CA2996157A1 - Ax28x aft module - Google Patents

Abstract

The "AX28x Aft Module" is a physical construct which is key to enabling the transformation of two specific existing power boat models designed for day use into boats fully capable of extended cruising. It is designed to fit on aft decks of the boats known as the "Axopar 28", models "T-Top" and "Open"; invented by Axopar of Finland.
The enabled transformation introduces the boats into an entirely different market sector.
The AX28x Aft Module provides the following functional components in a very compact form:
a) a large rectangular fold-out berth for 2 persons, b) ample clothing storage, c) a fully-equipped food service galley, d) an enclosed head and shower with full headroom, e) heated water supply, f) fold-up tablets for desk work, entertainment devices, and a dining option, g) hanging space for weather gear, and h) an upgraded capacity sanitary waste holding tank

Description

1 of 8 SPECIFICATION
Description This application is for patent protection of the design for fabrication and installation of an entity hereinafter identified as the "AX28x Aft Module", which is key to enabling two specific existing power boat models ("subject boats") designed for day use to be transformed into boats fully capable of long term cruising. The compact and efficient AX28x Aft Module is designed to fit on, and into, the aft deck of the subject boats, and to be accompanied by other modifications of the boats which are not included in the patent claims The subject boats are the "Axopar 28 T-Top" and "Axopar 28 Open"; two boat models invented by Axopar of Finland and sold worldwide. The transformative AX28x Aft Module can be fitted to all past and present versions of these models and could fit all future versions of these models. The subject boats have high performance, safety, and other features perfectly suited to day or single overnight use in clement weather.
They are not classified as cruising boats due to their lack of adequate food preparation facilities, lack of clothes storage, access to sanitary facilities which is not weather-protected, and limited capacities of both water tanks and sanitary waste holding tanks. The transformation enabled by the AX28X Aft Module retains the very positive characteristics of the original subject boats and introduces the boats into an entirely different market sector. They become true cruising boats with all the necessities for many days or weeks on the water, with several features and innovative concepts not found in the designs of competing power boats in that sector.
It should be noted that the "Axopar 28 Open" and "Axopar 28 T-Top" models, and an "Axopar 28 Cabin" model are offered with options of overnight sleeping accommodation, small refrigerator, and small sink as enhancements of what the manufacturer markets as "daycruisers". The use of the boats remains limited for the lack of facilities and arrangements as mentioned in the description above.

2 of 8 The elements of the AX28x Aft Module are listed below with reference codes to be found on the attached drawings;
a) two side-by-side fold-out berths (2-1, 2-2) which, in combination with the existing two forward seats rotated, provide a rectangular bed surface of approximately 193 x 127 cm with a mattress (and optional spring system) depth of up to 14 cm, b) clothing storage in the form of dresser drawers (3-1, 3-2) or shelves and accommodations for two light weight "portable clothing modules" (3-3), sized for standard airline carry-on luggage pieces up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm, C) a complete food service galley with 2-burner stovetop (4-1), built-in cooler (4-2), sink (4-3), food preparation counter space (4-4), waste bin (4-5), and storage for dish ware (4-7), cutlery (4-6), galley equipment (4-8) and food (4-9), d) an enclosed head/shower with toilet (5-1), wash basin (5-3), mirror (5-9), and hand-held wand shower, with available stand-up headroom of at least 183 cm, e) a heat exchanger (6-1) and insulated heated water tank (6-2) supplying the head/shower faucet, galley faucet, and a deck shower head (for subject boats with deck shower option), f) two fold-up tablets (7-1) for desk activities and audio-visual entertainment, and also providing for a dining option, g) stainless steel unit (8-1) with a grab rail and hooks for hanging weather gear, h) a sanitary waste water holding tank (5-4) with upgraded capacity of that available on the subject boats.

3 of 8 Refer to the attached drawings for the designed configuration of the AX28x Aft Module (see list of figures below). The elements of the AX28x Aft Module are tabulated below, each with reference numbers as shown on the drawings:
Element Description Drawing Ref #
Structure / Cabinet GAP (fibreglass) base "plug" molded to fit cavity of 1-subject boats cabinetry to accommodate all module elements and 1-2 to fit GAP base hinged cover over stovetop and galley bins 1-3 hinged cover over head / shower 1-4 2 hinged covers over "portable clothing module" bins 1-5 integral column to support cabin top and for holding 1-6 tank vent, holding tank pump out, and electrical conduits Berths 2 fold-down supports between the aft and forward 2-1 GRP (fibreglass) podiums high density foam mattress sections with fabric 2-2 covers; optional underlying spring system; total thickness up to 14 cm Clothing Storage 2 upper drawers or shelves in port side dresser 3-1 2 lower drawers or shelves in port side dresser 3-2 2 bins for "portable clothing modules" sized up to 55 3-3 x40 x23 cm Food Service Galley 2 burner stovetop 4-1 built-in cooler 4-2 sink, stainless steel 4-3 food preparation countertop 4-4 waste bin 4-5 drawer for cutlery / tablewares 4-6 countertop bins for dish ware & galley utensils 4-7 cabinet for galley equipment 4-8

4 of 8 food storage cabinet with drawers or shelving 4-9 Head/Shower toilet (compact size) 5-1 counter with storage for toiletries 5-2 low profile mini-sink, custom molded into counter, 5-3 with faucet / shower wand waste water holding tank 5-4 holding tank pump-out on column 1-6 5-5 thru-hull fittings for toilet and holding tank 5-6 floor drain for shower 5-7 fabric enclosure on folding framework 5-8 overhead light and mirror on head/shower cover 5-9 Heated Water heat exchanger (hot water from hydronic heater 6-1 transfer to water of heated water tank) heated water tank, exterior insulated 6-2 Tablets 2 fold-up work surfaces 7-1 Grab Rail & Weather stainless steel unit with upper rail grab bar and lower Gear Hanger rail with 4 hooks for weather gear hanging/drying The AX28x Aft Module is designed to maintain balance and a low centre of gravity in the subject boats. The holding tank (5-4) and water tank (6-2) are located very low on the centre lines of the subject boats. The structural base or "plug" (1-1) is intended to be made of GRP (fibreglass) and most of the elements located higher in the Module are intended to be fabricated in light weight materials (sandwich core construction using fibreglass and/or carbon fibre).
Variations in the structural base or "plug" (1-1) would allow fitting of the Module to variations in the subject boats' configurations/structure in different model years.

of 8 The installation of the AX28x Aft Module involves the following procedure:
1) removal of the four rear seats from their podium support and modification to the hatch on the top of the podium so that the hatch opens from forward, 2) removal of the defined portion of the aft deck lying between the aft deck hatch and the seat podium, removal of part of the aft wall of the podium, and relocation of electrical wiring under the podium as may be necessary.
3) installation of a pre-molded GRP (fibreglass) "plug" (1-1) to support the module elements above and to reinforce the surrounding boat structure as may be necessary, 4) installation of the holding tank (5-4), insulated heated water tank (6-2), and heat exchanger (6-1) under the seat podium, including all mechanical and electrical connections,

5) installation of the pre-fabricated module (1-2) incorporating the galley, head/shower, and berth accommodations onto the GRP "plug" base and existing GRP seat podium, including all mechanical and electrical connections, and

6) connection of the support column (1-6) to the boat's cabin top, including all mechanical and electrical connections.
The transformation is completed by adding a light weight cabin top with side enclosures and making modifications to the starboard aft locker, forward storage space, and forward under deck mechanical space. These modifications cannot be characterized as innovative and therefore are not intended to form a part of the patent.

6 of 8 List of Figures Figure # Title Notes 1 Context, Position in Subject Boats 2 Top Plan shows locations of sections 3 Plan at Countertop 4 Upper Plan At Berth (Closed) Lower Plan At Berth (Open) 6 Plan at Deck Level

7 Plan Below Deck

8 Section, Berth Closed

9 Section, Berth Open Section, Port Side 11 Transverse Section, Forward 12 Transverse Section, Aft 13 Transverse Section, Aft Head / Shower 14 Elevation, Forward Side shows levels of plans Elevation, Port Side 16 Elevation, Starboard Side 17 Elevation, Starboard Side (Head /Shower Open) 18 Elevation, Aft Side

Claims

Claims The embodiments of the AX28x Aft Module in which exclusive or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
Claim #1 The AX28x Aft Module enables the transformation of the subject boats from day use boats to extended cruising boats by providing essential elements which include a fully functional galley, accommodations for sleeping and clothes storage, a head/shower, and weather gear storage, all in a compact form which preserves the open deck space above aft deck hatch of the subject boats.
Claim #2 The design of the AX28x Aft Module provides a unique horizontal and vertical juxtaposition of the functional elements essential to the transformation of the subject boats into true cruising boats.
Claim #3 The design of the AX28x Aft Module provides unique adaptability to variations that may be present in different versions of the subject boats over time, by minor modifications of the lower GRP (fibreglass) "plug" while retaining the same upper portion of the Module.
Claim #4 The AX28x Aft Module improves the convenience and capacity for clothing stowage on boats of this size by incorporating unique accommodations designed to receive "portable clothing modules", which correspond to standard airline carry-on luggage.
Claim #5 The AX28x Aft Module achieves a large berth for two people by making full use of the rotated pilot and co-pilot seats forward of the Module.

Claim #6 The AX28x Aft Module uses horizontal and vertical open space to effectively enlarge the useable ergonomic volume of the berth.
Claim #7 The AX28x Aft Module improves the subject boats' head (toilet), by providing in-cabin access and upgraded sanitary waste holding tank capacity.
Claim #8 The AX28x Aft Module improves the subject boats' personal hygiene capabilities by providing an in-cabin private enclosed shower with headroom of at least 183 cm.
Claim #9 The AX28x Aft Module is designed to respect the forms of the subject boats in that the angle of the top covers coincides with the line angle of the boats' windshields, and the form of the walk-around aisles is maintained.