US20100037812A1 - Boat Cushion Mount - Google Patents
Boat Cushion Mount Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100037812A1 US20100037812A1 US12/425,096 US42509609A US2010037812A1 US 20100037812 A1 US20100037812 A1 US 20100037812A1 US 42509609 A US42509609 A US 42509609A US 2010037812 A1 US2010037812 A1 US 2010037812A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- latching element
- split sleeve
- boat
- cushion
- female
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0692—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining flexible sheets to other sheets or plates or to strips or bars
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B29/00—Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for
- B63B29/02—Cabins or other living spaces; Construction or arrangement thereof
- B63B29/04—Furniture peculiar to vessels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B29/00—Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for
- B63B29/02—Cabins or other living spaces; Construction or arrangement thereof
- B63B29/04—Furniture peculiar to vessels
- B63B29/06—Fastening to floors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B29/00—Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for
- B63B29/02—Cabins or other living spaces; Construction or arrangement thereof
- B63B29/04—Furniture peculiar to vessels
- B63B29/10—Berths; Mounting ladders therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
- F16B21/06—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action
- F16B21/07—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the socket has a resilient part
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
- F16B5/0621—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B29/00—Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for
- B63B29/02—Cabins or other living spaces; Construction or arrangement thereof
- B63B29/04—Furniture peculiar to vessels
- B63B2029/043—Seats; Arrangements thereof on vessels
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
- Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
- Y10T24/45262—Pin, post and receiver
Definitions
- Boats often have cushions that are detachably mounted at cushion mounting locations.
- cushions are often detachable so as to allow storage areas located beneath or behind the cushions to be more easily accessed.
- Other cushions are removable to convert a region of a boat between a cushioned area (e.g., a sundeck or cushioned seating) and a hard platform such as a casting deck.
- a prior art technique for detachably securing a cushion to a mounting location involves using a snap fastener.
- a button and socket assembly of the snap fastener is secured to a free end of a strap sewn to the cushion, and a stud and post assembly of the snap fastener is secured to a structural component of the boat.
- the stud is screwed into a metal or fiber glass component of the boat.
- the button and socket assembly By snapping the button and socket assembly over the post of the stud and post assembly, the cushion is secured to the cushion mounting location of the boat.
- the stud can cause visible damage to the boats' gel coat layers. Further, straps are often viewed as aesthetically unappealing and can be prone to wear.
- More robust latching arrangements have also been used to detachably secure boat cushions to cushion mounting locations of boats.
- existing cushion latching arrangements have components that are installed within custom recesses preformed within a structural component of the boat. Therefore, to utilize such latching arrangements on an existing boat style, the structural design of the boat must be modified to incorporate the recesses at predetermined locations. In the case of fiber glass boats, this involves the expense of re-tooling a new mold.
- existing cushion latch arrangements are often rather large and expensive.
- Example embodiments described herein generally relate to fastening arrangements for detachably mounting boat cushions at desired locations on a boat.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat including a plurality of boat cushions detachably mounted at cushion mounting locations of the boat
- FIG. 2 shows a latching arrangement having features in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a first side view of a female latching element.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a female latching element.
- FIG. 5 is a second side view of a female latching element.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an elastic ring.
- FIG. 7 is top view of an elastic ring
- FIG. 8 is a first side view of a male latching element.
- FIG. 9 is a second side view of a male latching element.
- FIG. 10 a perspective view of a male latching element.
- FIG. 11 is an example embodiment of a male latching element inserted into a female latching element.
- FIG. 1 shows a boat 100 including a hull with a bow 105 , a stern 110 , a port side 115 and starboard side 120 .
- the boat 100 includes a passenger area having a stern seating region 125 and a bow seating region 130 .
- the boat 100 also includes a plurality of boat cushions 135 detachably mounted at cushion mounting locations of the boat.
- the detachable cushions are each secured at their corresponding mounting location by a push-to-engage latching assembly.
- the latching assemblies include first components secured to the back sides or undersides of the cushions, and second components secured to structural components of the boat located at the mounting locations. When a given cushion is positioned at its corresponding mounting location, the first and second latching components latch together to detachably secure the cushion at the cushion mounting location.
- FIG. 2 shows a latching arrangement having features in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.
- the latching arrangement 200 includes a first latching component in the form of a male latching element 205 shown secured to the back or underside of a cushion 210 .
