Multi-position automated convertible vberth for marine vessels

Abstract

A multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels having a pair of independent bunks sections, and guide mechanisms for controlling the physical movement of the bunks from one configuration to another. Included is automatic actuation and electronic controls for activating movement of the bunks from one configuration to another in conjunction with the guide mechanism. The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system is convertible between a V-berth configuration and an island bed configuration, eliminates manual operation, and includes automatic deployment and retraction of a table.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels, comprising:
 a pair of bunk sections;   guide means for controlling physical movement of said bunks;   automatic actuation and electronic control means for activating movement of said bunk sections from one configuration to another in conjunction with said guide means;   said multiple position automated convertible V-berth system is convertible between a V-berth configuration and an bed configuration;   wherein in said V-berth configuration, sale pair of bunk sections are spaced apart and separated; and   wherein in said bed configuration said pair of bunk sections are pushed together to form a bed.   
     
     
         2 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system of  claim 1 , further including a telescoping table disposed between said pair of bunk section. 
     
     
         3 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system of  claim 1 , wherein said guide means comprises mechanical guides providing for arcuate movement of said bunks. 
     
     
         4 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system of  claim 3 , wherein said guide means includes electronic linear actuators to impart movement of said bunks. 
     
     
         5 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system of  claim 4 , wherein said automatic actuation and electronic control means is comprised of electronic switches and control circuits enabling operation of said electronic linear actuators. 
     
     
         6 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system of  claim 1 , further including a central hub about which said pair of bunk sections articulate. 
     
     
         7 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system of  claim 6 , wherein said guide means comprise guide members attaching said central hub to each of said bunk sections. 
     
     
         8 . A multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels, comprising:
 a left bunk section and a right bunk section;   said bunk sections attached to and configured to articulate about a central hub;   a retractable table disposed between said bunk sections;   wherein in an open position said left and right bunk sections are spaced apart and separated; and   wherein in said closed position, said left and right bunk sections are brought together to form a bed and said retractable table is retracted downward and stored in said bunk sections.   
     
     
         9 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels of  claim 8 , wherein said bunk sections articulate by way of guides attaching said bunk sections to said central hub. 
     
     
         10 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels of  claim 8 , wherein in said closed position, said retractable table is accommodated by an elongated slot of each of said bunk sections. 
     
     
         11 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels of  claim 8 , wherein said bunk sections and said retractable table are automatically actuated and electronically controlled by way of one or more electronic switches operating one or more actuators. 
     
     
         12 . The multiple position automated convertible V-berth system for marine vessels of  claim 12 , wherein said one or more actuators comprise electronic linear actuators, hydraulic struts, rams, pistons, or combinations thereof.