described herein relates to a boat including a reboarding platform at a stern of the boat and a sun pad located in the stern of the boat adjacent to the reboarding platform. The sun pad is extendable between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0006]In another aspect, the subject matter described herein relates to a sun pad seat for a boat. The sun pad seat includes a seat support, a rest elevated relative to the seat support to form a gap therebetween, and a sun pad extendable between a retracted position and an extended position. A portion of the sun pad is a hidden portion that is located in the gap when the sun pad is in the retracted position. At least a portion of the hidden portion is exposed when the sun pad is in the extended position.

[0007]In a further aspect, the subject matter described herein relates to a boat. The boat includes a reboarding platform at a stern of the boat, a sun pad seat, and a bench seat located forward of the sun pad seat. The sun pad seat includes a seat support, a rest elevated relative to the seat support to form a gap therebetween, and a sun pad extendable between a retracted position and an extended position. The rest is stationary relative to the seat support. A portion of the sun pad is a hidden portion that is located in the gap when the sun pad is in the retracted position. At least a portion of the hidden portion is exposed when the sun pad is in the extended position. The sun pad extends over a portion of the reboarding platform in the extended position. The bench seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back, and the rest of the sun pad seat forms a least a portion of the seat back.

[0008]These and other aspects related to the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following disclosure. This summary presents illustrative aspects of the subject matter described herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by any claims supportable by this disclosure and the equivalents of the embodiments and structures discussed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat equipped with a sun pad seat located in the stern of the boat.

[0010]FIGS. 2A and 2B are stern views of the boat of FIG. 1, showing the sun pad seat in a stowed or retracted position. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a top side of the sun pad, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a side of the sun pad.

[0011]FIG. 3 is an aft elevational view of the sun pad seat in the retracted position.

[0012]FIG. 4 is an aft-looking view showing the structural member of an elevated rest and a portion of the seat support.

[0013]FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views of the stern seating area of the boat shown in FIG. 1 with the sun pad in an extended position. FIG. 5A is a side view of a port side, and FIG. 5B is a side view of a starboard side.

[0014]FIGS. 6A and 6B are stern views of the boat of FIG. 1, showing the sun pad seat in the extended position. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a top side of the sun pad, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing a side of the sun pad.

[0015]FIGS. 7A to 7C are side views of the stern seating area illustrating the movement of the sun pad between the retracted position and the extended position. FIG. 7A shows the sun pad in the retracted position. FIG. 7B shows the sun pad in a partially extended position.

[0016]FIG. 7C shows the sun pad in the fully extended position.

[0017]FIGS. 8A to 8C are side views of a portion of the sun pad seat moving from the retracted position to the extended position. FIG. 8A shows the sun pad in the retracted position. FIG. 8B shows the sun pad in a partially extended position. FIG. 8C shows the sun pad in the fully extended position.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a movement mechanism comprising a sliding rail system.

[0019]FIGS. 10A and 10B are detail views of a right slider and right rail of the sliding rail system shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10A shows the right rail and the right slider in an extended position, and FIG. 10B shows the right rail and right slider in a retracted position.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a detail view showing a handle mounted to the sun pad for actuating a securement mechanism.

[0021]FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an actuator-based movement mechanism for extending and retracting the sun pad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022]As discussed above, passengers aboard recreational boats often seek areas to relax, recline, or sunbathe. A sun pad located near the stern of the boat can provide a flat, cushioned surface for this purpose. In some configurations, these sun pads are located above storage compartments or mechanical spaces, such as engine bays. However, such seating structures are often fixed in size and location, occupying a substantial footprint on the deck even when not actively in use.

[0023]The present disclosure describes an extendable sun pad seat that allows a more efficient use of deck space while still offering a full-length lounging surface when desired. In the retracted position, the sun pad seat occupies a compact footprint, preserving usable space on the boat. When deployed to the extended position, the seat lengthens to provide enhanced comfort and usability, including for taller individuals who might otherwise find fixed sun pad surfaces inadequate.

[0024]In some embodiments, this extension can be achieved by a seat structure having a portion that is hidden within a gap beneath a stationary rest when the seat is retracted. As the seat is moved to the extended position, the hidden portion becomes exposed and contributes to the overall seating or lounging surface. Further details of this arrangement, including various structural configurations and locations within the boat, are discussed below with reference to the figures.

[0025]FIG. 1 shows a boat 100 equipped with a sun pad seat 200. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the boat 100. The boat 100 includes a hull 110. The hull 110 includes a bow 112, a stern 114, a port side hull 116, and a starboard side hull 118. A longitudinal centerline 102 extends along the length of the boat 100 between the bow 112 and the stern 114, halfway between the port side hull 116 and the starboard side hull 118. The boat 100 further includes a deck 120 supported above the hull 110. The deck 120 includes a deck floor 122 that defines a walking surface for occupants.

