U.S. patent application number 09/839030 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for boat docking system.
Invention is credited to Ryan, Neil.
Application Number | 20020152944 09/839030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25278682 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020152944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryan, Neil |
October 24, 2002 |
Boat docking system
Abstract
This invention relates to a device for docking a boat stern
first. The device is preferably attached to a dock or sea wall and
floats on the water surface. The boat docking device has two rods
joined in an L-shape configuration. On one rod there is a sliding
member that holds an end of a third moveable rod. The moveable rod
slides in the sliding member and pivots, with respect to the
L-shaped rods, around a joint. In an open position a boat can
easily enter the device stern first. The device guides the boat
into docking position and the moveable rod closes on the boat to
hold the boat in the secured position.
Inventors: |
Ryan, Neil; (Bartlett,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin D. Erickson
Pauley Petersen Kinne & Fejer
Suite 365
2800 West Higgins Road
Hoffman Estates
IL
60195
US
|
Family ID: |
25278682 |
Appl. No.: |
09/839030 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/230.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 21/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/230.1 |
International
Class: |
B63B 021/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for docking a boat, the device comprising: a fixed rod;
a connector rod having a length at least as great as a stern width
of the boat, the connector rod connected to the fixed rod; a
moveable rod pivotally attached to the connector rod; and a joint
having a first joint end secured to the fixed rod and a second
joint end secured to the moveable rod.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one float
connected to at least one of the moveable rod and the fixed
rod.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one dock rod
secured at one end to a dock and at an other end to the connector
rod.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the at least one dock rod pivots
with respect to the dock.
5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a spring connected at a
first spring end to the fixed bar and at a second spring end to a
dock.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the joint is secured to the
moveable rod by a hinge.
7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a sliding member
attached with respect to the connector rod.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the moveable rod is pivotally
attached to the sliding member.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein a pivot end of the moveable rod
slides within the sliding member.
10. A device for docking a boat, the device comprising: a fixed
rod; a connector rod having a sliding member, wherein the connector
rod and sliding member have a length at least as great as a stern
width of the boat, the connector rod connected to the fixed rod; a
moveable rod having a pivot end pivotally attached to the connector
rod, wherein a pivot end of the moveable rod slides within the
sliding member; and a joint having a first joint end secured to the
fixed rod and a second joint end secured to the moveable rod.
11. The device of claim 10 wherein the joint is secured to the
moveable rod by a hinge.
12. The device of claim 11 wherein the joint is made of a flexible
material.
13. The device of claim 11 further comprising a spring connected at
a first spring end to the fixed bar and a second spring end to a
dock, wherein the spring holds the fixed bar in position with
respect to the dock and the spring absorbs the pressure exerted on
the fixed bar by the boat.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein the device is held afloat at the
waterline by a plurality of floats.
15. A device for docking a boat, comprising: a fixed rod; a
connector rod having a length at least as great as a stern width of
the boat, the connector rod connected to the fixed rod; a moveable
rod pivotally attached to the connector rod; a joint having a first
joint end secured to the fixed rod and a second joint end secured
by a hinge to the moveable rod; at least one dock rod secured at
one end to a dock and at an other end to the connector rod; a
sliding member attached with respect to the connector rod, wherein
a pivot end of the moveable rod slides within the sliding member; a
plurality of floats attached to at least one of the moveable rod
and the fixed rod; and a spring connected at a first spring end to
the fixed rod and connected at a second spring end to the dock,
wherein the spring holds the fixed bar in position with respect to
the dock and the spring absorbs the pressure exerted on the fixed
bar by the boat.
16. The device of claim 14 wherein the joint is made of a flexible
material.
17. A method for docking a boat comprising the steps of: backing
the boat into an opening created between a fixed rod and a moveable
rod; pivoting the moveable rod around a connector rod extending
between the fixed rod and the moveable rod; flexing a joint having
a first joint end secured to the fixed rod and a second joint end
secured to the moveable rod; and guiding the boat into a docked
position between the fixed rod and the moveable rod.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a boat docking system that allows
a boat to be docked stern first using a fixed rod and a moveable
rod that adjust as the boat is docked.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Ryan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,234, teaches a floating boat
docking system that allows for bow first docking of a boat. The
device has two rods that form a "V" and, as a boat pulls into the
device, the rods expand around a hull of the boat to guide the boat
into docking position and hold the boat secure once docked. This
device does not permit a boat to be docked stern first because the
rods do not fit around the square stern of a boat as they do around
a V-shaped bow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is one object of the invention to provide a boat docking
system that guides a boat into a dock stern first.