- the latching arrangement can also be referred to as a fastening arrangement, a retaining arrangement, a coupling arrangement, or like terms.
- the latching arrangement also includes a second latching component in the form of a female latching element 215 shown secured to a structural component 220 of a boat 100 at a cushion mounting location 225 .
- the male latching element 205 By aligning the male latching element 205 with the female latching element 215 , and then moving the cushion 210 toward the cushion mounting location, P, the male latching element 205 snaps within the female latching element 215 to detachably secure the cushion 210 at the mounting location 225 .
- the cushion can include a cushioning layer 230 having a resilient construction such as foam.
- the cushion can also include a substrate layer 235 secured to the cushioning layer.
- the substrate layer preferably is less resilient than the cushioning layer.
- the substrate layer can include a plastic, metal or wood construction.
- a fabric layer can be provided over the cushioning layer (not shown).
- a perimeter of the fabric layer can be secured to the underside of the substrate layer by fasteners such as staples.
- the region where the fabric is secured to the underside of the substrate can form a lower lip (not shown) that extends around the perimeter of the underside of the substrate.
- the structural component 220 of the boat to which the female latching element 215 is secured preferably has a generally rigid construction such as aluminum, fiber glass, plastic or other materials.
- the structural component can include a boat platform, a boat seating area, a panel covering a storage area, a sidewall panel, a decking area, or other structures.
- the female latching element 215 includes a receiver shown as a split sleeve 300 .
- the receiver can also be referred to as a socket portion, a receptacle, or like terms.
- the split sleeve 300 includes a first half sleeve 305 separated from a second half sleeve 310 by a pair of slots 315 .
- the split sleeve 300 can be separated into more than two pieces (e.g., more than two slots could be used).
- a central passage 320 extends longitudinally through the split sleeve 300 along an axis M.
- the split sleeve 300 includes a first end 400 positioned opposite from a second end 405 .
- a mounting flange 410 is integrally formed with the split sleeve 300 at the first end 400 .
- the split sleeve 300 has a truncated conical configuration with a major inner cross-dimension A (e.g., an inner diameter) located at the first end 400 and a minor inner cross-dimension, B, (e.g., an inner diameter) located at the second end 405 .
- the outer body of the split sleeve 300 is also tapered in a like manner.
- the mounting flange 410 has a cross-dimension (not labeled) that is greater than the maximum outer cross-dimension of the split sleeve such that the underside of the mounting flange forms a shoulder 320 that projects radially outwardly from the first end 400 of the split sleeve 300 .
- the mounting flange preferably has a thickness T that is relatively small. In one embodiment, the thickness is less than or equal or 1 ⁇ 4 inch. In another embodiment, the thickness T is less than or equal to 3/16 of an inch. In still another embodiment, the thickness T is less than or equal to about 1 ⁇ 8 of an inch.
- the mounting flange 410 has a lead-in opening 415 that is concentric with the axis M such that the lead-in opening 415 is coaxially aligned with the central passage 400 of the split sleeve 300 .
- the lead-in opening 415 is tapered to provide a tapered leading-in surface 420 for guiding the male coupling element 205 through the mounting flange 410 and into the split sleeve 300 during coupling of the male latching element 205 to the female latching element 215 .
- the mounting flange 410 also includes two fastener openings 425 positioned at opposite sides of the lead-in opening 415 .
- the fastener openings 425 are adapted to receive fasteners such as screws that extend through the fastener openings 425 and into a structural component 220 of the boat 100 to which it is desired to mount the female latching element 215 .
- the mounting flange 410 has countersunk regions 430 positioned around the fastener openings 425 so that heads of fasteners inserted through the fastener openings will be inset into the mounting flange 410 .
- the split sleeve 300 also includes a circumferential groove 500 that extends around the outer perimeter of the split sleeve 300 at a location between the first and second ends.
- the circumferential groove 500 receives an elastic ring 600 that mounts around the split sleeve.
- the elastic ring 600 includes a ring notch 605 describing a discontinuity in the elastic ring 600 , thereby facilitating with which the circumferential groove 500 receives the elastic ring 600 .
- the elastic ring 600 made of a plastic material, such as molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
- TPE molded thermoplastic elastomer
- the female latching element 600 can have a metal construction.
