The present invention relates to a modular system for reconfiguring the layout of a boat.

The present invention is usefully applied for the assembly and disassembly, on a boat, but also on another type of means of transport, of elements such as items of furniture, panels, supports, but also elements to be connected to the boat chassis such as hatches and bonnets and still more.

The present invention applies in particular to professional work boats, for the attachment of fittings, gears and equipment, and for which it is often required to reconfigure work spaces in a short time in order to cope with different types of activities or missions.

It is well known that elements such as armchairs and seats, but also gun mountings and anti-ballistic panels, are often mounted on boats by means of fastening systems that allow these elements to be disconnected when required, for instance to position them differently or to replace them.

Disadvantageously , the known fastening systems only allow these elements to be assembled and disassembled with complex contraptions. Consequently, the assembly/disassembly of these elements is not quick, it requires long downtimes and also requires special tools, limiting the operative readiness and availability of the boat .

In particular, the known fastening systems involve the use of bolts that engage threaded inserts, which are embedded in the assembly surfaces of the accessories themselves, or bolts are passed through the same surfaces in order to make the fastening as firm and stable as possible .

Disadvantageously , in such types of fastening systems, the possibility of repositioning fittings, gears and equipment is minimal and time-consuming, as disassembly requires tools, accessibility to bolts and the various alternative positions for installing components must have been precisely planned in advance. In fact, these positions cannot be changed, as the holes or any inserts for screws and bolts have already been predefined and prepared in advance in the factory.

It should not be underestimated that the existence of through-holes implies that they must be closed, when not in use, and in any case sealed, when engaged by bolts, to prevent water from entering.

Other types of known fastening systems involve the use of rails installed on the boat, e.g. attached to the upper deck or to the cockpit floor of the boat, into which the above-mentioned fasteners are inserted and from which they can be removed.

Disadvantageously, in such types of fastening systems, it is necessary to remove the element from the rail in order to remove it or to displace it, and this operation is tiring especially in the case of heavy and/or bulky elements as it is necessary to move the element along the rail by means of external lifting equipment, if access is possible, or with the assistance of several people.

The task underlying the present invention is to make available a system for reconfiguring the layout of a boat that allows for a simple and fast assembly/disassembly of fittings and gears according to the needs of the crew.

In particular, it is the object of the present invention to make available a reconfiguration system that is versatile, by adapting to various types of elements to be assembled/disassembled, such as furniture items, seats, panels, supports of various types, hatches, bonnets and general fittings, gears and equipment for various types of boats.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a reconfiguration system that is light, compact and also resistant both chemically, to adapt to a nautical environment, and mechanically, to support high static and dynamic loads.

The above-mentioned task, as well as the objects mentioned and others that will better appear later, are achieved by a boat layout reconfiguration system and a boat comprising such a reconfiguration system, as recited in the appended claims.

Further characteristics and advantages will become clearer from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a boat layout reconfiguration system, shown by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the enclosed drawings wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the reconfiguration system according to the present invention applied to a boat;

- Figure 2 shows a different exploded perspective view of a portion of the reconfiguration system in Figure 1 applied to a movable element;

- Figure 3 shows a component of the reconfiguration system of Figures 1 and 2 in an exploded perspective view; - Figure 4 shows a section view of the reconfiguration system of Figures 1-3 in a first configuration applied to a movable element;

- Figure 4A shows an enlarged portion of Figure 4;

- Figure 5 shows a section view of the reconfiguration system of Figures 1-3 in a second configuration applied to a movable element;

- Figure 6 shows the reconfiguration system of Figure 4 in a view from above;

- Figure 7 shows the reconfiguration system of Figure 5 in a view from above;

- Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the reconfiguration system according to the present invention applied to a fixed element in an assembled form;

- Figure 9 shows the reconfiguration system of Figure 8 in a non-assembled form.

With reference to the attached figures, a system for reconfiguring the layout of a boat, denoted by reference number 1, is described hereinafter.

The reconfiguration system 1 for reconfiguring the layout of a boat 100 comprises a first component 2 of coupling. This first component 2 of coupling is fixed when the reconfiguration system 1 is assembled and ready for use. In fact, the first component 2 is configured to be attached to a fixed element 101 of a boat 100.

The fixed element 101 of a boat 100 is, for example, a deck, a cockpit or upper deck floor.

The first component 2 may be attached to the fixed element 101 of a boat 100, for example by gluing it thereto, or with screws or the like.

According to the present invention, the reconfiguration system 1 for reconfiguring the layout of a boat 100 comprises a second component 3 of coupling. Such second component 3 of coupling is configured to be connected to a movable element 200 to be connected to the fixed element 101 of the boat 100.

The movable element 200, for example, comprises a body 220 selected from the group of: an item of furniture, a support element, a panel.

