U.S. patent application number 09/764170 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-25 for inflatable, tubular structure designed to protect a watercraft by attaching along a horizontal plane.
Invention is credited to Mcauliffe, William J..
Application Number | 20010032578 09/764170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26872095 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010032578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mcauliffe, William J. |
October 25, 2001 |
Inflatable, tubular structure designed to protect a watercraft by
attaching along a horizontal plane
Abstract
The present invention relates to an inflatable, tubular
structure designed to protect a water craft by attaching along a
horizontal plane. The device comprises of inflatable, tubular
structure, attaching devices and an ability to be inflated for use
and deflated for storage. The inflatable structure is conformable
to the contour of a water craft to protect the area of freeboard
and the bulkhead surfaces of a craft.
Inventors: |
Mcauliffe, William J.;
(Soquez, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM J. McAULIFFE
P. O Box 11
SOQUEL
CA
95073
US
|
Family ID: |
26872095 |
Appl. No.: |
09/764170 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60176312 |
Jan 18, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 2059/025 20130101;
B63B 59/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/345 |
International
Class: |
B63B 007/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An inflatable, tubular structure designed to protect a water
craft by attaching along a horizontal plain. The device comprises
of inflatable, tubular structure, attaching devices and an ability
to be inflated for use and deflated for storage. The inflatable,
tubular structure is conformable to the contour of a water craft to
protect the area of freeboard and the bulkhead surfaces of a craft.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/176312
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to water craft protection.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] Water craft owners are always trying to find new and
improved ways to protect their investment from damage, whether
induced by persons or nature and until now, used equipment designed
for larger water craft. This current invention provides a higher
level of protection for small water craft. "Bumpers" and "fenders"
have been designed to attach to hand rails or cleats of large water
craft by use of special knots. Owners of smaller water craft, such
as personal water craft, have had inadequate protection.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,494 Pontevolpe, et. al. describes a
device to be permanently installed in a vessel or craft which is
operated remotely and provides limited protection during mooring
and docking operations. The current invention is designed to
operate manually and provides protection over a larger area of the
vessel or craft.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,754 Sims, Jr. describes a device to
be attached "onto the keel or hull of a watercraft" which is
primarily under the water line of said vessel or craft. Sims'
device is also designed as a permanent fixture to said craft or
vessel. The current invention is designed to protect said vessel or
craft, primarily, above the water line. The current invention is
also a device to be attached only when desired by the operator of
said vessel or craft.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,729 DeRuscio describes a device
consisting of molded PVC which attaches to the side of a personal
watercraft in specific locations along the side of said craft. The
current invention consists of an inflatable structure which
encompasses the outward portion of said personal watercraft along
the entire length of said personal watercraft providing an
exceptionally higher level of protection and attaches more securely
allowing better protection in situations that would be detrimental
to said personal watercraft.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,019 O'Rourke, et. al. describes a
device "provided for protecting the top front portion of personal
watercraft". Said device is designed to protect the nose of the
personal watercraft by utilizing protective layers of material.
Said device does not provide protection for the lateral portion of
said personal watercraft which the current invention does.
[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,837 Harvey describes a device
rectangular in shape which attaches to the gunwale and attaching to
the side of a subject watercraft. Harvey's invention allows
protection for a small area of said vessel leaving a large portion
of said vessel unprotected. Harvey's invention, along with numerous
others, are designed for larger vessels. The current invention is
designed for smaller watercraft which do not have gunwales to
attach said devices. The current invention provides a higher level
of protection to said watercraft and attaches in a manner more
suitable to said smaller watercraft.
[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,692 Kimball describes a device which
is constructed of plastic and is designed to attach to "boats" or
docks or piers. Kimball's device is bulky and would take up a large
amount of space while stored and provides a limited amount of
protection only being in contact with a select section of said
"boat". The current invention is designed to utilize little space
while deflated and stored and provide protection to the entire side
of said watercraft, especially personal watercraft.