[0026]The boat 100 includes an interior 130 extending between the bow 112 and the stern 114 and between the port side hull 116 and the starboard side hull 118. The boat 100 is depicted as a bowrider and includes a bow seating area 134 located in the bow 112 of the boat 100, a primary seating area 132 disposed aft of the bow seating area 134, and a stern seating area 136 located aft of the primary seating area 132. The primary seating area 132 and the bow seating area 134 can be separated by a windshield 104. The bow seating area 134 is located forward of the windshield 104, and the primary seating area 132 is located aft of the windshield 104. A bow passageway 138 connects the primary seating area 132 with the bow seating area 134. In the boat 100 depicted in FIG. 1, the bow passageway 138 is located on the port side of the boat 100, but can be located on other portions of the boat 100, such as along the longitudinal centerline 102. The sun pad seat 200 is located in the stern seating area 136. Although described herein in reference to a bowrider, the sun pad seat 200 can be used with any suitable boat, including cuddies, center consoles, and cruisers, for example. The sun pad seat 200 can also be used with pontoon boats and multi-hull boats.

[0027]The bow seating area 134 includes one or more seats, such as a plurality of seats. Each seat includes a seat support structure 140. For these seats, the seat support structure 140 is formed as a raised portion of the deck 120, elevated relative to the deck floor 122. Each seat also includes a seat bottom 142 supported on the seat support structure 140. The seat bottom 142 includes a seating surface 144 for supporting a seated occupant. The seat bottom 142 can include a structural support member and a cushion disposed on the structural support member. The cushion can be formed of a soft but supportive material, such as foam, and may be covered with a marine-grade vinyl or other weather-resistant upholstery material. A seat back 146 is located above the seat support structure 140. The seat back 146 provides support for the back of a person seated on the seat bottom 142. In the depicted embodiment, the seat back 146 is formed integrally with inward-facing surfaces that define the bow seating area 134. These inward-facing surfaces can include surfaces connected to the port side hull 116 or the starboard side hull 118. This general seat structure, including the seat support structure 140, seat bottom 142, seating surface 144, and seat back 146, can also be used for other seats described herein. This discussion applies to other seats discussed below, unless the context indicates otherwise or a seat is explicitly described differently.

[0028]The seats in the bow seating area 134 are arranged in a wraparound configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the layout forms a generally D-shaped seating arrangement. An aft-facing seat is located in the forward portion of the bow seating area 134, and a forward-facing seat is located in the aft portion of the bow seating area 134. Additional seats are located along the port side hull 116 and the starboard side hull 118 and can be used in various orientations, such as inboard-facing or as lounge-style seats. Other arrangements can also be used, such as a U-shaped wraparound configuration when the bow passageway 138 is located along the longitudinal centerline 102 of the boat 100.

[0029]The primary seating area 132 includes one or more seats that can use the same general seat structure described above, including the seat support structure 140, the seat bottom 142 with the seating surface 144, and the seat back 146. The primary seating area 132 further includes a helm 150 for operating the boat 100. The helm 150 includes a control console 152 that houses various operational controls and instrumentation. In the depicted embodiment, the windshield 104 is mounted to the control console 152. A helm seat 154, also referred to as a captain's chair, is located at the helm 150 and provides seating for the boat operator.

[0030]The primary seating area 132 also includes a port side bench seat 156 and a starboard side bench seat 158. Each of the bench seats 156, 158 includes a seating surface and a seat back. In the depicted embodiment, the seat backs for the port side bench seat 156 and the starboard side bench seat 158 are formed on interior surfaces of the port side hull 116 and the starboard side hull 118, respectively.

[0031]The primary seating area 132 further includes a transverse bench seat 160, which extends in the transverse direction of the boat 100. The transverse bench seat 160 includes a seat bottom 162 and a seat back 164. The seat bottom 162 extends in a port and starboard direction, and the seat back 164 is located aft of the seat bottom 162 to support the back of seated occupants. The transverse bench seat 160 can be located adjacent to or forward of the sun pad seat 200, and in some embodiments may share structural or spatial continuity with the sun pad seat assembly.

[0032]A bench seat can support more than one seated occupant side by side. The seat bottom of a bench seat has a width sufficient to allow two or more occupants to sit next to one another in a lateral or transverse direction. In some embodiments, the occupants can sit next to one another without being separated by fixed armrests or structural dividers. The seat bottom can be a continuous cushioned surface supported on a single seat support structure or multiple support elements. The seat back for a bench seat can also extend across the width of the seat bottom and may be contoured or uniformly shaped. Bench seats can optionally include armrests or handholds at their ends but remain uninterrupted along their seating surface to accommodate adjacent occupants. The seat bottom of a bench seat is generally longer in the side-to-side direction, referred to herein as a width direction, across its seating surface than it is deep from front to back, referred to herein as a length direction. While the port side bench seat 156, the starboard side bench seat 158, and the transverse bench seat 160 are described as bench seats, these seats can be other types of seats.

