The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 19, 1998
Filed:
Sep. 26, 1996
Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, Iwata, JP;
Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Iwata, JP;
Abstract
A small watercraft includes a hull with a deck portion. A longitudinally extending raised pedestal of the deck portion has an upper surface with a front portion and a rear portion. An engine compartment is formed at least in part beneath the front portion of the raised pedestal and contains an engine that drives a propulsion unit for powering the watercraft. An exhaust system communicates with the engine compartment and discharges exhaust gases from the watercraft. An access opening is provided in the front portion of the upper surface of the raised pedestal for allowing access to the engine compartment. A removable front seat member is supported by the front portion of the upper surface of the raised pedestal and covers the access opening. The front seat has front and rear ends. A latching assembly is provided adjacent to the rear end of the front seat member for detachably securing the front seat member to the front portion of the upper surface of the raised pedestal. A removable rear seat member is supported by the rear portion of the upper surface of the raised pedestal directly behind the front seat member. The rear seat member includes front and rear ends. The front end of the rear seat member covers the latching assembly associated with the front seat member so that the latching assembly is not accessible without removing the front seat member. An insert piece is provided near the periphery of the rear portion of the upper surface of the raised pedestal. The insert piece includes a ventilation mechanism that vents air from the engine compartment. A portion of the exhaust system extends at least partially through the access opening and below at least a portion of the front seat portion so as to provide a more ergonomic front seat member.