- the elastic ring 600 controls/varies the amount of force required to flex the first and second half-sleeves apart during insertion of the male latching element 205 through the split sleeve 300 .
- the female latching element 215 has a molded, one piece construction.
- the female latching element 215 is molded of a plastic material such as nylon or other plastic materials.
- the female latching element 215 can have a metal construction.
- the male latching element 205 includes a shaft 800 that extends along an axis N between a first end 900 and a second end 905 .
- the shaft 800 has a truncated conical configuration with a major cross-dimension 910 located at the first end 900 and a minor cross-dimension 905 located at the second end 905 .
- a mounting flange 810 is integrally formed with the first end 900 of the shaft 800 .
- the mounting flange 810 has a cross-dimension 920 that is greater than the major cross-dimension 910 of the shaft 800 .
- the mounting flange 810 defines first and second fastener openings 1000 located at opposite sides of the shaft 800 .
- the fastener openings 800 received fasteners used to secure the mounting flange 810 to the substrate layer 235 of a cushion 210 .
- Countersunk regions 815 defined in a first side 925 of the mounting flange 810 allow heads of the fasteners to be recessed into the mounting flange 810 .
- the male latching element 205 also includes an enlargement or head 820 integrally formed with the second end 905 of the shaft 800 .
- the head 820 has a maximum outer cross-dimension 825 that is greater than the minor inner cross-dimension, B, of the split sleeve 300 and smaller than the major inner cross-dimension, A, of the split sleeve 300 .
- the head 820 has a dual tapered configuration. For example, the head has a first tapered region 805 that extends from the second end 905 of the shaft 800 to the major outer cross-dimension 825 of the head 820 and a second tapered region 830 that extends from the major outer cross-dimension 825 of the head 820 to an apex 835 of the head 820 .
- the first tapered region 805 increases in cross-dimension as the first tapered region 805 extends from the second end 905 of the shaft 800 to the major outer cross-dimension 825 of the head 820 .
- the second tapered region 830 decreases in cross-dimension extending from the major outer cross-dimension 825 of the head 820 to the apex 835 of the head 820 .
- the male latching element 205 it is preferred for the male latching element 205 to have a molded, one piece construction. In one embodiment, the male latching element 205 is constructed of a plastic material such as nylon. Additionally, it is preferred for the mounting flange 810 of the male latching element 205 to be relatively thin. In one embodiment, the mounting flange 810 has a thickness C less than or equal to about 1 ⁇ 4 of an inch. In another embodiment, the mounting flange has a thickness C less than or equal to about 3/16 of an inch. In still another embodiment, the mounting flange has a thickness C less than or equal to about 1 ⁇ 8 of an inch.
- a hole 240 is cut into or otherwise provided in the structural component 220 of the boat 100 .
- the hole is slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the socket portion of the female latching element 215 .
- the female latching element 215 has a “flush mounted” configuration relative to the structural component 220 .
- flush mounted it is meant that the structural component 220 of the boat does not have any recess for receiving or otherwise accommodating the thickness of the mounting flange 410 .
- the male latching element 205 is secured to a cushion 230 by placing a back side 930 of the mounting flange 810 against the substrate 235 of the cushion 230 . Thereafter, fasteners are inserted through the fastener openings 1000 and into the substrate 235 to secure the male latching element 205 to the substrate 235 . As so mounted, an outwardly facing surface 935 of the mounting flange 810 is slightly recessed relative to the lip provided about the perimeter of the cushion (not shown).
- the cushion 210 is positioned adjacent the mounting location so that the axis N of the male latching element 205 aligns with the axis M of the female latching element 215 .
- the cushion 210 is then moved linearly toward the mounting location 225 so that the shaft 800 of the male latching element 205 is inserted through the lead-in opening 415 of the mounting flange 410 and into the central passage 320 of the split sleeve 300 .
- the head 820 causes the first and second half-sleeves of the split sleeve 300 to flex away from one another thereby enlarging the minor inner cross-dimension B of the split sleeve 300 so as to allow the head 820 of the male latching element 205 to pass through the second end 405 of the split sleeve 300 .
- the first and second half-sleeves flex at hinge locations located at the first end 400 of the split sleeve 300 .
- the elastic ring 600 is provided to increase the amount of force required to flex the first and second half-sleeves apart.