The second component 3 of coupling is movable. In particular, the second component 3 of coupling is configured to be connected and also disconnected from the first fixed component 2.

In more detail, the second component 3 is configured to be removably inserted into the first component 2 in a plurality of positions.

Furthermore, the second component 3 is configured to be removably attached to the first component 2 when it is inserted into the first component 2 in each of the plurality of positions.

In other words, it is possible to connect the second component 3 to the first component 2 in different positions and to make it fixed to the first component 2, and consequently to the fixed element of the boat 100, in each of these positions, thus being able to arrange one or more movable elements 200 in various ways, i.e. in particular positions relative to a single fixed element 101 and therefore relative to the boat 100. A considerable freedom of reconfiguration is advantageously possible for a movable element 200 on the boat 100.

In fact, the movable element 200 is connected to the fixed element 101, i.e. to the boat 100, when the movable element 200 is connected to the second component 3 and when the second component 3 is inserted into the first component 2 and attached to the first component 2, which is in turn attached to the fixed element 101.

By contrast, the movable element 200 is disconnected from the fixed element 101, i.e. from the boat 100, when the second component 3 is disengaged from the first component 2.

Indeed, according to the present invention, once the first component 2 has been attached to the fixed element 101, and once the second component 3 has been connected to the movable element 200, the second component 3 is inserted into the first component 2 and then attached thereto. This operation is reversible, which allows for an easy repositioning of the movable elements 200 in relation to the fixed elements 101. In fact, the movable element 200 is thereby non-permanent ly attached to the boat 100.

The attachment /det achment of the second component 3 from the first component 2 occurs as described later in this description.

According to the present invention, preferably, the first component 2 comprises a profile 20. The profile 20 can be attached to the fixed element 101 of the boat 100 when the reconfiguration system 1 is assembled and ready for use.

Still preferably, the second component 3 comprises a pin 30. This pin 30 can be inserted into the profile 20 and disengaged from the profile 20.

Preferably, the first component 2 comprises fastening holes 210 distributed along the profile 20 and suitable for screw fastening. The pin 30 is configured to be inserted into the movable element 200.

In addition, the pin 30 is removably attachable to the profile 20 when inserted into the profile 20.

Two embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 1 to 7, the first component 2 may be attached to a fixed element 101 consisting, for example, in an upper deck.

According to this embodiment, the first component 2 comprises a guide 21. This guide 21 extends along a main direction Z. In particular, the guide 21 is cut into the profile 20, to be attached to the fixed element 101. The profile 20, according to this embodiment, is preferably crescent-shaped. In particular, the profile 20 has a rectilinear portion, for the connection with the fixed element 101, and a curved portion, configured to face the external environment. Advantageously, the profile 20 has a rounded and bevelled shape so as not to represent a hindrance for people on board the boat 100, so that they do not stumble. Preferably, the profile 20 is obtained by extrusion and has a low height such that it does not hinder the passage of people on board the boat 100.

Preferably, the profile 20 has a constant crosssection along the main direction Z. Still preferably, the guide 21 also has a section that is constant throughout the guide 21 along the main direction Z. Advantageously, the pin 30 can be inserted continuously into the guide 21, i.e. at any position along the main extension direction Z of the guide 21. The pin 30 can also be attached in any position of the guide 21. Advantageously, the positions where the movable element

200 can be positioned in the profile 20 are continuous and not discrete.

Preferably, the first component 2 comprises fastening holes 210 distributed along the profile 20 and suitable for screw fastening.

Still preferably, the profile 20 has a lower surface

201 that is knurled. This bottom surface 201 is configured to face the fixed element 101 when the profile 20 is attached to the fixed element 101.

This knurled bottom surface 201 allows the profile 20 to better adhere to the fixed element 101, for more effective bonding.

Advantageously, according to this embodiment, the profile 20 is configured to be either screwed or glued to the fixed element 101.

According to the first embodiment, the pin 30 can be removably attached to the profile 20 when it is inserted into the profile 20 and when it is further connected to the movable element 200.

Preferably, the pin 30 is configured to fit into the guide 21 and to switch between a first configuration, in which it is inserted in the guide 21 and disengageable from the guide 21, and a second configuration, in which it is inserted in the guide 21 and not disengageable from the guide 21.

In other words, in the first configuration, the pin 30 is inserted into the guide 21 but can be disengaged from it. By contrast, when it is in the second configuration, the pin 30 is inserted in the guide 21 but cannot be disengaged from the guide 21. To disengage it from the guide 21, the pin 30 must be returned to the first configuration.

The pin 30 slides into the guide 21 when it is in the second configuration unless it is blocked.

It should therefore be noted that, still preferably, the second component 3 comprises a blocking element 31 connectable to the pin 30 to block the sliding of the pin 30 relative to the guide 21 when the pin 30 is in the second configuration and when the pin 30 is inserted into the movable element 200.