[0006] It is another object of this invention to provide a means to
launch or dock a boat without assistance from an onboard or
shore-based crew.
[0007] It is another object of this invention to permit safe and
simple docking of a boat when winds, waves or inexperience are
pushing the boat out of alignment with the dock.
[0008] It is another object of this invention to provide a
lightweight, easy to install boat docking system.
[0009] It is another object of this invention to retain a boat at
multiple positions along the hull instead of at a few places.
[0010] It is another object of this invention to retain a boat away
from a dock so that it does not continually contact the dock
causing damage to the boat and dock.
[0011] A boat docking device according to this invention allows a
boat to be easily docked stern first. The boat docking device
preferably includes two rods arranged in an L-shaped configuration.
The rods can be made of various materials and are connected to a
dock or sea wall.
[0012] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, a
sliding member holds an end of a moveable rod. The pivotal
attachment of the moveable rod to the sliding member allows the
moveable rod to move within the sliding member. The moveable rod
preferably pivots around a joint and rotates from an open position
with respect to a fixed rod to a closed position with respect to
the fixed rod. The open position of the moveable rod allows easy
capture of a boat stern. In the closed position, the moveable rod
works in combination with the fixed rod to hold a boat secure by
the hull.
[0013] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, a
hinge pivotally secures the moveable rod to the joint. The moveable
rod pivots around the hinge from the open position to the closed
position. The joint provides support for the moveable rod and keeps
the moveable rod in a proper position with respect to the fixed
rod.
[0014] A plurality of floats are preferably attached to the boat
docking device for floatation. A spring may be connected between
the fixed rod and the dock to provide support to the fixed rod and
to repel the boat from the dock if too close and/or pull the boat
toward the dock if too far.
[0015] As the boat backs into the boat docking device beyond the
hinge the boat stern pushes the moveable rod into the closed
position. The moveable rod pivots around hinge and a pivot end of
the moveable rod slides in the sliding member to secure the
boat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention will be better understood from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat docking device in the
open position according to one preferred embodiment of this
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the boat docking device of
FIG. 1 in the closed position according to one preferred embodiment
of this invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the boat docking device of FIG. 1
according to one preferred embodiment of this invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of the boat docking device of FIG. 2
according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of a spring according to one preferred
embodiment of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIG. 1 shows boat docking device 10 according to one
preferred embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 1, boat docking
device 10 is anchored to dock 15. Dock 15 shown is arranged in an
L-shaped configuration comprising dock base 16 and dock extension
17 which extends out over the water from dock base 16. Dock 15
could also be a sea wall, seawall/dock combination, or any other
structure to which a boat may be moored.
[0023] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention,
boat docking device 10 comprises fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30.
Fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30 as shown are connected at a
substantially 90.degree. angle to create an L-shape configuration.
Fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30 can be made of various waterproof
materials, such as fiberglass, plastic, pvc pipe, or coated metals.
Constructing boat docking device 10 out of lightweight materials
eases installation of boat docking device 10. Fixed rod 25 may be
connected to connector rod 30 in various ways known to those having
ordinary skill in the art, such as with brackets or by welding.
Alternatively, fixed rod 25 and connector rod 30 may be formed as a
single piece.
[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of this invention shown
in FIG. 1, boat docking device 10 is preferably secured to dock 15
by one or more dock rods 50 that are secured at one end to dock 15
and at the other end to connector rod 30. Dock rod 50 can be made
from various materials that would support boat docking device 10
under the force of an entering boat, materials such as fiberglass,
plastic, pvc pipe, or coated metals. Dock rod 50 secures boat
docking device 10 to dock 15 and dock rod 50 preferably pivots with
respect to dock to absorb pressure on connector rod 30 from boat 20
when boat 20 backs into connector rod 30. Dock rod 50 may be made
of a flexing material that absorbs the pressure from boat 20 and
dock rod 50 may be attached to dock 15 by a resistance hinge or
other attachment means known in the art that would allow dock rod
50 to pivot with respect to dock 15. Alternatively, boat docking
device 10 can be secured using other means such as submerged
anchors that utilize no direct connections to dock 15. Dock rod 50
could also be secured between dock 15 and fixed rod 25.