- FIG. 11 is an example embodiment 1100 of the male latching element 205 inserted into the female latching element 215 .
- the cushion 210 is pulled linearly away from the mounting location in a direction parallel to the axes M and N.
- the first tapered region 805 of the head 820 causes the first and second half-sleeves of the split sleeve 300 to flex apart thereby allowing the head 820 to pass through the central passage 320 of the split sleeve 300 .
- the first and second half-sleeves flex back together due to the elasticity provided by the elastic ring 600 and the inherent resiliency provided by the half-sleeves adjacent the hinge locations.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Snaps, Bayonet Connections, Set Pins, And Snap Rings (AREA)
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a latching arrangement for securing a cushion or other structure to a mounting location. The latching arrangement includes a female latching element that interlocks with a corresponding male latching element. The female latching element can include a split sleeve that extends along a first axis from a first end to a second end. The female latching element can also include a flange that projects radially outwardly from the first end of the split sleeve. The female latching element can further including an elastic ring that mounts around the split sleeve at a location between the first and second ends of the split sleeve. The male latching element can include a shaft that extends along a second axis from a first end to a second end. The male latching element can also include a flange that projects radially outwardly from the first end of the shaft, and an enlarged head positioned at the second end of the shaft for retaining the shaft within the split sleeve when the male and female latching elements are coupled together.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/045,825, filed Apr. 17, 2008, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Boats often have cushions that are detachably mounted at cushion mounting locations. For example, cushions are often detachable so as to allow storage areas located beneath or behind the cushions to be more easily accessed. Other cushions are removable to convert a region of a boat between a cushioned area (e.g., a sundeck or cushioned seating) and a hard platform such as a casting deck.
- A prior art technique for detachably securing a cushion to a mounting location involves using a snap fastener. Typically, a button and socket assembly of the snap fastener is secured to a free end of a strap sewn to the cushion, and a stud and post assembly of the snap fastener is secured to a structural component of the boat. Most commonly, the stud is screwed into a metal or fiber glass component of the boat. By snapping the button and socket assembly over the post of the stud and post assembly, the cushion is secured to the cushion mounting location of the boat. However, when used on fiber glass boats, the stud can cause visible damage to the boats' gel coat layers. Further, straps are often viewed as aesthetically unappealing and can be prone to wear.
- More robust latching arrangements have also been used to detachably secure boat cushions to cushion mounting locations of boats. However, existing cushion latching arrangements have components that are installed within custom recesses preformed within a structural component of the boat. Therefore, to utilize such latching arrangements on an existing boat style, the structural design of the boat must be modified to incorporate the recesses at predetermined locations. In the case of fiber glass boats, this involves the expense of re-tooling a new mold. Furthermore, existing cushion latch arrangements are often rather large and expensive.
- In view of the above, improved latching/fastening arrangements are needed for detachably mounting boat cushions at desired locations on a boat.
- Example embodiments described herein generally relate to fastening arrangements for detachably mounting boat cushions at desired locations on a boat.
- Aspects of the disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat including a plurality of boat cushions detachably mounted at cushion mounting locations of the boat -
FIG. 2 shows a latching arrangement having features in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a first side view of a female latching element. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a female latching element. -
FIG. 5 is a second side view of a female latching element. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an elastic ring. -
FIG. 7 is top view of an elastic ring -
FIG. 8 is a first side view of a male latching element. -
FIG. 9 is a second side view of a male latching element. -
FIG. 10 a perspective view of a male latching element. -
FIG. 11 is an example embodiment of a male latching element inserted into a female latching element. -
