CA3147673A1 - Ax9 transformers - Google Patents

Abstract

The "AX9 Transformers" are the key physical constructs which enable owners of a specific existing powerboat model designed for day use to convert their boats into boats fully capable of extended multi-day cruising. The AX9 Transformers are designed to fit the confines of the boats known as the "Axopar 28 Open", invented by Axopar Boats OY of Finland and sold worldwide. The three key AX9 Transformer components are: a) a construct replacing the existing seats on the aft fibreglass podium and providing convertible facilities for use in sleeping, lounging, dining, desk work, dressing, and activities on exterior aft deck space of the boat, b) a construct mounted at the aft edge of the aft deck space, providing an extension of the sleeping berth surface, a secure enclosure for optional TV/ video equipment, and a base support for wet gear hangers, and c) a combination of constructs on the foredeck providing a complete food service galley. The complete transformation of the subject boats involves other modifications that are not worthy of patent protection. Once= transformed, the boats are re-classified from "day boats" to "cruising boats", with a highly advantageous market position relative to the accommodations, construct quality, and pricing of other cruising boats of similar size. The two AX9 Transformer components designed for the aft deck are not intended for installation on the Axopar 28 "cabin" or "after cabin" models, however the components designed for the foredeck can be installed as enhancements on all Axopar 28 models.

Description

1 of 12 SPECIFICATION
Description The invention consists of the physical constructs hereinafter identified as the "AX9 Transformers", which enable owners of a specific existing boat model ("subject boats") designed for day use to be transformed into boats fully capable of extended multi-day cruising. The subject boats are the "Axopar 28 Open", a powerboat model invented by Axopar Boats OY of Finland and sold worldwide. Once transformed, the boats offer the owners increased comfort and greatly expanded opportunities in the use of the boat. The transformed boats also gain a highly advantageous market position relative to the accommodations, construct quality, speed, range, and pricing of other cruising boats of similar size.
The three key AX9 Transformer components are:
1) a construct replacing the existing seats on the aft fibreglass podium and =
providing convertible facilities for use in sleeping, lounging, dining, desk work, dressing, and activities on the aft deck space,

2) a construct mounted at the aft edge of the aft deck space, providing an extension of the sleeping berth surface, a secure enclosure for optional TV/
video equipment, and a base support for wet gear hangers, and

3) a combination of constructs on the foredeck providing a complete food service galley.
The installation of these components is to be accompanied by other modifications of the subject boats which are not included in the patent claims because they are not considered to be truly inventive.
The aftermarket transformative components can be fitted to all past and present versions of the subject boats, all of which have high performance, safety, and other features 2 of 12 perfectly suited to day use, but are not classified as cruising boats clue to their lack of food preparation facilities, lack of clothing and laundry storage, limited lounge and sleeping accommodations, and limited water tank capacity. The installation of the AX9 Transformers retains the very positive characteristics of the original subject boats and adds the capability for true multi-day cruising.
It should be noted that the basic "Axopar 28 Open" model can be purchased with an optional dining table, an optional small refrigerator, an optional sink under the pilot seat, and a confined berth within an optional aft cabin. Regardless of the options selected, the subject boats remain limited to single day, or single overnight, use due to the lack of the facilities as mentioned above. It should also be noted that there are other Axopar 28 models which are day boats having the same limitations.
The components of the AX9 Transformers provide the following functional facilities:
1) Aft Settee/Lounge/Berth a) a convertible double berth with a bed surface length of approximately 205 cm and a width of 140 cm at the head and 80 cm at the foot, with a mattress (and optional spring system) depth of up to 15 cm, with un-constricted open space on both sides of the berth, b) personal clothing storage for two persons in the form of "Portable Clothing Modules" (standard airline carry-on luggage), space for laundry, and footwear storage space, c) a convertible large comfortable lounge settee for two persons, with adjacent bins for reading or other materials, with adjacent beverage holders, and with proper sight lines to an optional TV/video monitor, d) a convertible settee used for dining and desk use, and 3 of 12 e) a convertible bench facing the aft deck space, usable for sitting and gear handling when bathing, fishing, water skiing, wake boarding, socializing and other activities.
2) Aft Console a) a fold-down extension of the sleeping berth, b) a secure enclosure and mounting surface for an optional TV/ video monitor, and c) a space for wet gear hanging on both port and starboard sides.
3) Foredeck Galley a) a galley work space with countertop, sink, and 2-burner cooktop, with a fixed sink cabinet accommodating tablewares and cookwares, and the countertop and cooktop elements folding down to maximize use of the foredeck and to facilitate the use of the existing hatch at deck level, b) a galley stores compartment under the existing port side settee accommodating a cooler, food storage bin(s), a waste bin, and c) a base on which to secure a portable freezer under the existing forward settee The AX9 Transformers are not intended for installation on those Axopar 28 boats that have been acquired with the "cabin" or "aft cabin" factory options, however the food service galley components could be installed on the foredeck to enhance those boats.
Refer to the attached drawing (Figure 1) for the designed configuration of the Transformers in the subject boats.

