U.S. patent application number 11/548490 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for boat portage apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to charles L. Bishop, Richard B. Bishop.
Application Number | 20070292209 11/548490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38861722 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070292209 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bishop; Richard B. ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
BOAT PORTAGE APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention include a stationary boat
lift in which boats can enter and exit quite readily. The boat lift
allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a safe and efficient
manner by orienting the boat in a direction substantially parallel
to the barrier, vertically lifting the boat out of one waterway,
laterally translating the boat horizontally over the barrier, and
then vertically lowering the boat into a second waterway.
Inventors: |
Bishop; Richard B.;
(Bradenton, FL) ; Bishop; charles L.; (Ballwin,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAHN LOESER & PARKS, LLP
One GOJO Plaza
Suite 300
AKRON
OH
44311-1076
US
|
Family ID: |
38861722 |
Appl. No.: |
11/548490 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60725535 |
Oct 11, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/2 ;
405/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 3/04 20130101; B63C
3/06 20130101; B63C 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/002 ;
405/003 |
International
Class: |
B63C 3/04 20060101
B63C003/04; B63C 3/06 20060101 B63C003/06 |
Claims
1. A method for transporting a boat over a barrier juxtaposed to a
first body of water, the method comprising the steps of: providing
a base structure having a moveable lift frame and a moveable cradle
assembly; positioning the moveable lift frame extending over the
first body of water; positioning the moveable cradle assembly into
the first body of water; maneuvering an associated boat into the
moveable cradle assembly, wherein the starboard or port side of the
associated boat is juxtaposed to the barrier; raising the moveable
cradle assembly to lift the associated boat out of the first body
of water and to an elevation that is higher than the barrier;
translating the associated boat across the barrier.
2. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of:
translating the associated boat across the barrier, comprises the
step of: laterally translating the associated boat with respect to
the associated boat's forward direction of travel.
3. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step
of: positioning the moveable lift frame and the associated boat
over a second body of water; and, lowering the moveable cradle
assembly to release the associated boat into the second body of
water.
4. The method as defined in claim 3, further comprising the step
of: releasing the associated boat into the second body of water
wherein the starboard or port side of the associated boat is
juxtaposed to the barrier.
5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of:
translating the associated boat across the barrier, comprises the
step of: horizontally moving the moveable lift frame thereby
translating the associated boat across the barrier.
6. The method as defined in claim 5, wherein the step of:
horizontally moving the moveable lift frame thereby translating the
associated boat across the barrier, comprises the step of:
horizontally moving the moveable lift frame thereby translating the
associated boat across the barrier and vertically moving the
moveable cradle assembly to maintain a constant elevation above the
surface of the barrier.
7. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of: providing
a base structure having a moveable lift frame and a moveable cradle
assembly, comprises the step of: providing a base structure having
a first frame section erected over the barrier and at least a
second frame section cantilevered over the first body of water, the
base structure having a moveable lift frame and a moveable cradle
assembly;
8. A boat lift apparatus comprising: a base structure having a
first frame section erected over a barrier wherein the barrier is
juxtaposed to a first body of water, the base structure having a
second frame section cantilevered over the first body of water; a
lift frame operatively connected to the base structure; a cradle
assembly including at least a first boat-support mechanism capable
of receiving an associated boat for carrying the associated boat
across the barrier, the cradle assembly being moveably connected
with respect to the lift frame; and, a mechanism for actuating the
cradle assembly.
9. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the lift
frame is a horizontally moveable lift frame capable of traversing
the second frame section; and further comprising: a mechanism for
actuating the lift frame.
10. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the
barrier separates the first body of water from a second body of
water, and, wherein the base structure includes a third frame
section cantilevered over the second body of water, and, wherein
the horizontally moveable lift frame is capable of traversing the
third frame section.
11. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein the
lift frame and the cradle assembly are capable of translating the
associated boat across the barrier with either of the associated
boat's port side or starboard side approaching the barrier.
12. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein the
horizontally moveable lift frame and the cradle assembly are
capable of carrying and releasing the associated boat into the
second body of water in a direction substantially parallel to the
barrier.
13. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the
horizontally moveable lift frame includes a guiding mechanism
comprising one or more of: tracks, rollers, or bearings.
14. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the
second frame section extends entirely above the first body of
water.
15. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the at
least a first boat-support mechanism comprises: a rigid non-water
retaining boat sling connected to the lift frame.
16. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein the at
least a first boat-support mechanism comprises: a flexible
non-water retaining boat sling connected to the lift frame.
17. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 16, further
comprising: weights attached to the flexible non-water retaining
boat sling.
18. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the
flexible non-water retaining boat sling includes one or more
flexible straps for receiving the associated boat.
19. The boat lift apparatus as defined in 18, wherein the one or
more flexible straps are selectively adjustable to receive one of
first and second associated boats, wherein the first associated
boat is substantially different from the second associated
boat.
20. The boat lift apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the
flexible non-water retaining boat sling includes a net for
receiving and lifting the associated boat.
Description
[0001] This utility patent application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/725,535 filed on Oct.
11, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. This application also incorporates by reference U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,457,904; 6,174,106; and 5,947,639.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a lifting
apparatus used to portage a boat. More specifically, the
embodiments of the present invention relate to mechanisms and
methods for lifting a boat out of a body of water and transferring
the boat horizontally over a barrier.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the context of this invention, "portage" means to carry a
boat and/or its supplies overland from a first body of water,
between two waterways or around an obstacle to navigation. Known
within the prior art are devices for lifting boats out of water for
such purposes as making repairs, protecting them from dock
collision caused by tidal action, and mitigating or preventing
damage to their hulls due to excessive water exposure. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,184,914 describes and shows a boat lift that consists of a
frame that cradles and lifts a boat from the water by means of a
hydraulic ram. The device requires a person to enter the water to
secure several members of the device around the bottom of the hull.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,247 describes a programmable boat lift control
system that with the push of a button causes the lift to either
raise or lower the boat to a pre-programmed elevation.
[0004] Both of these devices are useful for their intended
purposes, however, both are limited to lifting and lowering the
boat in a vertical direction. Unfortunately, this was indicative of
the general state of the art in boat lifting devices. The prior art
fails to teach an apparatus that can lift and lower a boat in a
vertical direction, as well as transfer the boat in a horizontal
direction. Prior art references also fail to teach orienting a boat
parallel to the barrier and then lifting the boat out of the water.
By orienting a boat parallel to the barrier it is meant that the
starboard or port side of the boat is juxtaposed to the edge of the
barrier. Applicant has discovered the need to transfer boats over
barriers, from one body of water to another. Notably, in many
areas, salt water and fresh water are separated by various types of
barriers, such as water divider walls and land barriers. Often
barriers are needed to separate fresh from salt water due to the
various types of organisms, plants, and animals that can survive
only in one type of environment, i.e., either in salt or in fresh
water, but not both. Regardless of the need to isolate salt from
fresh water, boats and other water vehicles frequently require
access to, from, and between separate water bodies.
[0005] A novel approach to prior art inventions includes a lifting
apparatus that allows an operator to orient their boat sideways in
relation to the lifting apparatus and/or barrier (i.e.,
perpendicular to the line of travel). In this fashion, the boat
will be easier to maneuver and control. Also, for many boats, the
hull shape would suggest that its center of gravity will be
positioned more appropriately. Therefore, there is a need to
provide a lift that allows a boat to be oriented in a sideways
manner relative to the barrier and to portage the boat in that
direction (i.e., star-board-to-port or vice versa).
