Accessories for boats and systems and methods for installation and removal of such accessories

Abstract

Accessories for boats, and in particular folding inflatable boats, are described. The accessories may be installed and removed from the boats rapidly and easily, hence not impeding folding of the boats for transport or storage.

1 . A boat comprising: 
 a. a deck having an opening extending generally vertically therethrough;    b. a mechanism positioned at least partially within the opening and comprising a receptacle; and    c. an accessory connected to the receptacle in use but removable therefrom.    
     
     
         2 . A boat according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one buoyancy tube.  
     
     
         3 . A boat according to  claim 2  further comprising a transom to which an outboard motor may be mounted and in which the accessory is a console.  
     
     
         4 . A boat according to  claim 3  further comprising means for connecting the console to any outboard motor mounted to the transom.  
     
     
         5 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which the deck has an underside and the mechanism comprises a flange positioned in contact with the underside when in use.  
     
     
         6 . A boat according to  claim 5  in which the accessory includes a quick-release fastener received in use by the receptacle.  
     
     
         7 . A boat according to  claim 5  in which the mechanism has a conically-shaped portion.  
     
     
         8 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which the deck is removable and comprises multiple foldable sections.  
     
     
         9 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which the accessory comprises a seat structure.  
     
     
         10 . A boat according to  claim 9  in which the seat structure comprises: 
 a. a seat; and    b. a container.    
     
     
         11 . A boat according to  claim 10  in which the container is a fuel tank.  
     
     
         12 . A method of making an inflatable boat having a length more compact for storage or transport, comprising: 
 a. deflating an inflatable element;    b. disconnecting at least one accessory from a deck spanning substantially the length of the boat; and    c. removing the deck.    
     
     
         13 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which the receptacle comprises at least one D-ring.  
     
     
         14 . A boat according to  claim 13  in which the D-ring is moveable and projects no higher than slightly above the deck when not in use.  
     
     
         15 . A boat according to  claim 13  further comprising: 
 a. a plate to which the D-ring is attached;    b. a bottom plate positioned underneath the deck; and    c. a fastener connecting the plate and the bottom plate.    
     
     
         16 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which the mechanism further comprises a generally horizontal support surface and a plate connected to the receptacle and to the generally horizontal support surface.  
     
     
         17 . A boat comprising: 
 a. an inflatable deck having an opening extending generally vertically therethrough;    b. a mechanism positioned at least partially within the opening and comprising: 
 i. a receptacle in the form of a ring;  
 ii. a support comprising (A) a generally horizontal surface, (B) a conical portion, and (C) a flange; and  
 iii. a fastener connecting the receptacle to the generally horizontal surface; and  
   c. an accessory connected to the receptacle in use but removable therefrom.