4 of 12 The elements of the AX9 Transformers are tabulated below, each with reference numbers as shown on the attached drawings (Figures 2 to 18):
Component Description Figure #
Ref.
/ Element Aft Settee/Lounge/Berth Structures an aft settee base fixed in position on the existing 9, 10, 11, fibreglass podium with a projection aft beyond the 12, 13, 1-podium 14 2 forward settee bases hinged to provide access to the , , ,11, 12, podium cavity below 13, 14 2, a fold-down settee support hinged to the aft settee 10, 11 base (1-1) with fold down supporting legs, waterproof in 12, 13, ia, the deck use position 2, 3, 4, 5, a combination backrest and bedding stowage unit with 6, 7, 9, a slide mechanism providing alternate positions forward 10, 11, 1-4 and aft for the different uses of the settee 12, 13, 2 molded units each accommodating a personal effects 2, 3, 4, 5, bin and beverage holders, fixed to the port and 1-5 starboard extremities of the existing fibreglass podium a support base for the 2 "Portable Clothing Modules" (3-1) within the cavity of the existing 7, 814 1-fibreglass podium a molded fibreglass unit to fit the cavity under the 2 existing hinged pilot seats, to accommodate laundry 8, 14 1-7 bags Berth/ 2, 4, 5, 6, 2-la 4 high density foam mattress sections with fabric Settee/ 7, 9, 10 2-lb covers; optional underlying spring system; total Lounge 11, 12, 2-1c thickness up to 15 cm Elements 13, 14 2-1d custom bag for bedding stowage, configured to provide 9, 10, 11, lumbar support for seating 12 of 12 Storage, 7, 8, 9, Clothing 2 "Portable Clothing Modules" (wheeled standard airline 10, 11, 3_1 carry-on luggage) 12, 13, 2 molded fibreglass bins for footwear attached to the underside of the aft settee base (1-1) projection port 8, 14 and starboard Storage, 8, 9, 10, webbing hammock attached to the two footwear bins General 11, 12, 4-1 (3-2) and the existing fibreglass podium.