SUMMARY
[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention a boat lift
includes a base structure having a first frame section erected over
a barrier wherein the barrier is juxtaposed to at least a first
body of water. It is noted that the barrier may also separate two
bodies of water or an obstacle to navigation in the water. The base
structure may also include a second frame section cantilevered over
the first body of water, and a lift frame operatively connected to
the base structure. A cradle assembly, including a cradle support
and/or boat sling capable of receiving an associated boat for
carrying the associated boat across the barrier, is moveably
connected to the lift frame and more specifically to the base
structure. A mechanism or actuator for actuating the cradle
assembly is also incorporated into the boat lift.
[0007] One aspect of the embodiments of the present invention
includes a horizontally moveable lift frame capable of traversing
the second frame section, and a mechanism for actuating the lift
frame.
[0008] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention
includes the base structure having a third frame section
cantilevered over a second body of water where the horizontally
moveable lift frame is capable of traversing the third frame
section.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the embodiments of the present
invention the lift frame and the cradle assembly are capable of
translating the associated boat across the barrier with either of
the associated boat's port side or starboard side approaching the
barrier. The horizontally moveable lift frame and the cradle
assembly are capable of carrying and releasing the associated boat
into the second body of water in a direction substantially parallel
to the barrier.
[0010] Still another aspect of the embodiments of the present
invention includes a boat lift apparatus having a non-water
retaining boat-support mechanism that includes one or more flexible
straps for receiving the associated boat, wherein the one or more
flexible straps are selectively adjustable to receive one of first
and second substantially different associated boats. The non-water
retaining boat-support mechanism may also include a net for
receiving and lifting the associated boat.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention a method for
transporting a boat over a barrier juxtaposed to a first body of
water includes the steps of providing a base structure having a
moveable lift frame and a cradle assembly, positioning the moveable
lift frame extending over the first body of water, positioning the
cradle assembly into the first body of water, maneuvering an
associated boat into the cradle assembly, wherein the starboard or
port side of the associated boat is juxtaposed to the barrier,
raising the cradle assembly to lift the associated boat out of the
first body of water and to an elevation that is higher than the
barrier, and translating the associated boat across the
barrier.
[0012] After the boat has entered the boat lift it may be
positioned over a boat-support mechanism. This means of support
could be adjustable, such as a set of two or more nylon straps.
However, it is contemplated that alternate supporting mechanisms
could be used including a heavy gauge net and/or a rigid cradle
assembly. In employing straps, one strap may be located near the
bow or front portion of the boat while another strap may be located
near the stern or rear portion of the boat. A motor and cables may
be used to lower or raise the cradle.
[0013] Once the boat is in a fully raised position, the boat lift
translates the boat in a substantially horizontal direction over
the barrier. Translating is actuated by a motor which powers a
conveyance mechanism, such as a set of track wheels, to move the
boat lift back and forth. An operator is able to easily control the
functioning of the boat lift through a control panel located near
or within the boat lift. It is also contemplated that an operator
may direct the boat lift's functioning via a remote control device.
In one embodiment, the boat lift may serve as an alternate to a
lock, whereby the bodies of water may be at different levels.
Despite the differences in relative elevations, the boat's movement
may still be in a substantially horizontal, albeit inclined,
direction of travel.
[0014] One aspect of the embodiments of the present invention
includes laterally translating the associated boat with respect to
the associated boat's forward direction of travel.
[0015] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention
includes positioning the moveable lift frame and the boat over a
second body of water and lowering the cradle assembly to release
the boat into the second body of water where the starboard or port
side of the associated boat is juxtaposed to the barrier.
[0016] Yet another aspect of the embodiments of the present
invention includes a vertically moveable cradle assembly where the
cradle assembly includes a boat cradle and/or boat sling capable of
receiving a boat, for carrying the boat across the barrier and for
releasing the boat into the second body of water in a direction
substantially parallel to the barrier.
[0017] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present includes
vertically moving the moveable cradle assembly to maintain a
constant elevation above the surface of the barrier.
[0018] Still another aspect of the embodiments of the present
invention includes weights attached to a non-water retaining
boat-support mechanism.
[0019] Even another aspect of the embodiments of the present
invention includes releasing the boat into the second body of water
wherein the starboard or port side of the boat is juxtaposed to the
barrier.