FIG. 1 shows aboat 100 including a hull with abow 105, astern 110, aport side 115 andstarboard side 120. Theboat 100 includes a passenger area having astern seating region 125 and abow seating region 130. Theboat 100 also includes a plurality ofboat cushions 135 detachably mounted at cushion mounting locations of the boat. The detachable cushions are each secured at their corresponding mounting location by a push-to-engage latching assembly. The latching assemblies include first components secured to the back sides or undersides of the cushions, and second components secured to structural components of the boat located at the mounting locations. When a given cushion is positioned at its corresponding mounting location, the first and second latching components latch together to detachably secure the cushion at the cushion mounting location. -
FIG. 2 shows a latching arrangement having features in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Thelatching arrangement 200 includes a first latching component in the form of amale latching element 205 shown secured to the back or underside of acushion 210. The latching arrangement can also be referred to as a fastening arrangement, a retaining arrangement, a coupling arrangement, or like terms. The latching arrangement also includes a second latching component in the form of afemale latching element 215 shown secured to astructural component 220 of aboat 100 at acushion mounting location 225. By aligning themale latching element 205 with thefemale latching element 215, and then moving thecushion 210 toward the cushion mounting location, P, themale latching element 205 snaps within thefemale latching element 215 to detachably secure thecushion 210 at themounting location 225. - In one embodiment, the cushion can include a cushioning
layer 230 having a resilient construction such as foam. The cushion can also include asubstrate layer 235 secured to the cushioning layer. The substrate layer preferably is less resilient than the cushioning layer. In one embodiment, the substrate layer can include a plastic, metal or wood construction. A fabric layer can be provided over the cushioning layer (not shown). A perimeter of the fabric layer can be secured to the underside of the substrate layer by fasteners such as staples. The region where the fabric is secured to the underside of the substrate can form a lower lip (not shown) that extends around the perimeter of the underside of the substrate. - The
structural component 220 of the boat to which thefemale latching element 215 is secured preferably has a generally rigid construction such as aluminum, fiber glass, plastic or other materials. In certain embodiments, the structural component can include a boat platform, a boat seating area, a panel covering a storage area, a sidewall panel, a decking area, or other structures. - Referring to
FIGS. 3-5 , thefemale latching element 215 includes a receiver shown as asplit sleeve 300. The receiver can also be referred to as a socket portion, a receptacle, or like terms. Thesplit sleeve 300 includes afirst half sleeve 305 separated from asecond half sleeve 310 by a pair ofslots 315. In alternative embodiments, thesplit sleeve 300 can be separated into more than two pieces (e.g., more than two slots could be used). Acentral passage 320 extends longitudinally through thesplit sleeve 300 along an axis M. - Referring still to
FIGS. 3-5 , thesplit sleeve 300 includes afirst end 400 positioned opposite from asecond end 405. Amounting flange 410 is integrally formed with thesplit sleeve 300 at thefirst end 400. Thesplit sleeve 300 has a truncated conical configuration with a major inner cross-dimension A (e.g., an inner diameter) located at thefirst end 400 and a minor inner cross-dimension, B, (e.g., an inner diameter) located at thesecond end 405. The outer body of thesplit sleeve 300 is also tapered in a like manner. Themounting flange 410 has a cross-dimension (not labeled) that is greater than the maximum outer cross-dimension of the split sleeve such that the underside of the mounting flange forms ashoulder 320 that projects radially outwardly from thefirst end 400 of thesplit sleeve 300. The mounting flange preferably has a thickness T that is relatively small. In one embodiment, the thickness is less than or equal or ¼ inch. In another embodiment, the thickness T is less than or equal to 3/16 of an inch. In still another embodiment, the thickness T is less than or equal to about ⅛ of an inch. - The mounting
flange 410 has a lead-inopening 415 that is concentric with the axis M such that the lead-inopening 415 is coaxially aligned with thecentral passage 400 of thesplit sleeve 300. The lead-inopening 415 is tapered to provide a tapered leading-in surface 420 for guiding themale coupling element 205 through the mountingflange 410 and into thesplit sleeve 300 during coupling of themale latching element 205 to thefemale latching element 215. The mountingflange 410 also includes twofastener openings 425 positioned at opposite sides of the lead-inopening 415. Thefastener openings 425 are adapted to receive fasteners such as screws that extend through thefastener openings 425 and into astructural component 220 of theboat 100 to which it is desired to mount thefemale latching element 215. The mountingflange 410 has countersunkregions 430 positioned around thefastener openings 425 so that heads of fasteners inserted through the fastener openings will be inset into the mountingflange 410. - The