Aft Console Structure 2, 3, 4, 5, cabinet, including fold-down support for a berth 6, 7, 9, extension and a fold-up support for an optional 'TV/
10, 11, 5-1 video monitor 12, 13, Berth 6, 7, 9, Cushion high density foam cushion with fabric cover, thickness 5 10, 11, g_2 cm 12,13, `' AV 5 9, 10, TV/video monitor (optional) mounted on support (5-1) .
Equipment 11, 12, 5-3 and provisions for electrical and electronic connections 13, 14 Wet Gear 2 pairs of wet gear hangers fixed to cabinet (5-1) port 2, 3, 4, 5, 5_4 Space and starboard 6, 7 Foredeck Galley Structures, Starboard supports for fixed and folding elements 15, 18 6-1 cabinet fixed to support (6-1) and existing fibreglass 15, 17, starboard side bulkhead, including counter for sink and 8 4 shelf units rigid protective container for cooktop, securable 15 6.3 Galley 2 burner gas cooktop, in secure container (6-3), folds up to use position 15,16, countertop, folds up to use position 18 6 of 12 sink, stainless steel, recessed with removable cover, 16, 18 mounted in GRP cabinet (6-2) Structures, Port & cooler drawer with insulated front 17, 18 Forward cooler space, bin and drawer, insulated sides (insulated 17, 18 top adhered to locker cover).
shelf for food and waste bins 17, 18 8-3 base for freezer with electrical connectionsi 17 Galley food bin, removable modular unit secured to shelf (8-3) 17, 18 Stores waste bin, removable modular unit secured to shelf 17, 18 9-2 (8-3) The installation of the AX9 Transformers involves the following procedures:
Aft Settee/Lounge/Berth 1) Remove the four rear seats from the existing fibreglass podium.
2) Enlarge the existing opening to the existing podium cavity to fit the size of the two opened PCM units (3-1) to be installed in the cavity.
3) install a shelf (1-6) in the existing podium cavity to support the PCM
units (3-1).
4) Install the two forward settee bases (1-2) with hinges at the forward edge of the existing fibreglass podium.

5) Install the aft settee base (1-1) to the existing fibreglass podium and attach the two footwear bins (3-2) to both the underside of the settee base and to the existing fibreglass podium (structural support of the settee base projection).

7 of 12

6) Attach the fold down settee support (1-3) to the aft settee base (1-1) using a hinge mechanism.

7) Install the combination backrest and bedding stowage unit (1-4) with its sliding mechanism attached to the existing fibreglass podium.

8) Install the 4 settee element cushions (2-1a/b/c/d), with optional spring system, to the settee structures (1-1, 1-2 and 1-3).
7) Install 2 molded units (1-5) to the port and starboard extremities of the existing fibreglass podium.
8) Install the custom bag (2-2) for bedding stowage in the combination backrest bedding stowage unit (1-4). '

9) Remove the existing sink and storage bin under the existing pilot seats and install the molded fibreglass unit to accommodate laundry bags (1-7).
Aft Console 1) Install the cabinet (5-1) attaching to the existing aft stainless steel rails and/or the existing fibreglass lower bulkhead.
2) Install the berth extension cushion (5-2) the optional TV/video monitor (5-3) with electrical and electronic connections, and four hangers for wet gear (5-4).
Forward Galley 1) Install the insulated cooler space unit (8-2) in the existing port side locker with rigid insulation on the sides and with top rigid insulation adhered to the underside of the existing settee base.