If there is no blocking element 31, the pin 30, when inserted in the guide 21 and in the second configuration, slides into the guide 21.

The blocking element 31 may be a screw, for example.

Advantageously, when the movable element 200 is assembled on the fixed element 101, it is possible to move the movable element 200 continuously along the profile 20 without removing the pin 30, simply by deactivating the blocking element 31. For example, if the blocking element 31 is a screw, it is possible to move the movable element 200 along the profile 20 by removing or loosening the screw from the pin 30.

Preferably, the pin 30 comprises a base 32. This base 32 has a first dimension DI having a dimension less than or equal to the width L of the guide 21. Thus, the pin 30 can be inserted into the guide 21 to be arranged in the first configuration. In particular, when the pin 30 is in the first configuration, the first dimension DI is parallel to the main direction Z of the guide 21. Still preferably, the base 32 of the pin 30 has a second dimension D2 that is larger than the width L of the guide 21. Thus, the pin 30 is not disengageable from the guide 21 when the pin 30 is in the second configuration. In particular, when the pin 30 is in the second configuration, the second dimension D2 is parallel to the extension direction of the guide 21.

Preferably, the guide 21 has a dimension along the main direction Z, i.e. a length W, which is greater than the first dimension DI and the second dimension D2 of the pin 30 by at least an order of magnitude. For example, the first dimension DI and the second dimension D2 are in the order of a centimetre while the length W of the guide 21 has a dimension in the order of a metre. Advantageously, it is possible to position the pin 30 at various points along the length W of the guide 21 and thus position the movable element 200 in a plurality of positions. In particular, as already mentioned above, the pin 30 can be inserted and attached at any point along the length W of the guide 21.

The base 32 is preferably plate-shaped and mainly extends in a plane. In that case, the first dimension DI and the second dimension D2 are defined within that plane .

As shown in the figures, the base 32 has, for example, a rectangular shape, but also an ellipse shape or other shapes that make the insertion into the guide 21 possible, in one orientation of the base 32 with respect to the guide 21, and that prevent, in another orientation of the base 32 with respect to the guide 21, disconnection from the guide 21.

Note that preferably the pin 30 is configured to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration by means of a rotation, e.g. via a rotation of approximately 90° around the central axis Y of the pin 30 itself.

Preferably, the second component 3 comprises a head 33 connected to the pin 30 and configured to be manoeuvred to switch the pin 30 between the first and second configurations.

In other words, the head 33 acts as an actuator for blocking/releasing the pin 30 in the guide 21.

The head 33 is detachable from the pin 30.

The head 33 is preferably configured to connect to the pin 30 by interlocking. Thereby, by rotating the head 33, for example manually, the pin 30 is also rotated, switching from one configuration to the other.

Still preferably, the head 33 is at least partially inserted into the pin 30 when the reconfiguration system 1 is in use.

For example, as shown in Figure 3, the head 33 comprises at least one through-hole 330 shaped as the pin 30 and suitable for accommodating the pin 30. This through-hole 330 and this pin 30 are, for example, circular .

Furthermore, still preferably the head 33 has one or more protrusions 331 within the through-hole 330. Preferably, the pin 30 also comprises at least one groove 300, each suitable for mating with a respective protrusion 331 for engaging the head 33 on the pin 30. As shown in Figure 3, the head 33 has, for example, a through-hole 330 and two protrusions 331 extending throughout the thickness of the head 33 towards the centre of the through-hole 330. Still preferably, the head 33 has a shape that is at least partially elongated, i.e. it has one dimension greater than another perpendicular thereto, so that an operator can visually distinguish in which configuration, between the first and second configuration, the pin 30 is located, based on the position of the head 33 relative to the guide 21.

Still preferably, the head 33 has a flattened shape at the centre of which the through-hole 330 is obtained.

Still preferably, the pin 30 has at least one inner cavity 320 along its central axis Y, suitable for accommodating the aforementioned blocking element 31, i . e . the screw .

The through-hole 330 of the head 33 is also suitable to accommodate the screw.

The pin 30 is preferably made of stainless steel. Advantageously, the pin 30 is provided with a mechanical resistance that makes it suitable for supporting movable elements 200 of various types, weights and dimensions; in particular, the pin 30 is provided with a mechanical resistance that enables it to support loads of about four hundred kilos.

Preferably, the profile 20 and the head 33 are made of anodised aluminium.

More preferably, the profile 20 is made of high- strength aluminium with a thick anodic oxidation or hard anodising treatment to allow the pin 30 to slide therein and to be highly resistant to wear and environment.

Still preferably, the head 33 is made of aluminium with anodic oxidation treatment to provide high resistance to the marine environment, which is particularly aggressive.