split sleeve 300 also includes acircumferential groove 500 that extends around the outer perimeter of thesplit sleeve 300 at a location between the first and second ends. Thecircumferential groove 500 receives anelastic ring 600 that mounts around the split sleeve. Theelastic ring 600 includes aring notch 605 describing a discontinuity in theelastic ring 600, thereby facilitating with which thecircumferential groove 500 receives theelastic ring 600. In one embodiment theelastic ring 600 made of a plastic material, such as molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In other embodiments, thefemale latching element 600 can have a metal construction. Theelastic ring 600 controls/varies the amount of force required to flex the first and second half-sleeves apart during insertion of themale latching element 205 through thesplit sleeve 300. - In a preferred embodiment, the
female latching element 215 has a molded, one piece construction. In one embodiment, thefemale latching element 215 is molded of a plastic material such as nylon or other plastic materials. In other embodiments, thefemale latching element 215 can have a metal construction. - Referring to
FIGS. 8-10 , themale latching element 205 includes ashaft 800 that extends along an axis N between afirst end 900 and asecond end 905. Theshaft 800 has a truncated conical configuration with amajor cross-dimension 910 located at thefirst end 900 and aminor cross-dimension 905 located at thesecond end 905. A mountingflange 810 is integrally formed with thefirst end 900 of theshaft 800. The mountingflange 810 has a cross-dimension 920 that is greater than themajor cross-dimension 910 of theshaft 800. The mountingflange 810 defines first andsecond fastener openings 1000 located at opposite sides of theshaft 800. Thefastener openings 800 received fasteners used to secure the mountingflange 810 to thesubstrate layer 235 of acushion 210.Countersunk regions 815 defined in afirst side 925 of the mountingflange 810 allow heads of the fasteners to be recessed into the mountingflange 810. - The
male latching element 205 also includes an enlargement orhead 820 integrally formed with thesecond end 905 of theshaft 800. Thehead 820 has a maximumouter cross-dimension 825 that is greater than the minor inner cross-dimension, B, of thesplit sleeve 300 and smaller than the major inner cross-dimension, A, of thesplit sleeve 300. Thehead 820 has a dual tapered configuration. For example, the head has a firsttapered region 805 that extends from thesecond end 905 of theshaft 800 to the majorouter cross-dimension 825 of thehead 820 and a secondtapered region 830 that extends from the majorouter cross-dimension 825 of thehead 820 to an apex 835 of thehead 820. The firsttapered region 805 increases in cross-dimension as the firsttapered region 805 extends from thesecond end 905 of theshaft 800 to the majorouter cross-dimension 825 of thehead 820. The secondtapered region 830 decreases in cross-dimension extending from the majorouter cross-dimension 825 of thehead 820 to the apex 835 of thehead 820. - It is preferred for the
male latching element 205 to have a molded, one piece construction. In one embodiment, themale latching element 205 is constructed of a plastic material such as nylon. Additionally, it is preferred for the mountingflange 810 of themale latching element 205 to be relatively thin. In one embodiment, the mountingflange 810 has a thickness C less than or equal to about ¼ of an inch. In another embodiment, the mounting flange has a thickness C less than or equal to about 3/16 of an inch. In still another embodiment, the mounting flange has a thickness C less than or equal to about ⅛ of an inch. - To install the
female latching element 215 to astructural component 220 of aboat 100, ahole 240 is cut into or otherwise provided in thestructural component 220 of theboat 100. Preferably, the hole is slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the socket portion of thefemale latching element 215. Once thehole 240 is provided in theboat 100, thesplit sleeve 300, with theelastic ring 600 pre-installed thereon, is inserted through thehole 240 such that theshoulder 320 of the mountingflange 410 seats on thestructural component 220 of theboat 100. Fasteners are then inserted through thefastener openings 425 of the mountingflange 410 and into thestructural component 220 of theboat 100 to secure thefemale latching element 215 to thestructural component 220. As so mounted, thefemale latching element 215 has a “flush mounted” configuration relative to thestructural component 220. By “flush mounted”, it is meant that thestructural component 220 of the boat does not have any recess for receiving or otherwise accommodating the thickness of the mountingflange 410. - The
male latching element 205 is secured to acushion 230 by placing aback side 930 of the mountingflange 810 against thesubstrate 235 of thecushion 230. Thereafter, fasteners are inserted through thefastener openings 1000 and into thesubstrate 235 to secure themale latching element 205 to thesubstrate 235. As so mounted, an outwardly facingsurface 935 of the mountingflange 810 is slightly recessed relative to the lip provided about the perimeter of the cushion (not shown). - To latch a