[0020] Other aspects will become apparent from the following
detailed description of the invention when considered in
conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the boat lift apparatus
in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 1a is a side elevation view of the boat lift apparatus
showing two cantilevered ends in accordance with the embodiments of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the boat lift apparatus
in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the boat lift apparatus
without a roof structure in accordance with the embodiments of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a top view of the deck of the boat lift apparatus
in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the lift frame of the boat lift
apparatus in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is an end view of the lift frame and the cradle
assembly of the boat lift apparatus in accordance with the
embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view of a boat lift apparatus in
accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In the following description of the embodiments of the
present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings
which, in conjunction with this detailed description, illustrate
and describe a boat lift capable of hoisting a boat out of one body
of water, translating the boat sideways in a horizontal direction
over a barrier and then lowering the boat into a second body of
water. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, boat lift 10 consists of a
base structure 20, lift frame 60, and cradle assembly 100. Base
structure 20 may include a plurality of piering members or columns
for supporting lift frame 60, which may be horizontally moveable.
The lift frame 60 may serve as a support structure for the cradle
assembly 100, which may be vertically moveable. Base structure 20
may be substantially rigid by, for example, anchoring the piering
members or columns to the earth. The base structure 20 may further
include a guiding mechanism such as tracks or rails, rollers, or
bearings. The lift frame 60 may be moveably connected to the
guiding mechanisms for translating the lift frame 60 back and forth
in a generally horizontal fashion over the base structure 20. In
one embodiment, lift frame 60 rolls along tracks 34 of base
structure 20, which is erected over a barrier 18 separating a first
body of water 14 and a second body of water 16. "Bodies of water"
may refer either to distinct bodies of water like, for example, the
ocean and an inland waterway. "Bodies of water" may also refer to
segments/region is within a common body of water. In FIGS. 1 and
1a, boat 12 may be positioned next to either end of the boat lift
10 (i.e. from the first body of water 14 or from the second body of
water 16). Accordingly, barrier 18, which may be a man-made or a
natural barrier, can be located between the first body of water 14
and the second body of water 16. For example, many areas having
both salt and fresh water bodies may need to prevent the two bodies
of water from mixing, thereby contaminating the fresh water.
Various types of organisms, plants, and animals can only survive in
either salt or fresh water. Some barriers 18, such as raised land
barriers, may occur naturally. Alternatively, persons or
communities may construct barriers 18 to separate two bodies of
water, such as during the construction of a fresh water lake or
canal. One aspect to the existence of barriers 18 is that boats are
prevented from freely traveling between nearby, but navigably
unconnected, bodies of water. As such, boat lift 10 may portage a
boat 12 between bodies of fresh and salt water, and/or it may
portage boats 12 between bodies of fresh water or between bodies of
salt water.
[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, the base
structure 20 may comprise concrete columns 22 driven into the
earth, along with posts 24 to which are mounted top rail 26, cross
members 28, track mounts 30, track support member 32, trade 34,
track stops 36, and/or cantilevered-end supports 38. Decking 40,
docks 42, ladders 44, and roof 46 may also be included with the
boat lift 10. The piering members or columns 22 may extend into the
ground (or earth) at spaced intervals along the span of boat lift
10. Accordingly, the columns 22 will need to access submerged
ground. The number of columns 22 required depends on the span
covered by the boat lift 10 and the associated strength
requirements, which depends, at least in part, on the size of boats
being portaged and the materials used to construct the boat lift 10
as would be evident to persons skilled in the art. Posts 24 affixed
atop columns 22 may extend in a substantially vertical direction.
Still, it is contemplated that posts 24 may extend in other
directions, including a vertically inclined angle, which may be
angled for the purpose of intersecting a neighboring post 24.
Generally, posts 24 provide for the attachment of a roof 46. The
base structure 20 may include top rails 26 and cross members 28,
which may be attached to posts 24. Track 34 may comprise railroad
track-like members, which attaches to track support member 32.