[0033]The stern seating area 136 includes the sun pad seat 200. The sun pad seat 200 is located forward of a reboarding platform 170 located at the stern 114 of the boat 100. The reboarding platform 170 includes an upper surface 176 that is generally horizontal and supports one or more occupants standing, sitting, or entering and exiting the water. The reboarding platform 170 extends aft from the boat 100 and includes a forward edge 172 and an aft edge 174. The forward edge 172 is the forward-most edge of the reboarding platform 170, and the aft edge 174 is the aft-most edge, which may also be referred to as a trailing edge. In the depicted embodiment, the reboarding platform 170 is formed integrally with the hull 110 and located above the transom. In other embodiments, the reboarding platform 170 can be formed as a separate structure and attached to the transom by brackets or other support structures.

[0034]In the depicted embodiment, the sun pad seat 200 is located on the port side of the boat 100 within the stern seating area 136. The sun pad seat 200 is disposed aft of the transverse bench seat 160 and forward of the forward edge 172 of the reboarding platform 170. A stern passageway 139 is provided along the starboard side of the boat 100 to connect the primary seating area 132 with the reboarding platform 170. In this configuration, the sun pad seat 200 is bounded on one side by the stern passageway 139 and on the opposite side by the port side hull 116. In other embodiments, the stern passageway 139 may be located in a different position, such as along the longitudinal centerline 102 or on the port side of the boat 100, and the sun pad seat 200 may be repositioned accordingly.

[0035]FIGS. 2A and 2B are stern views of the boat 100, showing the sun pad seat 200 with a sun pad in a stowed or retracted position. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the top side of the sun pad seat 200, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing more of the side of the sun pad seat 200. As shown, the sun pad seat 200 spans a substantial portion of the beam of the boat 100, extending laterally from the port side hull 116 toward the stern passageway 139 on the starboard side. The sun pad seat 200 is located aft of the transverse bench seat 160 and forward of the reboarding platform 170.

[0036]The sun pad seat 200 includes a seat support 210, a sun pad 220, and a rest 230. The seat support 210 is located above the deck floor 122 and provides a structural base on which the sun pad 220 is mounted. The sun pad 220 forms a generally horizontal lounging surface in the retracted position and spans a portion of the stern seating area 136 between the transverse bench seat 160 and the reboarding platform 170. The seat support 210 can be an integrated portion of the deck 120 or a separate structure secured to the deck, similar to the seat support structure 140 described above. Like the seat support structure 140, the seat support 210 provides a raised platform relative to the deck floor 122, to support a seat bottom (here, the sun pad 220) at an elevation suitable for seating or lounging. The rest 230 is disposed forward of the sun pad 220 and is elevated relative to the sun pad 220. A gap 202 is defined beneath the rest 230 and above the seat support 210. In the depicted embodiment, at least a portion of the sun pad 220 is located within the gap 202 when the sun pad seat 200 is in the retracted position.

[0037]The sun pad 220 forms the seat bottom of the sun pad seat 200 and provides a seating surface or a lounging surface for a seated or reclining occupant. The sun pad 220 includes a structural member 224 covered by a cushion 226 on at least the side facing the occupant. The structural member 224 can be formed of a molded material, such as fiberglass or reinforced plastic, or can be constructed from aluminum, wood composite, or other structural marine materials. The structural member 224 provides rigidity and support for the occupant and extends below the cushion 226 to distribute loads to the seat support 210. The cushion 226 can be constructed from a soft but supportive foam, such as closed-cell or multi-density foam, and may be shaped to provide a substantially flat or slightly contoured upper surface. The cushion 226 can be covered with a marine-grade, water-resistant, or waterproof upholstery material, such as premium vinyl or another suitable synthetic textile, to provide durability in the marine environment and occupant comfort during use. The upper surface of the cushion 226 defines a seating surface 228, which supports the occupant in a seated, lounging, or lying position. The aft-most end of the sun pad 220 defines an aft edge 222, which is exposed in the retracted position and moves aft when the sun pad 220 is extended. The sun pad 220 extends from the rest 230 toward the reboarding platform 170.

[0038]In the retracted position, the sun pad 220 has a length sufficient to allow a person to stretch out their legs in a seated or partially reclined position. This length, measured from the rest 230 to the aft edge 222, can be 25 inches or greater, such as 30 inches or greater or 35 inches or greater. The sun pad 220 is suitable for use by a single occupant lying down or, as depicted herein, by multiple occupants reclining or lounging side by side in a relaxed configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the sun pad 220 spans a majority of the beam of the boat 100, such as at least two-thirds of the beam width. In other embodiments, the sun pad 220 can extend nearly the full beam width between the port side hull 116 and the stern passageway 139. This width allows the sun pad 220 to accommodate at least two adults in a side-by-side orientation. The sun pad 220 can provide sufficient lateral space and an uninterrupted seating surface (i.e., the seating surface 228) for both occupants, enhancing comfort for sunbathing or relaxation.