cushion 210 to a mountinglocation 225, thecushion 210 is positioned adjacent the mounting location so that the axis N of themale latching element 205 aligns with the axis M of thefemale latching element 215. Thecushion 210 is then moved linearly toward the mountinglocation 225 so that theshaft 800 of themale latching element 205 is inserted through the lead-inopening 415 of the mountingflange 410 and into thecentral passage 320 of thesplit sleeve 300. As theshaft 800 is inserted into thesplit sleeve 300, thehead 820 causes the first and second half-sleeves of thesplit sleeve 300 to flex away from one another thereby enlarging the minor inner cross-dimension B of thesplit sleeve 300 so as to allow thehead 820 of themale latching element 205 to pass through thesecond end 405 of thesplit sleeve 300. Typically, the first and second half-sleeves flex at hinge locations located at thefirst end 400 of thesplit sleeve 300. Theelastic ring 600 is provided to increase the amount of force required to flex the first and second half-sleeves apart. By varying the elasticity of the ring, the force required to insert the head of the shaft through thesplit sleeve 300 and to remove theshaft 800 from thesplit sleeve 800 can be increased or decreased as needed. The insertion process continues until thehead 820 of theshaft 800 passes completely through thesplit sleeve 300 and the first and second half-sleeves flex or snap back toward one another such that thesecond end 405 of thesplit sleeve 300 opposes the firsttapered region 805 of thehead 820.FIG. 11 is anexample embodiment 1100 of themale latching element 205 inserted into thefemale latching element 215. - To remove the
cushion 210 from thecushion mounting location 225, thecushion 210 is pulled linearly away from the mounting location in a direction parallel to the axes M and N. As thecushion 210 is pulled away from the mountinglocation 225, the firsttapered region 805 of thehead 820 causes the first and second half-sleeves of thesplit sleeve 300 to flex apart thereby allowing thehead 820 to pass through thecentral passage 320 of thesplit sleeve 300. After thehead 820 passes through thesplit sleeve 300, the first and second half-sleeves flex back together due to the elasticity provided by theelastic ring 600 and the inherent resiliency provided by the half-sleeves adjacent the hinge locations. - The preceding embodiments are intended to illustrate without limitation the utility and scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims (23)
1. A boat comprising:
a hull having a bow, a stern, a port side and a starboard side;
a structural component positioned within the hull, the structural component defining at least a portion of a cushion mounting location, the structural component defining a mounting opening positioned at the cushion mounting location;
a female latching element having a flange that seats on the structural component and a receiver having at least a portion that projects outwardly from the flange and extends through the mounting opening;
a cushion that mounts at the cushion mounting location, the cushion having a resilient cushioning layer secured to a substrate forming a backing of the cushion;
a male latching element including a shaft having a base end and a free end, the male latching element also including a flange connected to the base end of the shaft and an enlargement provided at the free end of the shaft, the flange of the male latching element being connected to the substrate of the cushion with the shaft projecting outwardly from the backing of the cushion;
wherein the cushion is mounted at the cushion mounting location by moving the cushion toward the cushion mounting location such that the shaft of the male latching element is received within the receiver of the female latching element thereby causing the cushion to be latched to the structural component.
2. The boat of claim 1 , wherein the mounting flange of the female latching element has a thickness that is less than or equal to one quarter of an inch.
3. The boat of claim 1 , wherein the mounting flange of the male latching element has a thickness that is less than or equal to one quarter of an inch.
4. The boat of claim 1 , wherein the flange of the female latching component is fastened to the structural component and the flange of the male latching component is fastened to the substrate of the cushion.
5. The boat of claim 1 , wherein the female latching component has a flush mounted configuration relative to the structural component.
6. The boat of claim 1 , wherein the enlargement at the free end of the shaft of the male latching element includes a head having a rounded, conical end.
7. The boat of claim 1 , wherein the receiver of the female latching element includes a split sleeve.
8. The boat of claim 7 , wherein the split sleeve includes at least first and second pieces separated by split-lines.
9. The boat of claim 8 , wherein the split sleeve includes two half-pieces.
10. The boat of claim 7 , wherein the split sleeve includes a first end positioned at the flange of the female latching element and a second end spaced from the flange of the female latching element, and wherein the split sleeve has a truncated conical configuration with a major cross-dimension positioned at the first end of the split sleeve and a minor cross-dimension positioned at the second end of the split sleeve.