Advantageously, these components are resistant to the aggressive environmental conditions they are subjected to when the reconfiguration system 1 is assembled on a boat 100, i.e. the marine environment. More preferably, the reconfiguration system 1 comprises the movable element 200. In particular, the movable element 200 comprises at least one seat 202 suitable for accommodating the pin 30.

The pin 30 is configured to pass through the seat 202 so that the movable element 200 is interposed between the first component 2 and the head 33.

In fact, the head 33 is detachable from the pin 30 to allow the pin 30 to be inserted into the movable element 200.

The head 33 has larger dimensions than the seat

202.

Referring in particular to Figures 4 and 5, preferably, the movable element 200 has a hollow portion

203 suitable for accommodating the profile 20. Furthermore, the movable element 200 has a base portion

204 suitable for resting on the fixed element 101 of the boat 100. In other words, the movable element 200 is shaped to encircle the profile 20 and remain supported on the fixed element 101 via the base portion 204. Advantageously, the movable element 200 is configured to unload its weight onto the fixed element 101 of the boat 100. Advantageously, the weight of the movable element 200 is not discharged on the profile 20.

The movable element 200, and in particular the above-mentioned body 220, comprises a base 221 for the connection to the reconfiguration system 1.

For example, as shown in Figure 2, the movable element 200 is a seat which comprises a main body 220 in turn comprising a base 221.

Preferably, the movable element 200 also comprises a sliding spacer 4. This spacer 4 can be connected to the body 220 and is configured to be interposed between the profile 20 and the base 221. This spacer 4 is, similarly to the base 221 of the movable element 200, also provided with holes 40 for the insertion of the pin 30, and thus the connection with the fixed element 101.

The spacer 4 preferably has a shape similar to the base 221 of the movable element 200 and is shaped to form with the base 221 a single piece that is assembled so as to give the necessary support to the body 220 of the movable element 200.

The spacer 4 has a predetermined thickness so that the assembly of the spacer 4 and base 221, when the pin 30 is inserted in both of them, allows the insertion of the head 33 into the grooves 300 of the pin 30.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second component 3 is configured to be attached to the movable element 200.

In other words, the pin 30 is attached to the movable element 200 when the reconfiguration system 1 is in use.

According to this embodiment, the second component 3 comprises at least two seals 34.

These two seals 34 are attached to the movable element 200 and configured to interact with the profile 20.

The seals 34 and the profile 20 extend along a same main direction X.

The pin 30 is interposed between these at least two seals 34.

In particular, the profile 20 has a connecting surface 22 wherein seats are obtained suitable for accommodating two or more of the above-mentioned pins 30. In fact, this connecting surface 22 has through holes 400 for the insertion of one or more pins 30 fixed to the movable element 200.

According to this embodiment, the movable element 200 is a structural element which, when connected to the fixed element 101, is part of the structure of the boat 100. For example, the movable element 200 is a cabin or a hatch or a porthole.

More preferably, each movable element 200 is attached to several pins 30. The reconfiguration system 1 according to this embodiment therefore also comprises one or more fastening nuts 35, each configured to mate with a pin 30 inserted into the respective through-hole 400 to attach the second component 3 to the first component 2.

The arrangement of the through holes 400 is preferably regular. In particular, the through holes 400 are equally spaced. Note that the pins 30 are also equally spaced, by the same distance as the holes 400. It is thereby possible to arrange each pin in each hole 400, thereby moving the movable element 200 to different positions relative to the fixed element 101.

Preferably, the profile 20 has, on said connecting surface 22, two ridges 23 spaced apart from each other.

Each ridge 23 extends away from the connecting surface 22 of the profile 20 and is configured to press against a respective seal 34 and deform it at least partially to obtain a sealing relative to the connecting surface 22.

Preferably, the seals 34 are hollow.

Still preferably, the profile 20 has an "L" section. This "L" section has a first leg 24 configured to be attached to the fixed element 101 of the boat 100. The "L" section also has a second leg 25 with ridges 23 and the connecting surface 22. The second leg 25 is mateable in particular with the second component 3.

More preferably, wherever the section is taken, the profile 20 of that section is L-shaped.

Alternatively, the profile 20 has a "U" section which has a further third leg 26 extending in a direction substantially opposite to the ridges 23.

Preferably, the profile 20 is made of fibreglass.

This second embodiment applies in particular for positioning and removing modules to seal hatches, bonnets and portholes.

A boat 100 comprising a layout reconfiguration system 1 as described above is also part of the present invention .

The boat 100 thus comprises all the elements described above in relation to the reconfiguration system 1.

The boat 100 also comprises the fixed element 101 to which the first component 2 is attached. The fixed element 101 is for example a deck.

The layout reconfiguration system and the boat comprising such a system are susceptible to several modifications and variations, all within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all details are replaceable by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions and the contingent shapes, may be any according to the technical requirements.