[0039]In the retracted position, the aft edge 222 of the sun pad 220 can be located forward of the aftmost portion of the deck 120. In some embodiments, the aft edge 222 can remain forward of the forward edge 172 of the reboarding platform 170 and does not project into the space above the reboarding platform 170. The aft edge 222 also can be positioned above and within the footprint of the seat support 210. Alternatively, the aft edge 222 can overhang the seat support 210 by a minimal distance, such as less than 4 inches, or from 2 inches to 4 inches. Additionally, the aft edge 222 can be forward of and not extend beyond the aft edge 174 of the reboarding platform 170. Additionally, or alternatively, the aft edge 222 can be forward of and not extend beyond the rearmost molded portion of the deck 120.

[0040]FIG. 3 is an aft elevational view of the sun pad seat 200 with the sun pad 220 in the retracted position, as in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The seat support 210 includes an aft surface 212 that extends upward from the reboarding platform 170 toward the structural member 224 of the sun pad 220. The cushion 226 and underlying structural member 224 are each supported on the seat support 210. As noted above, the seat support 210 is beneath the sun pad 220 and elevates the sun pad above the deck floor 122, providing a raised platform that locates the sun pad 220 above the deck floor 122. The reboarding platform 170 is located below and aft of the sun pad seat 200. In the depicted configuration, the upper surface 176 of the reboarding platform 170 is located below the sun pad 220 and, as will be discussed in more detail below, forward of the aft edge 174 (FIG. 1) of the reboarding platform 170. The lounging surface provided by the sun pad 220 (the seating surface 228) is vertically spaced above the upper surface 176 of the reboarding platform 170. A handle 338 is attached to the underside of the structural member 224 and located beneath it. The aft surface 212 of the seat support 210 includes one or more cutouts 214 formed therein. These cutouts are shaped to accommodate the handle 338 and to provide clearance for a user's hand during manual engagement. The cutouts may be recessed or contoured to follow the geometry of the handle 338 and provide functional access while maintaining structural integrity. More specifically, these cutouts can be shaped to allow user to reach and grasp the handle 338 comfortably and/or the ability to position the handle in a recessed location such that it does not extend rearward past the aft edge 222 of the sun pad 220 in the retracted position. The handle 338 can be used for manual adjustment of the sun pad 220, such as sliding movement between positions, as will be described in more detail below.

[0041]Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the rest 230 includes one or more cushions 232 supported on a structural member 240 (FIG. 4), which may be referred to as a base, and defines multiple outwardly facing surfaces. The rest 230 can be described as an elevated cushion, disposed above the seat support 210 and above the gap 202. In the depicted embodiment, the rest 230 has a generally rectangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape that defines a top surface 234, a rearward-facing surface 236, and a forward-facing surface 238. While the surfaces of the rest 230 are described herein based on the orientation shown in the figures, these surfaces can also be described more generally as a front surface (corresponding to the forward-facing surface 238) and a rear surface (corresponding to the rearward-facing surface 236) relative to the sun pad 220, independent of boat orientation.

[0042]Each of these surfaces can be defined by a separate cushion 232 or, alternatively, a single unitary cushion 232 can wrap around and cover two or more surfaces. In either case, the top surface 234, the rearward-facing surface 236, and the forward-facing surface 238 are padded to support a user in different postures. The forward-facing surface 238 is located adjacent to the transverse bench seat 160 and, in this arrangement, forms at least a portion of the seat back 164 of the transverse bench seat 160. In the depicted embodiment, the rest 230 is fixed in position relative to the seat support 210 and is not movable.

[0043]In addition, the rest 230 has a low vertical profile relative to the sun pad 220. The top surface 234 of the rest 230 is located at a height suitable for supporting the head and neck of an occupant lying on the sun pad 220 and functions as a headrest or pillow. In one embodiment, the vertical distance between the seating surface 228 of the sun pad 220 and the top surface 234 of the rest 230 can be from two inches to eighteen inches, such as from three inches to twelve inches, providing sufficient support while maintaining a low-profile, integrated appearance. The top surface 234 may be generally planar or slightly contoured to cradle the user's head or neck. As shown in FIG. 2A, the sun pad 220 is elevated relative to the seat bottom 162 of the transverse bench seat 160, positioning the sun pad 220 at a higher elevation than the transverse bench seat 160. More specifically, the seating surface 228 of the sun pad 220 and the seating surface 166 (see FIG. 8) of the seat bottom 162 are vertically offset, with the seating surface 228 of the sun pad 220 located above the seating surface 166 of the transverse bench seat 160. With such a configuration, the forward-facing surface 238 of the rest 230, which forms at least a portion of the seat back 164, is located at a height sufficient to support the back of a seated occupant. The top surface 234 of the rest 230 is located at a greater distance from the seating surface 166 of the transverse bench seat 160 than it is from the seating surface 228 of the sun pad 220. The vertical offset between the seating surface 228 of the sun pad and the seating surface 166 of the seat bottom 162 allows the rest 230 to provide different ergonomic support surfaces for users seated in different positions.