[0012] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,312 McPherson describes a device
constructed of "closed cell foam cores with synthetic fabric
covering". McPherson also claims said device is "foldable for
compact storage in the watercraft". Said device also utilizes
securing lines which require the user to attach them to the
opposite side of said watercraft inhibiting the operation of said
watercraft while said device is utilized. The current invention is
constructed of a material suitable for inflation making it most
bulky when inflated in its operational state and least bulky when
not in use utilizing less storage space. In said operational state
the current invention will provide a greater distance between said
watercraft and any object would cause damage to said watercraft
should they come in contact with one another. The current invention
attaches along the horizontal edge of said watercraft keeping any
securing devices from inhibiting operation of said watercraft while
the current invention is in its operational state.
[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,521 Loucks describes a device in a
"sheet" form which is draped over the gunwale an hull of a
watercraft. Louck's device provides protection for a small area of
said watercraft. This device is not suitable for small watercraft
which do not have a railing or suitable gunwale. The current
invention attaches to said small watercraft which commonly do not
have a railing or suitable gunwale. The current invention also
provides protection to the entire length of said smaller
watercraft.
[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,958 Green describes a device
"consisting of a plurality of one-piece bumper bodies" which are
linked together to form a bumper system. This device is attached to
a watercraft and draped over the edge between an area of exposed
bulkhead of said watercraft and a docking station or other surface
that would otherwise cause damage of some kind to said watercraft.
Green's device is not affixed to be stationary and has the ability
to move with the rolling of tide and wave common in the boating
environment. The current invention is a inflated body which is
securely attached to the outer most portion of said watercraft
which is most likely to be damaged if not protected. The current
invention provides protection to a greater area of said watercraft.
The effectiveness of said current invention will not be changed
with the movement of said watercraft as caused by before mentioned
rolling of tide and wave common to the boating environment.
[0015] These previous inventions have failed to supply adequate
protection for the smaller watercraft. These prior inventions do
not contour to the outside of the water craft when applied. They do
not stay in place as the craft begins to move and become more
susceptible to damage. Previous inventions have only provided
protection for specific portions of the watercraft. When higher
levels of protection are most needed these prior inventions become
less reliable. When not in use these prior inventions are difficult
to store and often take up precious space and become hazards to the
craft operator and passengers. The popularity of personal
watercraft and other smaller types of crafts has grown after the
creation of some of these prior inventions.
SUMMARY
[0016] This invention is designed to securely and simply attach to
a water craft in order to provide a high level of protection and
when not in use be simply detached and conveniently stored.
Objects and Advantages
[0017] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention
are:
[0018] (a) to simply attach to and detach from said watercraft.
[0019] (b) to not require additional fixtures or equipment.
[0020] (c) to attach without the use of any special knots.
[0021] (d) to contour itself to the different craft it can be
applied to.
[0022] (e) to stay securely in place.
[0023] (f) to provide the highest level of protection.
[0024] (g) to have the ability to be stored where it is not a
hazard to persons on or around the craft.
[0025] (h) to stay attached and in place when the craft is in use
or being towed.
[0026] Further objects and advantages of my invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description. The purpose being to provide a simple, light-weight
system of protection for watercraft. This invention is designed to
be simple and inexpensive to manufacture which will, in turn, be an
inexpensive investment that provides the highest level of
watercraft protection.
DRAWINGS AND FIGURES
[0027] Figure number one (FIG. 1) depicts a side view of a my
invention applied to a personal watercraft. It extends the length
of the craft. Its height covers the side rail and a portion of the
craft that extends up from the water line. It is attached to the
already existing rubber bumper strip. In its inflated state it
conforms to the shape of the craft.
[0028] Figure number two (FIG. 2) depicts a rear view of my
invention as it is applied to a personal watercraft. It is applied
to the side of the water craft. It allows space for riders feet. It
attaches over the side rail and conforms to the contour of the
craft.
[0029] Figure number three (FIG. 3) is a front view of my invention
applied to a personal watercraft. It shows how my invention
conforms to the contour of the watercraft. It extends toward the
rear and continues down the side of the craft.
DEFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0030] 10--Securing Strap
[0031] 12--Inflatable Structure
[0032] 14--End Hooks
[0033] 16--Tension Lock
[0034] 18--Securing Loop
[0035] 20--Air Valve
DESCRIPTION
Preferred Embodiment(s)
[0036] FIG. 4 is an overall view of my invention. The main body of
the invention is an inflatable structure 12. The inflatable
structure 12 is a tubular form with two end pieces 12a and 12b of
like material. The end pieces 12a and 12b are shaped to give the
invention its form. One, or body end pieces 12a or 12b are equipped
with an air valve 20. Spaced out along the length of the body of
the invention are securing loops 18. These loops are used to attach
the securing strap 10 to the invention. On each end of the securing
strap 10 are end hooks 14a and 14b. Along the strap 10, between the
hooks 14a and 14b is a tension lock 16.
[0037] The main inflatable structure 12 is attached to end pieces
12a and 12b by use of hot air heat sealing machinery or suitable
adhesive. The inflatable structure 12 also has a hot air, heat seal
seam that runs the length of the structure. Along the outside of
the inflatable structure 12 are securing loops 18a thru 18d. The
securing loops 18a thru 18d are attached to the inflatable
structure 12 by hot air, heat sealing or a suitable adhesive. The
securing loops 18a thru 18d are used to attach the securing strap
10 to the inflatable structure 12. Secured to the ends of the
securing strap 10 are end hooks 14a and 14b. Located between the
end hooks 14a and 14b is a tension lock 16. The securing strap 10
runs thru the tension lock 16. Located in end piece 12a and/or 12b
is an air valve 20 that is secured in place by use of hot air, heat
seal machinery or a suitable adhesive.
Operation
[0038] The inflatable structure 12 is the main body of the
invention. This portion of the invention, when fully inflated, is
used to provide a safe buffer between the watercraft it is applied
to and any object that may cause damage to it if they came in
contact with one another.
[0039] The securing strap 10 is used to attach the invention to the
water craft to be protected. The strap runs the length of the
invention and attaches to the craft by use of end hooks 14a and
14b. In order to maintain tension between the end hooks 14a and 14b
a tension lock 16 is used. The securing strap 10 is place thru the
tension lock 16. When the strap 10 is pulled tight the tension lock
16 will maintain a secure hold on the securing strap. Air valve 20
is used to inflate and deflate the inflatable structure 12.
[0040] The invention may be in an inflated or deflated state when
secured to a watercraft. First face the concave side of the
inflatable structure, horizontally, toward the side of the
watercraft. Place the end hook toward the front of the water craft
thru the utility hole in the front of the craft. Attach the
opposing end hook to the utility hole in the rear of the craft.
Pull the loose end of the securing strap thru the tension lock
until the strap is taut. Introduce air thru the air valve(s) until
the inflatable structure is fully inflated. Be sure the concave
portion of the inflatable structure is placed over the rub rail
along the side of the watercraft. Adjust the tension of the
securing strap as needed to keep taut and hold the invention in
place on the watercraft.
Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope
[0041] The reader will see the current invention provides
protection to the entire freeboard and gunwale of the watercraft
while lightweight yet reliable and inexpensive. This invention can
be operated by any person of almost any age. While the above
description contains many specificities, these should not be seen
as limitations of the scope of the invention, rather as an
exemplification of one preferred embodiment. Other variations are
possible.
[0042] it is possible to use varied colors of the same material to
construct the device without requiring the manufacturer to change
any portion of the assembly.
[0043] it is possible to construct the device in different sizes to
conform better to the varied sizes of watercraft available.
[0044] it is able to be constructed of lighter weight or heavier
weight material as determined by the manufacturer.
[0045] it can be made as one embodiment or multiple embodiments as
determined by the manufacturer.
[0046] the manufacturer can add labeling for advertisement without
changing the structure of the device.
[0047] additional air valves can be added to aid in the inflation
or deflation of the device.
[0048] it can be used alone or in conjunction with other like
devices as determined by the user.
[0049] the material used to secure the device to a watercraft can
be changed as determined by the manufacturer without changing the
efficiency of protection the main embodiment provides.
[0050] additional straps or securing lines can be added to aid in
securing the device to said watercraft.
[0051] additional grommets or cleat type fixtures can be added to
the main embodiment without changing the efficiency of protection
the devices provides.
[0052] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
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