Track mounts 30 secure track support member 32 to column 22. Stops
36 are mounted at the ends of track 34 to prevent lift frame 60
from over running track 34. Stops 36 may comprise a plate or angle
joined to track 34 and/or track support member 32. In this manner,
the base structure 20 may comprise a first frame section erected
substantially over the barrier 18 and anchored to the columns 22.
When track 34, and its associated components, extends from a column
22 without connecting to another column 22, the track 34 becomes
cantilevered. The portion of the base structure 20 that extends
cantilevered over the first body of water may comprise a second
frame section. Similarly, a third frame section may extend
cantilevered over the second body of water, shown in FIG. 1a.
Cantilevering may be desirable for saving costs, or when the
underlying earth is not suitable for accepting columns 22, or when
it is otherwise undesirable to utilize a concrete column 22. The
cantilevered frame sections may also facilitate maneuvering of or
docking of the boat 12 next to the barrier 18 in a sideways fashion
as will discussed in a subsequent paragraph. The posts 24, top rail
26, cross members 28, track mounts 30, track support member 32, and
cantilevered-end supports 38 may comprise wood beams, or metal
(including steel or other alloys) or composite I-beams (i.e., S or
W shapes), structural tees, angles, channels, tubing, or the like.
The joining of all components may be achieved by any known means,
such as welding, riveting, or bolting. To provide access to boat 12
when it is being portaged, base structure 20 may include a deck 40,
which may be attached to columns 22 at a location just above the
water near the barrier 18. Deck 40 may extend longitudinally
between distal ends of boat lift 10, and/or laterally between the
sides of each end respectively. Ladders 44 may also extend from
deck 40 to provide access to the water and/or a floating dock 42,
which may be anchored to base structure 20. The base structure 20
may take on any variety of constructions that provide sufficient
support for the cradle assembly 100.
[0031] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the roof 46 may
attach to base structure 20 adjacent posts 24 and/or cross-members
28. The roof 46 may includes horizontal members 48, center posts
50, roof bows 52, and roof coverings 54. Horizontal members 48
attach to cross member 28 of base structure 20. Center posts 50
extend vertically from the horizontal members 48 to join roof bows
52. Roof bows 52 generally extend from the uppermost end of center
posts 50 to attach to an end of horizontal member 48, and may
extend further if desired by the user. The quantity of horizontal
members 48, center posts 50, and roof bows 52 may depend on the
materials or beam design used for each, as well as the roof
coverings 54 desired by the user. As a roof covering 54 becomes
progressively heavier, the greater will be the need for either
stronger materials or an alternate beam design including additional
horizontal members 48, center posts 50, and roof bows 52. Any known
roof covering may be used, including shingles, metal roofing, or
sheeting. The roof 46 may cover all or any portion of the boat lift
10.
[0032] With particular reference to FIG. 5 but also to the
remaining figures, the horizontally moveable lift frame 60
translates on track 34 and comprises structural and mechanical
(translational and lifting) components. Lift frame 60 is shown
generally as a rectangular structure formed by longitudinal side
members 62 and lateral side members 64. Internally, lift frame 60
may include a central drive unit guard 73, which may be placed
between lateral members 66 and an arrangement of longitudinal
strengthening members 68, 69, 71, 72a, 72b. Larger strengthening
members 68 may be located towards the center of lift frame 60 to
compensate for the added weight associated with a lifting unit
shown generally at 82. Gussets 70 may extend from longitudinal side
member 62 to lateral member 66, in assisting to provide added
strength and torsional rigidity and to reduce stress
concentrations. The central drive unit guard 73 may also be formed
from a rectangular frame 74 and a cover. Any or all structural
members 62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72a, 72b, and 74 may comprise
wood beams, or metal (such as steel) or composite I-beams (S or W
shapes), structural tees, angles, channels, or tubing. The joining
of all structural members may be achieved by known means, such as,
but not limited to, welding, riveting, or bolting. It is noted here
that the aforementioned configurations of the lift frame 60 and its
components are exemplary in nature and are not to be construed as
limiting. Rather, the moveable lift frame 60 may take on any
variety of constructions sufficient for accomplishing lifting and
portaging, as further described herein.