[0044]FIG. 4 is an aft-looking view of the sun pad seat 200, showing a portion of the structural member 240 of the rest 230 and the structural member 224 of the sun pad 220. For clarity, the one or more cushions 232 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) and upper portions of the rest 230 are removed in this view to show the structural member 240 and related features. The cushion 226 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the sun pad 220 is also omitted in this view to better illustrate the structural member 224. The seat support 210 includes an upper surface 216 that supports various components of the sun pad seat 200. The upper surface 216 can be formed as a generally planar molded surface, though it can include curvature, contours, or other geometry to accommodate the interface with structural or functional elements of the seat assembly.

[0045]The structural member 240 defines the load-bearing base of the rest 230. It can be formed as a rigid plate structure from a material suitable for marine environments, such as molded fiberglass, aluminum, or reinforced plastic. The structural member 240 can be planar or shaped and may include features such as mounting flanges or bosses to facilitate connection other components of the rest 230 thereto. In the depicted embodiment, the structural member 240 is vertically spaced above the upper surface 216 of the seat support 210 to define the gap 202. One or more struts 242 extend between the structural member 240 and the seat support 210 to maintain this elevated configuration. The struts 242 may be formed as brackets, molded risers, or other load-bearing members secured to both the underside of the structural member 240 and the upper surface 216 of the seat support 210. While only one strut 242 is visible in this view, a plurality of struts 242 are used. In the depicted embodiment, three struts 242 are employed to support the structural member 240, including one strut 242 located near the middle of the structural member 240 and one strut 242 located at each end of the structural member 240. The struts 242 can be arranged to provide sufficient rigidity to support the weight of a user while maintaining clearance for the underlying portion of the sun pad 220 that is located within the gap 202 when in the retracted position. The upper surface 216 of the seat support 210 forms a load-bearing platform that supports the struts 242.

[0046]FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views of the stern seating area 136 of the boat 100, showing the sun pad 220 in an extended position. FIG. 5A shows the port side of the stern seating area 136, and FIG. 5B shows the starboard side. A first person is shown lying down on the sun pad 220, and a second person is shown seated on the sun pad 220. FIGS. 6A and 6B are stern views of the boat 100 showing the sun pad seat 200 in an extended position. FIG. 6A illustrates the port side of the boat 100, and FIG. 6B illustrates the starboard side. FIG. 6A corresponds to FIG. 2A, and FIG. 6B corresponds to FIG. 2B, but with the sun pad seat 200 shown in the extended position. In this extended position, the aft edge 222 of the sun pad 220 is located rearward of its position in the retracted position and extends aft beyond the aft surface 212 of the seat support 210. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the aft edge 222 projects over the reboarding platform 170 but remains elevated above the upper surface 176 of the reboarding platform 170. In the extend position, the aft portion of the sun pad 220 is not supported by the reboarding platform 170 or any other structure. Instead, the aft portion of the sun pad 220 is cantilevered rearward from the seat support 210. In the extended position, the aft edge 222 also remains forward of the aft edge 174 of the reboarding platform 170.

[0047]In the depicted embodiment, the aft edge 222 is displaced rearward from its retracted position by a distance from 6 inches to 24 inches, and more preferably from 8 inches to 14 inches. The total extended length of the sun pad 220 can be 60 inches or less, such as 50 inches or less or 40 inches or less. The rearward movement of the aft edge 222 from the retracted to the extended position can be a displacement of 10% to 20% of the total extended length of the sun pad 220. The total extended length can be determined as the longitudinal distance from the rest 230, such as the junction where the rearward-facing surface 236 of the rest 230 intersects the forward edge of the sun pad 220, to the aft edge 222 when the sun pad 220 is in the extended position. In the extended position, the aft edge 222 preferably does not extend the full length of the reboarding platform 170 and is positioned at a distance that is no more than 50% of the length of the reboarding platform 170 in the aft direction. This limited projection allows the reboarding platform 170 to remain usable even when in the sun pad 220 is in the extended position.

[0048]The sun pad 220 includes a hidden portion 252 and an exposed portion 254 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The hidden portion 252 refers to a forward segment of the seat bottom that is positioned beneath the rest 230 in the retracted position and located within the gap 202 formed between the rest 230 and the upper surface 216 of the seat support 210. The exposed portion 254 refers to the segment of the seat bottom that is located aft of the rest 230 and visible in both the retracted and extended positions.