[0025] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention,
sliding member 45 is attached to connector rod 30 opposite fixed
rod 25. Connector rod 30 and attached sliding member 45 preferably
have a combined length at least as great as stern 21 of boat 20.
Moveable rod 35 having pivot end 36 is preferably pivotally
attached to sliding member 45. The pivotal attachment of moveable
rod 35 to sliding member 45 allows moveable rod 35 to move between
two ends of sliding member 45, and the attachment keeps moveable
rod 35 acting in concert with sliding member 45 at all times.
[0026] Moveable rod 35 preferably moves within sliding member 45
while moveable rod 35 pivots around joint 40, from an open position
with respect to fixed rod 25 to a closed position with respect to
fixed rod 25. FIG. 1 shows moveable rod 35 in the open position.
Moveable rod 35 is in the open position when distal end 26 of fixed
rod 25 and distal end 37 of moveable rod 35 are separated by
horizontal spacing A. As shown in FIG. 1, horizontal spacing A is a
distance larger than the stern length of boat 20. The open position
of moveable rod 35 allows easy capture of a boat stern. The open
position also allows for a single person to dock the boat alone and
guides the boat into position to the dock. The open position
further permits easy docking of a boat when winds and waves would
otherwise push the boat out of position.
[0027] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention,
FIG. 2 shows moveable rod 35 in the closed position. In the closed
position, distal end 26 of fixed rod 25 and distal end 37 of
moveable rod 35 are separated by horizontal distance B wherein the
rods are preferably substantially parallel. In the closed position,
moveable rod 35 works in combination with fixed rod 25 to hold a
boat secure by the hull. Horizontal distance B is preferably
slightly greater than the hull width of the docked boat to provide
secure retention of boat 20 in boat docking device 10, as shown in
FIG. 4. In the closed position, boat docking device 10 retains boat
20 along the entire hull instead of at a few cleats as in a
standard mooring. Boat docking device 10 also retains the boat in a
position at the dock that does not allow the boat and dock to
contact and cause damage to either boat or dock.
[0028] In one embodiment of this invention, sliding member 45 is a
latch that contains moveable rod 35 at or near pivot end 36.
Moveable rod 35 preferably moves freely and without any resistance
within sliding member 45. In this embodiment, the force that causes
moveable rod 35 to stay in the open position when boat 20 is not
engaging the device is provided at hinge 60 wherein hinge 60 has a
spring or similar member creating the necessary force.
[0029] According to another preferred embodiment of this invention,
sliding member 45 is a latch having a resistance member, such as a
spring, that pushes or pulls pivot end 36 of moveable rod 35 within
sliding member 45 to move moveable rod 35 into the open position
when boat 20 exits boat docking device 10. Moveable rod 35 then
remains in the open position until boat 20 returns to boat docking
device 10. According to this embodiment, the boat exerts a force on
moveable rod 35 greater than the force exerted on moveable rod 35
in sliding member 45, thus moving moveable rod 35 into the closed
position, and thereby securing the boat.
[0030] There are many alternate embodiments available for sliding
member 45, such as a spring attached between one end of sliding
member 45 and moveable rod 35. Alternatively, sliding member 45 may
comprise a sliding peg and track system, the system possibly
further including a resistance member.
[0031] According to the preferred embodiment of this invention
shown in FIG. 1, joint 40 has first joint end 41 secured to fixed
rod 25 and second joint end 42 secured to moveable rod 35. Hinge 60
pivotally secures moveable rod 35 to joint 40. Moveable rod 35 can
pivot around hinge 60 from the open position to the closed
position. Joint 40 provides support for moveable rod 35 and keeps
moveable rod 35 in a proper position with respect to fixed rod 25.
Joint 40 is preferably shaped to extend underneath the boat, with a
depth and length sufficient to extend around the boat. The size and
shape of joint 40 can vary to meet the needs of boat hulls having
different shapes. Joint 40 may be attached with hinge 60 to
moveable rod 35 at a predetermined position, such as the midpoint
of moveable rod 35, to allow moveable rod 35 to pivot from the open
position to the closed position and back to the open position. The
distance moveable rod 35 pivots may be limited by sliding member
45. The distance moveable rod 35 pivots may also be controlled or
restricted by hinge 60. Hinge 60 may comprise a simple rod
extending from joint 40 into a receiving aperture in moveable rod
35, or a rotatable hinge that employs a spring or similar member to
push moveable rod 35 into the open position. Other hinges know in
the art that would allow the pivoting of moveable rod 35 may be
employed.
[0032] According to another embodiment of this invention joint 40
is flexible. Joint 40 may flex in response to the exerted pressure
of the boat on fixed rod 25 and moveable rod 35. The flex of joint
40 assists in holding a boat secure.
[0033] As shown in the figures, a plurality of floats 65 may be
attached to boat docking device 10 for floatation. In FIG. 1, boat
docking device 10 is floating directly on the water. Floats 65 may
be connected where needed either on moveable rod 35 or fixed rod 25
or both. Depending on the configuration of dock 15, it may be
possible to secure boat docking device 10 to dock 15 so that no
floats 65 are needed or using only one float 65 on moveable rod 35.
Floats 65 are preferably of the type known in the art, such as foam
floats or bumpers made of rubber or plastic. Floats 65 are
preferably attached with tubular slide joints that slide on during
manufacture. Other attachment methods can be used as well, such as
fitted, tubular foam floats that slide onto the various rods of the
boat docking device.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, spring 55 may be connected at a first
spring end to fixed rod 25 and connected at a second spring end to
dock extension 17. Spring 55 provides support to fixed rod 25.
Without spring 55, boat 20 may contact fixed rod 25 with a force
that would cause fixed rod 25 to bend and collide with dock 15. One
function of boat docking device 10 is to aid in bringing boat 20
into a safe mooring position relative to dock 15. When a boat
collides with a dock, even lightly, the collision can cause
substantial damage to the boat, dock, or both. Boat docking device
10 preferably retains a docked boat away from the dock to avoid
such damage.
[0035] Spring 55 provides resistance against fixed rod 25 and boat
20 is prevented from hitting dock 15. When boat 20 hits fixed rod
25 and pushes fixed rod 25 towards dock extension 17, spring 55
absorbs the force and exerts an opposing force to keep fixed rod 25
in the original position. Thus boat 20 is cushioned from the
collision and may be directed and guided by boat docking device 10
into the proper docked position, the desired stern-first docked
position shown in FIG. 4.
[0036] Spring 55 may be configured in a V-shape that provides
resistance if boat 20 is moved too close to the dock extension 17
and provides a pulling force if boat 20 is too far away from dock
extension 17. Holleander fittings may be used to attach spring 55
with respect to dock extension 17. Alternatively, spring 55 may
comprise a flexing strut fixed at a first end to dock extension 17
and having a slide joint at a second end attached with respect to
fixed rod 25 that slides along fixed rod 25 during movement of
fixed rod 25. Foam or rubber bumpers attached between fixed rod 25
and dock extension 17 could also be employed as spring 55 to soften
the impact from boat 20, and keep fixed rod 25 from bending from
the desired position.
[0037] In FIG. 2, boat docking device 10 is shown in the closed
position. Moveable rod 35 is in position with respect to fixed rod
25 so that the boat hull is retained in a stable position.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows boat 20 in phantom entering boat docking device
10. As boat 20 enters boat docking device 10 boat 20 may contact
either fixed rod 25, moveable rod 35, or both and is directed
towards connector rod 30. If boat 20 contacts fixed rod 25 with
substantial force the collision is preferably absorbed by spring 55
and spring 55 can reestablish fixed rod 25 to substantially its
original position. As boat 20 moves into boat docking device 10
beyond hinge 60, boat stern 21 preferably pushes moveable rod 35
into the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, thereby guiding boat
20 into a docked position. Moveable rod 35 pivots around hinge 60
and pivot end 36 of moveable rod 35 slides in sliding member 45. As
shown in FIG. 4, boat 20 is secured by moveable rod 35 in the
closed position with respect to fixed rod 25.
[0039] While in the foregoing specification this invention has been
described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and
many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is
susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the
details described herein can be varied considerably without
departing from the basic principles of the invention.
* * * * *