CA3072918A1 - Ax24x transformation modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The "AX24x Transformation Modules" are physical constructs which are essential to the transformation of two specific existing powerboat models designed for day use into boats fully capable of extended multi-day cruising. The modules are designed to fit the boats known as the "Axopar 24 T-Top" and "Axopar 24 Open"; invented by Axopar of Finland and sold worldwide. The transformation introduces these boats into an entirely different market sector.
The AX24x Transformation Modules provide the following functional components in a space-efficient form;
a) 2 convertible aft modules usable for sleeping, lounging, dining, and desk work, b) ample multi-day clothing storage for 2 persons, c) a mid-ship module accommodating a fully-equipped food service galley, and d) a mid-ship module accommodating an enclosed private toilet/shower.

Description

1 of 9 SPECIFICATION
Description This application is for patent protection of the design for fabrication and installation of entities hereinafter identified as the "AX24x Transformation Modules", which enable two specific existing powerboat models ("subject boats") designed for day use to be transformed into boats fully capable of extended multi-day cruising. The space-efficient AX24x Transformation Modules are designed to fit the confines of the subject boats, and are to be accompanied by other modifications of the boats which are not included in the patent claims because they are not inventive.
The subject boats are the "Axopar 24 T-Top" and "Axopar 24 Open"; two boat models invented by Axopar of Finland and sold worldwide. The transformative AX24x modules can be fitted to all past and present versions of these models and are designed to anticipate future variations of these models. The subject boats have high performance, safety, and other features perfectly suited to day or single overnight use.
They are not classified as cruising boats due to their lack of adequate food storage and preparation facilities, lack of clothing storage, lack of private toilet/shower facilities, and limited capacities for both water and toilet waste holding. The transformation enabled by the AX24x modules retains the very positive characteristics of the original subject boats and introduces the boats into an entirely different market sector. They are transformed into true cruising boats with all the necessities for many days or even weeks on the water.
It should be noted that the basic "Axopar 24 T-Top" and "Axopar 24 Open"
models are provided with limited over-night sleeping accommodation (constrained space), an option of a toilet (non-private), an option of a refrigerated drawer (small capacity), and a sink.
However the boats remain limited to single day or single over-night use due to the lack of the facilities as mentioned above. The manufacturer markets the boats for day use and "occasional" or "impromptu" overnight use.
The elements of the AX24x Transformation Modules are listed below with reference codes to be found on the attached drawings;

2 of 9 a) two fold-out berths (refs. 1-2, 1-3, and 2-1) which, in combination with the existing two forward seats rotated aft, each provide a bed surfaces of approximately 190 x 60 cm with a mattress (and optional spring system) depth of up to 15 cm, b) personal storage in the form of dresser shelves for clothing (ref. 3-1), personal effects drawers (ref. 3-3), and footwear storage space (ref. 3-5).
c) a complete food service galley with 2-burner cooktop (ref. 5-1), built-in cooler (ref. 5-2), sink (ref. 5-3), food preparation counter space (ref. 5-4), waste bin (ref.
5-5), storage for dishware and tableware (ref. 5-6 and 5-7), storage for galley equipment (ref. 5-8), storage for pantry food (ref. 5-9 and 5-10), and space for a portable freezer (ref. 5-12).
d) an enclosed head/shower with toilet (ref. 6-1), modified existing sink (ref. 6-3), mirror and overhead light (ref. 6-8), and a rigid and fabric enclosure (ref. 6-6 and 6-7) with stand-up headroom of at least 183 cm, e) a waste holding tank with a capacity of approximately 42 litres (ref. 6-4) f) two fold-up tablets (ref. 4-1 ) for paper and computer desk work.
Refer to the attached drawing (Figure 2) for the designed configuration of the AX24x Transformation Modules in the subject boats. The elements of the AX24x Transformation Modules are tabulated below, each with reference numbers as shown on the drawings:

3 of 9 Subject / Description Figure Be _Element Subject boats before transformation 1 Subject boats after transformation 2 Aft Components, 2 Sets, Port and Starboard Aft 2 base "plugs" molded to fit the existing cavities and 9 Structures shapes of the subject boats 2 fold-down supports that act as berth sections, lounge 3,4,5, leg cushions, and guest seating for dining 6,7,9, 2 fold-over supports that act as covers for bedding when 3,6,7, closed and berth extensions aft when open 9,10 2 supports for fixed berth sections 9,10 2 stainless steel supports for removable dining table 3 Berths 2 sets of high density foam mattress sections with fabric 7,9 covers; optional underlying spring system; total thickness up to 15 cm Storage, 8 dresser shelves for clothing, with fabric covers 3,4,6, Personal 9 2 spaces for beddings and laundry bags 7,9 2 personal effects drawers 8,10 2 open shelves 9,10 2 spaces for footware 8,10 Storage, 2 bins for deck gear 3,8 General Tablets 2 fold-up surfaces for paper and computer desk work 4,10

4-1 Mid-Ship Components, Port and Starboard Food 2 burner gas cooktop 14,18

5-1 Service Galley built-in cooler, including drawer 14,15, 4 of 9 sink, stainless steel 14,18 countertop 11,18 5-4 waste bin 15 drawers for cutlery / tablewares 14,18 countertop bins for dishware & galley utensils 14 drawer for galley equipment in cabinet 15,18 drawers (2) for food pantry storage in cabinet 18 food pantry storage in modular bins on pull-out shelves 14,15, 5-10 countertop over portable freezer space 11 space for portable freezer 14,15, 5-12 food pantry storage, shelves 18 Head/ 12,13, 6-1 Shower toilet 16,17 shelf for storage of toiletries 16,17

6-2 modified existing sink with removable bin insert and 12,16 combination faucet / shower head waste water holding tank, approx. 42 litre capacity 13,16, floor drain for shower 13,16 enclosure, rigid top/cover, folding up (2 positions) 11,12, 16,17 enclosure, fabric with windows and privacy curtains 16,17 mirror and overhead light on head/shower top/cover 12,16 The AX24x Transformation Modules are designed to maintain weight balance and a low centre of gravity in the subject boats. The structural bases of the modules are intended to be made of GRP (fibreglass) and most of the elements located higher in the modules are intended to be fabricated in light weight materials (sandwich core construction using fibreglass and/or carbon fibre).

of 9 The installation of the AX24x Transformation Modules involves the following procedures:
Aft Modules, Port and Starboard 1) remove the three rear seats and their support podium.
2) remove the GRP (fibreglass) front panels on the outer side lockers.
3) install the two pre-molded structural bases to fit seat and outer locker voids and install structural "trunks" with mechanical and electrical conduits.
4) install support for fixed berth section.
5) install dresser/shelving units in outer locker voids and make exterior joints waterproof.
6) install 2 folding berth elements, fold-downs hinged on the structural "trunks", and fold-overs on the fixed berth support.

7) Install berth cushions (with optional spring system) and fabric covers.
Mid-Ship Module. Port 1) Remove existing foam cushions.
2) Excavate space for head/shower base and waste holding tank (removal of GAP
(fibreglass) surface and foam floatation below) and redirect existing mechanical/
electrical conduits as may be necessary.
3) Install waste holding tank and make connections to both sea and deck outlets, with macerator pump on connection to sea outlet.

6 of 9 4) Install GRP (fibreglass) molded "plug" for head/shower base, including shower drain to boat's existing bilge pump.
5) install GRP (fibreglass) base for remainder of port side module, adding structural support as necessary, with base to include floatation volumes to offset the floatation removed in #2 above.
6) Install cabinetry, counter tops, and fold-up top/cover for head/shower, including rough-ins for water, power and waste.
7) Install toilet and make water, power, and waste connections.
Mid-Ship Module. Starboard 1) Remove existing foam cushions.
2) Install GRP (fibreglass) base to receive starboard side elements adding structural support as necessary.
3) Install gas, electric, and water rough-ins.
4) Install cabinetry, counter top, sink, insulated cooler, cooktop, and drawers, including connections for water supply, water drainage, electric outlet, and gas supply.
The transformation is completed by additional water tankage, a portable freezer, a hydronic water heating system, an optional air heating system, and an optional video entertainment system. These modifications cannot be characterized as unique or innovative and therefore are not intended to form a part of the patent.

7 of 9 List of Figures Figure # Title Notes 1 Plan, Subject Boats standard boat layout 2 Plan, Transformation Modules locations of transform-ation modules 3 Plan, Aft Module(s) general plan and (port side module, starboard side as mirror image) position of sections 4 Plan, Aft Module, Tablet Use folding surface Plan, Aft Module, Dining Use provision for guest 6 Plan, Aft Module, Lounge Use stool for existing seat 7 Plan, Aft Module, Berth Use combines with existing seat

8 Plan, Aft Module, Deck Level lower structure &
storage

9 Section, Aft Module, Berth Open berth - 65 x 190 cm Section, Aft Module, Berth Closed tablet use shown 11 Plan, Midship Modules general plan and position of sections 12 Plan, Midship Module, Port, Head/Shower upper level 13 Plan, Midship Module, Port, Head/Shower lower level 14 Plan, Midship Modules, Galley upper level Plan, Midship Modules, Galley lower level 16 Section, Mid-Ship Module, Port, Head/Shower configuration with boat at rest 17 Section, Mid-Ship Module, Port, Head configuration with boat underway 18 Section, Mid-Ship Module, Starboard

Claims

8 of 9 Claims The embodiments of the invention entitled "AX24x Transformation Modules" in which exclusive or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
Claim #1 The AX24x Transformation Modules are designed to convert the subject boats from day use boats to multi-day cruising boats by providing the essential accommodations for food preparation, dining, lounging, sleeping, and toileting in highly compact, comfortable, and uniquely flexible form.
Claim #2 The AX24x Transformation Modules utilize and covert selected space in the subject boats in a unique configuration; a galley in the mid-ship starboard side, a head/shower in the mid-ship port side, and two convertible multi-purpose modules in the port and starboard aft sections of the boat.
Claim #3 The AX24x Aft Module design makes full use of the space available in the existing port and starboard side storage lockers, which, in combination with folding berth elements, provide a unique and compact way of accommodating sleeping, lounging, and dining activities.
Claim #4 The design of the AX24x Mid-Ship Module on port side provides a unique means of providing both a fully-functional private toilet/shower space when the boat is at rest and a usable private toilet space when the boat is underway without impeding the visual field of the boat's pilot.
Claim #5 The design of the AX24x Mid-Ship Module on starboard side provides a unique, functional, and compact arrangement of food service galley elements.

9 of 9 Claim #6 The design AX24x Aft Modules achieves adequate length and width of berths for sleeping by making full use of the boat's rotated pilot and co-pilot seats forward of the two modules, and by providing unconstrained open space on one side of each berth.
Claim #7 The design of the AX24x Aft Modules provides adaptability to possible variations that may be present in different versions of the subject boats over time, by requiring the modification only of the moulded GRP (fibreglass) bases while retaining the same upper portions of the Modules.