[0049]As will be discussed further below, as the sun pad 220 is moved to the extended position, the hidden portion 252 slides rearward, in this embodiment, along the upper surface 216 of the seat support 210. A greater portion of the hidden portion 252 is exposed aft of the rest 230, increasing the total usable surface, such as the seating surface 228, of the sun pad 220 for seating or lounging. In the depicted embodiment, the hidden portion 252 includes one or more slots 256 formed therein. These slots 256 are sized and located to accommodate the struts 242 (FIG. 4) that support the rest 230. When the sun pad 220 is in the retracted position, the struts 242 are received within the slots 256, allowing the hidden portion 252 to nest within the gap 202 beneath the rest 230 without obstruction. As the sun pad 220 is extended, the slots 256 allow the hidden portion 252 to slide relative to the fixed struts 242.

[0050]FIGS. 7A to 7C are side views of the stern seating area 136 illustrating the movement of the sun pad 220 between the retracted position and the extended position. These figures depict sequential stages of the sun pad 220 being manually moved rearward along the upper surface 216 of the seat support 210. FIG. 7A shows the sun pad 220 in the fully retracted position, with the hidden portion 252 located entirely beneath the rest 230 and within the gap 202. FIG. 7B shows the sun pad 220 in a partially extended position. FIG. 7C shows the sun pad 220 in the fully extended position.

[0051]To move the sun pad 220 from the retracted position to the extended position, a person grasps a handle 338 (see also FIG. 3) located near the aft edge 222 as illustrated in FIG. 7A. After grabbing the handle 338, the person pulls the sun pad 220, such as by the handle 338, aft to begin the sliding motion. When the sun pad seat 200 includes a locking or securement mechanism, as will be discussed further below, the user may first release the lock or do so simultaneously with grabbing the handle 338 when a release is integrated into the handle 338.

[0052]FIG. 7B illustrates an intermediate stage. In this partially extended position, the person may lift the aft edge 222 slightly while pulling rearward. In the depicted embodiment, the exposed portion 254 can pivot upward relative to the hidden portion 252. This upward lifting motion helps reduce the distances needed to bend over during rearward movement and makes the motion more ergonomic. As the sun pad 220 continues to move rearward, a portion of the hidden portion 252 slides out from underneath the rest 230, to move to the fully extended position shown in FIG. 7C.

[0053]In FIG. 7C, the aft edge 222 is displaced rearward to its maximum extent relative to the seat support 210. When the sun pad seat 200 includes a locking or securement mechanism, the user can allow the lock to re-engage upon reaching the fully extended position. The exposed portion 254 is fully extended behind the rest 230 and a substantial portion of the hidden portion 252 has emerged from the gap 202. In this position, the seating surface 228 of the sun pad 220 presents an enlarged, continuous surface suitable for reclining or lounging. The exposed portion 254 lies flush with the hidden portion 252 and the aft edge 222 is cantilevered rearward from the seat support 210 over the reboarding platform 170, as discussed above.

[0054]To return the sun pad 220 from the extended position to the retracted position, the user reverses the process described above. The sun pad 220 is pushed forward along the upper surface 216 of the seat support 210 until the hidden portion 252 is once again fully located beneath the rest 230 and within the gap 202.

[0055]FIGS. 8A to 8C are side views of a portion of the sun pad seat 200 moving from the retracted position to the extended position. These figures correspond to FIGS. 7A to 7C, but from a different perspective to illustrate how the hidden portion 252 is positioned within the gap 202 beneath the rest 230 during each of the corresponding positions. FIG. 8A shows the sun pad 220 in the retracted position, with the hidden portion 252 located entirely beneath the rest 230 and nested within the gap 202. FIG. 8B shows the sun pad 220 in a partially extended position. A portion of the hidden portion 252 (an aft segment) has slid rearward from the gap 202, while a forward segment remains beneath the rest 230. FIG. 8C shows the sun pad 220 in the fully extended position. Even in the extended position shown in FIG. 8C, a forward-most segment of the hidden portion 252 can remain within the gap 202, while the exposed portion 254 and a majority of the hidden portion 252 extend rearward of the rest 230.

[0056]FIG. 9 is a schematic of a movement mechanism 300 for the sun pad seat 200. The sun pad 220 can be movable relative to the seat support 210 between the retracted position and the extended position using a variety of movement mechanisms. These mechanisms can include, for example, rail-and-slider systems, actuation assemblies, or other structural linkages that allow for fore-and-aft translation of the seat bottom. In the embodiment shown, the movement mechanism 300 comprises a sliding rail system 302.

[0057]The sliding rail system 302 can include one or more rails, such as pair of rails 310.