11. The boat of claim 7 , wherein the female latching element includes an elastic ring mounted around the split sleeve.
12. The boat of claim 11 , wherein the elastic ring is mounted in a circumferential groove defined around an exterior of the split sleeve.
13. The boat of claim 11 , wherein the split sleeve and the flange of the female latching element are integrally molded as a unitary plastic part.
14. A latching arrangement comprising:
a female latching element including a split sleeve that extends along a first axis from a first end to a second end, the female latching element also including a flange that projects radially outwardly from the first end of the split sleeve, the female latching element further including an elastic ring that mounts around the split sleeve at a location between the first and second ends of the split sleeve;
a male latching element including a shaft that extends along a second axis from a first end to a second end, the male latching element also including a flange that projects radially outwardly from the first end of the shaft, the male latching element further including an enlarged head positioned at the second end of the shaft;
wherein the male latching element is coupled to the female latching element by inserting the shaft of the male latching element through into the receiver of the female latching element.
15. The latching arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the first and second axes are co-axially aligned when the shaft of the male latching element is positioned within the split sleeve of the female latching element.
16. The latching arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the mounting flange of the female latching element has a maximum thickness measured in the direction of the first axis that is less than or equal to one quarter of an inch.
17. The latching arrangement of claim 16 , wherein the mounting flange of the male latching element has a maximum thickness measured in the direction of the second axis that is less than or equal to one quarter of an inch.
18. The latching arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the head at the second end of the shaft of the male latching element has a rounded, conical end.
19. The latching arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the split sleeve includes at least first and second pieces separated by split-lines that extend along the first axis.
20. The latching arrangement of claim 19 , wherein the split sleeve includes two half-pieces.
21. The latching arrangement of claim 14 , split sleeve has a truncated conical configuration with a major cross-dimension positioned at the first end of the split sleeve and a minor cross-dimension positioned at the second end of the split sleeve.
22. The latching arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the elastic ring is mounted in a circumferential groove defined around an exterior of the split sleeve.
23. The latching arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the split sleeve and the flange of the female latching element are integrally molded as a unitary plastic part.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/425,096 US20100037812A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2009-04-16 | Boat Cushion Mount |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US4582508P | 2008-04-17 | 2008-04-17 | |
US12/425,096 US20100037812A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2009-04-16 | Boat Cushion Mount |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100037812A1 true US20100037812A1 (en) | 2010-02-18 |
Family
ID=41680367
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/425,096 Abandoned US20100037812A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 | 2009-04-16 | Boat Cushion Mount |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100037812A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012116093A1 (en) * | 2011-02-23 | 2012-08-30 | Berrey Howard | Vehicle roof top boat storage unit |
US20140182095A1 (en) * | 2013-01-02 | 2014-07-03 | Kenneth D. Stokes | Fastener |
GB2513842A (en) * | 2013-04-25 | 2014-11-12 | Cheng Uei Prec Ind Co Ltd | Game Controller |
US10288203B2 (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2019-05-14 | Nelson Products, Inc. | Latching connector with radial grooves |
-
2009
- 2009-04-16 US US12/425,096 patent/US20100037812A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012116093A1 (en) * | 2011-02-23 | 2012-08-30 | Berrey Howard | Vehicle roof top boat storage unit |
US9145094B2 (en) | 2011-02-23 | 2015-09-29 | Howard Berrey | Vehicle roof top boat storage unit |
US20140182095A1 (en) * | 2013-01-02 | 2014-07-03 | Kenneth D. Stokes | Fastener |
US9328754B2 (en) * | 2013-01-02 | 2016-05-03 | K & K Products, Llc | Fastener |
GB2513842A (en) * | 2013-04-25 | 2014-11-12 | Cheng Uei Prec Ind Co Ltd | Game Controller |
US10288203B2 (en) * | 2014-03-26 | 2019-05-14 | Nelson Products, Inc. | Latching connector with radial grooves |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENMAR MINNESOTA, INC.,MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SAHR, RONALD CLIFFORD;GILMAN, STEVE;BACKOWSKI, CHRIS;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20090601 TO 20091028;REEL/FRAME:023485/0308 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PROJECT BOAT MANAGEMENT, LLC,CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENMAR MINNESOTA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:024272/0442 Effective date: 20100201 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |