NZ520102A

NZ520102A - Table for releasable clamping engagement with a pole on a pleasure boat

Info

Publication number: NZ520102A
Application number: NZ52010202A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Stewart Sydney Mathiesen
Original assignee: Tenob Wholesale Marine Ltd
Priority date: 2002-07-10
Filing date: 2002-07-10
Publication date: 2004-09-24

Abstract

Disclosed is a table for releasable clamping engagement with a pole of a pleasure boat such as a ski pole.

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 No: 520102 Date: 10 July 2002 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION SUPPORT FOR USE WITH BOATS We, TENOB WHOLESALE MARINE LTD, a company duly incorporated under the laws of New Zealand of Unit 8, 31 Princes Street, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Intellectual Property -1 - Office of NZ 3 0 SEP 2003 RECEIVED The present invention relates to a support for engagement with a pole member, particularly and not solely, to a table support for engagement with a ski pole member of a pleasure boat selectively engageable without the aid of using any tools for its engagement to the pole member. In most outdoor activities, there is usually a need for a flat surface for supporting or holding things. Activity such as fishing often needs a flat surface for cutting bait, cutting fish, cleaning fish, etc. Such activity often also needs a flat surface or other means for holding drinking cups. Commonly small pleasure boats also are used for water skiing. The positioning of the tow pole or ski pole is such as to make it convenient for other purposes. There is prior art that discloses such holders for holding things as for example shown in US 6,260,697. However, such holders usual require the use of tools for fastening the table top or tray onto a boat. They also do not provide for much versatility. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a table for engagement with a vertically extending pole of a pleasure boat which addresses the abovementioned disadvantages or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice. Accordingly in the first aspect the present invention includes a table for engagement with a vertically extending pole of a pleasure boat said table comprising a table top defining at least one major support surface, a means to affix said table top to a said pole, said means to affix including a portion secured with said table top and a clamp to at least in part encompass said pole and clampingly engage with said pole, said clamp being releasable (a "released condition") from a clamping condition with said pole to allow it be adjusted in disposition relative to said pole, Preferably said released condition is of a kind where said clamp is still coupled with said pole yet is slidable relative thereto. 100046310_1.DOC Preferably said clamp is a "C" shaped clamp including two portions movable relative to each other to in part encompass the perimeter of said pole in said clamping condition. Preferably said clamp is a "O" shaped clamp including two portions movable relative to each other to in part encompass the perimeter of said pole in said clamping condition Preferably said clamp is a pipe clamp. Preferably said pipe clamp is an openable pipe clamp to allow the lateral insertion of said pole within the clamping region of said pipe clamp. Preferably said means to affix includes intermediate of said clamp and said portion secured, a selectively flexible coupling there between to allow said table top to move relative to said clamp, said selectively flexible coupling being lockable to prevent the movement of said table top and said clamp. Preferably said table top is of a quadrilateral plan shape, said portion secured engaged with said table top at or towards one side and intermediate of the two corners of said side. Preferably said table top includes a circumferentially disposed lip upstanding from the major support surface at least along the majority of the circumference of said major support surface. Preferably said lip extends about the entire perimeter of said major support surface. Preferably said table top includes an drainage hole extending between the major support surface and said a side or opposing major surface of said table top. Preferably said drainage hole extends from the major support surface to the opposing major surface of said table top and is selectively closable by a plug. Preferably said table top has disposed from a side thereof, a utility providing means of a kind selected from one or more of: a fishing rod holder, a beverage can holder, a cup holder, a knife holder, a towel hook, a magnet for securing ferro-metallic objects with. 100046310J.DOC Preferably a said fishing rod holder is secured to said table top and presented upwardly extending from said table top from a side of said table top. Preferably the side of said table top from where said fishing rod holders are disposed is that from which said means to affix is disposed. In a further aspect the present invention consists a method for providing a table for supporting any one or more of:- a fishing rod holder, a beverage can holder, a cup holder, a knife holder, a towel hook, a magnet for securing ferro-metallic objects with, utilizing a table as hereinbefore described, clamped onto a vertically extending pole mounted onto a pleasure boat. In a further aspect the present invention consists hereinbefore described a boat with which include a ski pole with which is engaged a table as claimed. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a pleasure boat onto which a pole such as a ski pole is mounted, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the table affixed to the pole, Figure 3 is the top view of the table including a plurality of rod holders mounted from a side thereof, Figure 4 is a side view of the table of Figure 3 with the fishing rod mounted thereon, Figure 5 is a top view of the clamp, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tray onto which a knife holder is affixed thereon, 100046310 l.DOC Figure 7 is a plan view of the tray, indicating the positioning of the tray and the pole when the table is in use, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support mounted onto a pole, with utility providing means affixed thereto, Figure 9 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamping device, and Figure 11 is a plan view of an alternative form of the clamping device. Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, a support 1 for engagement with a vertically extending pole 2, (for example a ski pole or a pole mounted on a boat), of example a pleasure boat 3 as shown in Figure 1, is provided. The support 1 includes a table top 12 and a clamping device 4. The table top 12 hereindescribed is to be interpreted in a broad sense and may include for example a tray or a bait board of any kind. In the preferred form, the table top 12 is of a quadrilateral plan shape having one major support surface 14, a first pair of side panels 15, 17 and a second pair of side panels 16, 18 each extending upstandingly from the respective perimeter sides of the major support surface 14 to form a tray. The side panels 15, 16, 17, 18 preferably extend along the entire circumference of the major support surface 14 but is not limited as such. In an alternative form, the side panels 15, 16, 17, 18 may extend along the majority of the circumference of the major support surface 14. Alternatively the table top 12 does not include such a perimeter lip. As illustrated in Figure 3, the table top 12 may include at least one rod holder 8 adapted to receive for example a fishing rod 5. The rod holder 8 is preferably of a cylindrical shape of a length and width sufficient to allow a fishing rod 5 to be inserted and be retained in a substantially upright position as shown in Figure 4. Although there is shown in Figure 3 a rod holder(s) 8 disposed on the opposite side of the clamping device 4, the rod holder(s) 8 may also be mounted on any of the sides 15, 16, 17, 18 of the table top 12. For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, the 10O04631O_l.DOC rod holder 8 is mounted on the same side as the clamping device 4. The rod holder 8 is preferably detachably mounted to the side panels of the table top 12. Optionally, the table top 12 may also or alternatively include other utility providing means such as a knife holder 7 (as shown in Figures 3 and 6), a beverage can holder 6 (as shown in Figure 4), a cup holder, a towel hook (not shown) each permanently or detachably mounted to any one of the side panels 15, 16, 17, 18 of the table top 12 when so desired. The beverage can holder 6 is preferably cylindrical in shape with a cavity of a size sufficient for receiving at least a standard beverage can. The beverage can holder 6 is preferably of a height sufficient to hold the beverage can in place. An example of the knife holder 7 is as illustrated in Figure 6. In the preferred form, the knife holder 7 is of an elongate U-shaped bracket with its ends affixed onto one of the side panels of the table top 12. The inner major surface of the elongate U-shaped panel and outer surface of the side panel of the table top 12 define a slot 9 that is preferably of a width sufficient for a blade of a knife to slide into. In an alternative form, magnets may be provided on any of the side panels 15, 16, 17, 18 of the table top 12 for securing any ferro-metallic objects such as knifes, cutters, scissors, etc. Referring now to Figure 5 where there is shown the clamping device 4. The clamping device 4 includes a mounting bracket 20 and a clamp 22. The mounting bracket 20 is affixed to one perimeter side or major surface (e.g. the downward surfaces) of the table top 12 with the clamp 22 disposed away from said perimeter side. A flexible coupling 24 can be provided intermediate of the mounting bracket 20 and the clamp 22 to allow the table top 12 to move about at least one axis of rotation relative to the clamp 22. Examples of the flexible coupling 24 are as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. The flexible coupling 24 as shown in Figure 11 is one of a ball and socket engagement. This coupling permits re-positioning of the table top 12 in many desired directions, particularly about the x or y axis. The flexible coupling 24 also permits the table top 12 to rotate 180o about the y axis to cater for a reversible table top 12. 100046310J.DOC The clamp 22 is preferably of a hinged clamp having two arms pivotally connected. The two arms define an internal perimeter side adapted to be engaged with the pole 2. The perimeter side is of a dimension corresponding to the commonly used pole. The clamp is of a "C" shaped or an "O" shaped clamp. When in use, the arms of the clamp 22 encompass the perimeter of the pole 2 either in part (for "C" shaped clamp) or wholly "for "O" shaped clamp) for tightly securing the support 1 to the pole 2. The clamp 22 is for example an openable pipe clamp that allows the lateral insertion of the pole within the clamping region of the pipe clamp. In the preferred form, the clamping device 4 is preferably disposed at midpoint on one of the first pair of sides 15, 17. It is however appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the clamping device 4 may be mounted at any point on the side panels of the table top 12 so long as it is able to support the table top 12 in a substantially horizontal position when in use. A plurality of clamping devices may also be provided when desired, for example, in the case where two spaced apart poles may be present. The clamp 22 is detachably tightened to the pole 2 by means of a threaded wing nut or a over centre toggle lever. The threaded wing nut or the lever can be operated by hand. Hence, tooling of any form is not required for clamping the support 1 to the pole 2. The clamp 22 may also include a lock 10 disposed along on one of the arms of the clamp 22 for securing the clamp 22 to the pole 2. The construction of the clamping device 4 allows the table top 12 to move along the longitudinal axis (the x-axis as illustrated in Figure 7) of the pole 2 for adjustment of height of the support 1 relative to the floor or boat onto which the pole 2 is normally mounted. The construction of the clamping device 4 also permits rotation about the z-axis as shown in Figure 7. In the assembled form, the table top 12 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the pole 2. With reference to Figure 8, the major support surface 14 of the table top 12 preferably is provided with at least one aperture 26 for drainage of fluids that may be deposited within the table top 12 when in use. Optionally, a plug (now shown) W00463IO_l.DOC for sealing the aperture 26 may also be provided when desired. A hose may be connected to the drain to allow for liquid to be disposed over the side of the boat. In the second embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 9, the support 1 includes a rigid rectangular frame 30 having a first pair of sides 32, 34 and a second pair of sides 33, 35. The spacing between the first pair 32, 34 and the second pair 33, 35 of sides define an opening 36 for receiving the table top 12. The frame 30 is preferably fabricated from any suitable material including any metal such as stainless steel, aluminium, wood, etc. In the preferred form, the frame 30 is fabricated from an elongate bar of stainless steel bent or welded into the desired shape to form a frame assembly. In an alternative form, the frame 30 may be constructed from separate pieces of elongate bar detachably and threadedly connected together. The table top 12 used for this second embodiment of the present invention is preferably one that has side panels extending outwardly in a tapering manner away from the major support surface 14 of the table top such that when the table top 12 is mounted onto the frame 30, a portion of the side panels of the table top 12 nested within the opening 36 of the frame 30. The opening 36 is preferably of a size slightly bigger than the size of the major support surface 14 of the table top 12, sufficient to hold the table top 12 in place. The table top 12 is preferably made of polyethylene. In yet another alternative form, the table top 12 used for this invention may also be of any board without any side panels. Commonly used boards such as a fish bait board, fish filleting board, boat table tops or the like may be mounted onto the frame 30 by simply placing the board onto the frame. It is envisaged that the board used for this purpose should be of a size bigger than the size of the opening 36 of the frame 30 in order for the board to be supported by the frame 30. The support 1 and the clamping device 4 are easily assembled and disassembled for easy storage. 100046310_1.DOC -9- The above description is provided for the purposes of exemplification only and it will be understood by a person skilled in this field that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the invention. 10004631O_l.DOC -10- </div>

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A table for engagement with a vertically extending pole of a pleasure boat said table comprising a table top defining at least one major support surface, a means to affix said table top to a said pole, said means to affix including a portion secured with said table top and a clamp to at least in part encompass said pole and clampingly engage with said pole, said clamp being releasable (a "released condition") from a clamping condition with said pole to allow it be adjusted in disposition relative to said pole.

2. A table as claimed in claim 1, wherein said released condition is of a kind where said clamp is still coupled with said pole yet is slidable relative thereto.

3. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said clamp is a "C" shaped clamp including two portions movable relative to each other to in part encompass the perimeter of said pole in said clamping condition.

4. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said clamp is a "O" shaped clamp including two portions movable relative to each other to in part encompass the perimeter of said pole in said clamping condition.

5. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said clamp is a pipe clamp.

6. A table as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pipe clamp is an openable pipe clamp to allow the lateral insertion of said pole within the clamping region of said pipe clamp.

7. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said means to affix includes intermediate of said clamp and said portion secured, a selectively flexible coupling there between to allow said table top to move relative to said clamp, said selectively flexible coupling being lockable to prevent the movement of said table top and said clamp. IQ00463IO_1.DOC -11 -

8. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said table top is of a quadrilateral plan shape, said portion secured engaged with said table top at or towards one side and intermediate of the two corners of said side.

9. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said table top includes a circumferentially disposed lip upstanding from the major support surface at least along the majority of the circumference of said major support surface.

10. A table as claimed in claim 9, wherein said lip extends about the entire perimeter of said major support surface.

11. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said table top includes an drainage hole extending between the major support surface and said a side or opposing major surface of said table top.

12. A table as claimed in claim 11, wherein said drainage hole extends from the major support surface to the opposing major surface of said table top and is selectively closable by a plug.

13. A table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said table top has disposed from a side thereof, a utility providing means of a kind selected from one or more of: a fishing rod holder, a beverage can holder, a cup holder, a knife holder, a towel hook, a magnet for securing ferro-metallic objects with.

14. A table as claimed in claim 13, wherein a said fishing rod holder is secured to said table top and presented upwardly extending from said table top from a side of said table top.

15. A table as claimed in claim 14, wherein the side of said table top from where said fishing rod holders are disposed is that from which said means to affix is disposed.

16. A method for providing a table for supporting any one or more of:- a fishing rod holder, a beverage can holder, a cup holder, a knife holder, a towel hook, a magnet for securing ferro-metallic objects with, utilizing a table as claimed in claim 1, clamped onto a vertically extending pole mounted onto a pleasure boat. W0046310_1.DOC 12

17. A boat which includes a ski pole with which is engaged a table as claimed in claim 1. DAY 2j2o3 PER AGENT* FOR THE APPLICANT Intellectual Property Office of NZ 3 0 SEP 2003 received 10004631OJ.DOC