[0058]The pair of rails 310 can include a left rail 312 and a right rail 314 spaced apart from one another. The left rail 312 and the right rail 314 can be oriented generally parallel to each other. In the depicted embodiment, each of the left rail 312 and the right rail 314 is oriented in the direction of movement of the sun pad 220, which corresponds to a fore-and-aft direction on the boat. A corresponding slider is engaged with each rail. More specifically, the sliding rail system 302 includes a pair of sliders 320, including a left slider 322 that engages with the left rail 312 and a right slider 324 that engages with the right rail 314. As the sliders 320 move along the rails, they carry the sun pad 220 between the retracted and extended positions in a guided and structurally supported manner. Each rail 312, 314 can be mounted to one of the seat support 210 (FIGS. 10A and 10B) or the sun pad 220 (FIGS. 10A and 10B). The sliders 320 can be attached to the other of the seat support 210 or the sun pad 220 such that relative sliding motion occurs along the rails 312, 314 during extension or retraction of the sun pad seat. The engagement between each rail and its corresponding slider allows the sun pad 220 to move fore and aft while remaining guided, aligned, and supported throughout the range of motion.

[0059]The left slider 322 and the right slider 324 can be connected to each other by a cross member 326. The cross member 326 spans laterally between the sliders 320 and provides a rigid structural link to maintain alignment and coordinated movement. The sliders 320 can be fixed to opposing ends of the cross member 326. In some embodiments, the cross member 326 is a flat elongated member, such as a metal or composite plate, but other structural forms can be used. For example, the cross member 326 can also be formed as a one or more rods or beams. The cross member 326 helps ensure that the sliders 320 move in parallel along the left and right rails 312, 314 to reduce the risk of cocking or binding during movement. In certain embodiments, the cross member 326 can also provide a mounting location for additional features, such as a securement mechanism or the structural member 224 of the sun pad 220.

[0060]FIGS. 10A and 10B are detail views of the right slider 324 and right rail 314, illustrating the mounting relationship and engagement between the right slider 324 and the right rail 314. FIG. 10A shows the right rail 314 and right slider 324 in the extended position, and FIG. 10B shows the right rail 314 and right slider 324 in the retracted position. As depicted, the right rail 314 is shown as being mounted to the seat support 210, such as the upper surface 216. The right slider 324 is shown mounted to the sun pad 220, such as to the structural member 224. More specifically, the cross member 326 (FIG. 9) can be bolted or otherwise attached to an underside of the structural member. While FIGS. 10A and 10B depict the right rail 314 and right slider 324, the same mounting and engagement arrangement can be used for the left rail 312 and left slider 322.

[0061]The right rail 314 includes a slot 316 formed along the length of the right rail 314. More specifically, the right rail 314 includes rail body 317 and the slot 316 is formed therein. The slot 316 can have different shapes. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 316 has a T-shaped profile. Other shapes can be used for the slot and rail body, including rectangular, dovetail, or U-shaped profiles. One or more flanges 318 extend laterally from the rail body 317. These flanges 318 can be fastened, such as by screws, or otherwise secured to the upper surface 216 of the seat support 210. The corresponding right slider 324 includes a projection 328 shaped to fit within the slot 316. In the depicted embodiment, the projection 328 is shaped to correspond to the profile of the slot 316. The shape of the projection 328 can vary and may include rectangular, rounded, or interlocking geometries depending on the slot configuration, such as having a T-shaped profile as depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10B. This engagement allows the slider 324 to slide along the right rail 314 while being retained within the slot. The T-shaped slot and mating projection arrangement constrains vertical and lateral movement of the slider 324 while permitting controlled linear translation along the fore-and-aft direction of the rail.

[0062]The right rail 314 also includes a slider stop 329 disposed to limit the travel of the slider 324 at each end of the slot 316. In this embodiment, the slider stop 329 is a pin that projects through the rail body 317 and forms a mechanical stop near the forward and aft ends of the slot 316. The slider 324 abuts the slider stop 329 at the end of its travel to prevent the projection 328 from exiting the slot 316. Other types of stops can be used, such as molded end caps, welded plates, or bracketed stops.

[0063]As further shown schematically in FIG. 9, the sliding rail system 302 can include a securement mechanism 330 for releasably holding the sun pad 220 in one or more positions along its range of motion. The securement mechanism 330 can prevent unintended movement of the sun pad 220 and can be used to secure the sun pad 220 in the retracted position, the extended position, or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the securement mechanism 330 includes a pin 332 that is biased by a biasing member 334 toward an engaged position. The pin 332 can be aligned with one or more openings 336 formed in the rail 312, 314. When the pin 332 is received within one of the openings 336, the slider 322, 324 is retained in position and movement is restricted. A handle 338 is operably connected to the pin 332 and configured to retract the pin 332 against the biasing member 334. When the handle 338 is pulled, the pin 332 disengages from the opening 336, allowing the slider to move along the rail. The user can release the handle 338 when the pin 332 aligns with another opening 336 to secure the sun pad 220 in a different position.