8 of 12 2) Install the cooler drawer (8-1) with an insulated drawer front.
3) Install the shelf (8-3) inside the existing port side locker and secured the bins for food (9-1) and waste (9-2).
4) Install the base (8-4) in the existing forward locker to receive and secure a portable freezer, complete with 12v and shore power electrical outlets.
5) Install the supports (6-1) for the starboard side galley elements.
6) Install the fixed cabinet (6-2) on the supports (6-1) with the sink (7-3) and secure it laterally to the existing fibreglass bulkhead at a lower level.
Install a shore power outlet in the forward side of cabinet. Make sink plumbing connections to the existing water supply and the existing drain line. Make electrical connections to the existing shore power wiring.
7) Install the cooktop unit (7-1) in its protective container (6-3) and install the cooktop assembly on the supports (6-1). Make a connection to a propane/butane supply (from gas tank locker within anchor locker). Install a locking device for the cooktop when in its folded position.
8) Install the countertop unit (7-2) on the supports (6-1), tailored to fit the space between the raised cooktop container (6-3) and the top of the fixed cabinet (6-2).
The transformation of the subject boats is completed by installing additional water tankage, a portable freezer (capacity for at least two freezable ice packs), an optional hydronic air and water heating system, and a convertible top with side enclosures. As indicated above, these additional modifications are not intended to form a part of the patent 9 of 12 Authorized users of the AX9 Transformers will be provided with:
a) a complete set of detailed and dimensioned scaled drawings for the three key components as described above, b) an installation manual for the three key components as described above, c) drawings of other recommended components and recommendations as to equipment, and d) a detailed analysis of weight distribution modifications.
List of Figures Figure # Title Notes 1 Orientation Plans shows locations of AX9 Transformers components 2 Aft Plan, Underway 3 Aft Plan, Aft Deck Use 4 Aft Plan, Dining and Desk Use shows the variability of the Settee/Lounge/Berth Aft Plan, Lounge Use component 6 Aft Plan, Berth Use 7 Aft Plan, Dressing Use 8 Aft Plan, Deck Level clothing/laundry storage 9 Aft Section, Underway Aft Section, Aft Deck Use 11 Aft Section, Dining and Desk Use shows the variability of the Settee/Lounge/Berth 12 Aft Section, Lounge Use component 13 Aft Section, Berth Use 14 Aft Section, Dressing Use Foredeck Plan, Galley Closed 16 Foredeck Plan, Galley Open 17 Foredeck Plan, Galley Stores use of space under port side settee 18 Foredeck Sections, Galley Components

Claims

of 12 Claims The embodiments of the invention entitled "AX9 Transformers" in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
Claim #1 A combination of constructs providing the means for owners of the subject boats ("Axopar 28 Open" model) to convert those boats from day boats into multi-day cruising boats by adding complete food preparation facilities, adding versatile sleeping and lounging accommodations, and adding accommodation of clothing storage.
Claim #2 The constructs as positioned and generally described in the drawings (Figures 1 to 18);
a) a convertible settee/lounge/berth component on the existing aft podium, b) a multi-purpose console at the aft part of the aft deck, c) a galley in the foredeck space with galley work surfaces to starboard, Claim #3 A construct replacing the existing four seats on the existing aft podium providing convertibility for multiple uses; underway seating, dining and desk seating, lounge seating, sleeping, dressing and clothing storage, and a waterproof aft deck bench for multiple recreational uses.
Claim #4 A construct identified as "combination backrest and bedding stowage unit" and generally described in the drawings, which provides a backrest in variable positions and the accommodation of bedding for direct deployment onto the berth surface.
Claim #5 A convertible settee/lounge/berth construct on the aft deck providing sleeping accommodations with a surface measuring over 2.0 metres long by 1.4 metres wide at 11 of 12 the head, and with the surface width being effectively extended by having unconstrained open space on both sides of the berth.
Claim #6 The construct as described in Claim #3, when in the configuration for aft deck use, providing a waterproof seating element adjacent to the subject boat's existing deck shower on port side of the boat and thereby providing the opportunity for a large private shower cubicle.
Claim #7 A construct identified as "Aft Console" providing protected storage for the aft extension of the sleeping berth, protected and secured storage for optional TV/video Monitor equipment, and a structure on which to mount wet gear hangers.
Claim #8 The positioning and arrangement of the constructs for the galley on the starboard side of the foredeck, including a sink cabinet, a countertop work surface, and a cooktop.
L' Claim #9 The construct on the foredeck located under the existing port side settee providing a securable arrangement for galley support elements, including a cooler, food storage, and waste holding.
Claim #10 The galley working area on the foredeck that uses both fixed and folding elements in a specific configuration that avoids interference with the use of the existing door of the forward console and the existing hatch in deck surface.
Claim #11 The construct as described in Claim #3 with lesser or greater convertible configurations.

12 of 12 Clairn #12 The construct as described in Claim #3 with different backrest designs. =
Claim #13 The foredeck constructs as described in Claim #8 and Claim #9 installed on any Axopar 28 boat model.
Claim #14 The construct as described in Claim #5 with lesser or greater dimensions for the berth surface.