[0064]The securement mechanism 330 shown in FIG. 9 is implemented as a cable latch system. The pin 332 can be mounted on one of the sliders 320 and connected to the handle 338 by a flexible cable. Pulling on the handle 338 retracts the cable and withdraws the pin 332 from the opening 336 against the force of the biasing member 334. When the handle is released, the biasing member 334 urges the pin 332 back into engagement with the next available opening 336. This configuration allows for remote or conveniently located actuation of the securement mechanism 330 without direct access to the pin 332 itself.

[0065]Other types of securement mechanisms can be used in place of the illustrated cable latch system. For example, the retention element used to hold the sun pad 220 in position can take the form of a detent, locking element, or engagement member. The corresponding receptacle or constraint structure can be referred to more generally as a registration feature, detent recess, or receiver. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 332 functions as a locking element that engages with a receiver (i.e., the opening 336) to restrict motion. In other embodiments, spring-loaded levers, cam-lock assemblies, or mechanical detents can be used to provide similar engagement. Electromechanical variants such as solenoid-actuated locking elements or actuators with integrated positional locking features can also serve as securement mechanisms. These alternative designs allow for varying levels of user input, holding strength, and integration with onboard electronics.

[0066]FIG. 11 is a detail view showing the handle 338 mounted to the sun pad seat 200. As shown, the handle 338 is mounted to the sun pad 220, such as to the structural member 224 of the sun pad 220 near the aft edge of the sun pad 220. This mounting location allows the user to access and operate the securement mechanism 330 conveniently when standing on the reboarding platform 170. As discussed above, the handle 338 can be pulled to release the pin 332 (FIG. 9) from one of the openings 336 (FIG. 9) in the pair of rails 310 (FIG. 9), allowing the structural member 224 and the sun pad 220 to slide forward or aft. When released, the handle permits re-engagement of the pin 332 to lock the sun pad 220 in a new position. In addition to actuating the securement mechanism, the handle 338 can also serve as the graspable element used by the user to manually pull or push the sun pad seat 200 between its retracted and extended positions, as discussed in more detail above.

[0067]FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the movement mechanism 300 for the sun pad seat 200. In this embodiment, the movement mechanism 300 includes a sliding rail system 304 that is similar to the manually actuated sliding rail system 302 described above.

[0068]The same reference numerals will be used for the same or similar features and a detailed discussion of such features is omitted here. In this sliding rail system 304, instead of being moved manually, the sun pad 220 is moved using an actuator 350. The actuator 350 can be a linear actuator, such as an electric linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic actuator. The actuator 350 includes an extendable and retractable ram 352 that is operatively connected at one end to the cross member 326. The actuator 350 is also connected at the other end to the seat support 210 (FIG. 10A), such as to the upper surface 216 (FIG. 10A). Actuation of the ram 352 drives the cross member 326 along the pair of rails 310, which in turn moves the sliders 320 and the sun pad 220 between the retracted and extended positions.

[0069]A user input device is provided in electrical communication with the actuator 350. In the depicted embodiment, the user input device is a rocker switch 354. The rocker switch 354 includes distinct controls for extension and retraction of the sun pad 220, such as by extension and retraction of the ram 352. In the depicted embodiment, extension of the ram 352 moves the sun pad 220 to the retracted position and retraction of the ram 352 moves the sun pad 220 to the extended position. Other orientations and mounting configurations can be used in which extension of the ram 352 results in extension of the sun pad 220, or vice versa, depending on the design. In this embodiment, the securement mechanism 330 is not required, as the actuator 350 resists unintended movement. However, additional locking features or stops can optionally be provided for redundancy or safety.

[0070]As used herein the term “bench seat” refers to a seat having a horizontally extended seating surface capable of supporting more than one seated occupant side by side. A bench seat can include a continuous or segmented seat bottom, with or without fixed dividers or armrests. The seat bottom is generally longer across its width than it is deep from front to back.

[0071]As used herein the term “generally horizontal” refers to a surface or plane that is substantially parallel to the deck floor of the boat, allowing for angular deviations up to ±5 degrees to accommodate construction tolerances or ergonomic shaping.

[0072]As used herein the term “generally parallel” refers to two surfaces or planes that are aligned to within ±5 degrees of one another, regardless of absolute orientation.

[0073]As used herein, the terms “forward” (or “fore”), “aft,” “port,” “starboard,” “inboard,” and “outboard” are used in their customary sense in the marine and boating arts. “Forward” refers to a direction toward the bow of the boat, and “aft” refers to a direction toward the stern. “Port” and “starboard” refer to the left and right sides of the boat, respectively, when facing forward. “Inboard” denotes a direction toward the longitudinal centerline of the boat, and “outboard” denotes a direction toward the sides or outer edges of the boat.

[0074]Although this invention has been described with respect to certain specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is determined by any claims supportable by this disclosure and the equivalents of the embodiments and structures discussed herein, rather than by the foregoing description.