[0033] With continued reference now to FIG. 5, as mentioned above,
the lift frame 60 may include translating means, which in one
embodiment may include track wheels 75, wheel sprocket 76, shaft,
motor 77, gear reducer 78, drive sprocket 79, and linkage 80. Track
wheels 75 may be flanged to operate on track 34. However, this
feature may depend on the type of track 34 used. The motor 77, gear
reducer 78 and drive sprocket 79 may mount externally at a corner
of lift frame 60 along lateral side member 64, while the
corresponding track wheel 75, wheel sprocket 76, and shaft may
mount externally at the same corner but along longitudinal side
member 62 so that the linkage 80 may be mounted upon wheel sprocket
76 and drive sprocket 79 respectively. In one embodiment, two sets
of track wheels 75 exist located externally at the corners of a
common lateral side member 64. Similarly, the two remaining
external corners of lift frame 60 each include a track wheel 75.
The aforementioned constructions describe one embodiment for the
lifting and portaging of a boat 12 in an essentially horizontal
manner across a defined pathway. However, other translating means
are also contemplated including alternate guiding and/or conveyance
mechanisms, such as rollers, bearings, slides, or any other
suitable conveyance means functionally equivalent to wheels.
[0034] The lift frame 60 may also include a mechanism or lifting
unit 82 that actuates the cradle assembly 100. The lifting unit 82
may include a motor and gear reducer 83, drive sprockets 84, drum
sprockets 86, linkage 88, drum shafts 90, shaft coupler 91,
bearings 92, drums 94, cable 96, and lead blocks 98. The motor and
corresponding gear reducer 83 drive the drive sprockets 84 that in
turn drive drum sprockets 86 via linkage 88. The drum sprockets 86
may then be used to drive drum shaft 90 and the attached drums 94
to raise and lower the cradle assembly 100. In one embodiment, the
lifting unit 82 contains two drive shafts, each operating one of
two sides of the cradle assembly 100. Each drive shaft may be
formed by connecting two drum shafts 90 via a coupler 91. However,
it is contemplated that a single continuous drive shaft may exist
without the need for coupler 91. Each drum shaft 90 may be
constrained to lift frame 60 via bearings 92. Accordingly, drums 94
may contain cable 96 or rope, which may be metal cable or rope, or
any other commercially known product that can be used on a drum to
raise and lower cradle assembly 100, such as a polymeric fiber, or
composite strap. The cables 96 may then extend from the drums 94 to
vertical lead block 98, which directs the cables 96 down to the
cradle assembly 100.
[0035] The cradle assembly 100 may function to accept, carry, and
release the boat 12. As previously described, the cradle assembly
100 attaches to lift frame 60 via extendable supporting means such
as tension-bearing cables 96, chains, beams, rigid members, or any
other means as is appropriate for use with the embodiments of the
present invention. Accordingly, extending or retracting the
supporting means will lower or raise the cradle assembly 100
respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cradle assembly 100 may
comprise cradle supports 102 and a boat-support mechanism 106, such
as a boat sling 106, which may include a plurality of straps 106'.
The cradle supports 102, which may be rigid steel beams, may also
include pairs of wheels 104 rotatably connected to distal ends
thereof. In one embodiment, the cables 96 run from each vertical
lead block 98 mounted of the lift frame 60, through the
corresponding wheel 104, and back to an anchor or clip 99 mounted
on the lift frame 60. In this manner, rotating the drum 94 in a
first direction to extend the cable 96 will lower the cradle
assembly 100. Similarly, rotating the drum 94 to retract the cable
96 will raise the cradle assembly. The cradle supports 102 may be
constructed of wood beams, steel, metal alloy, composite I-beams (S
or W shapes), structural tees, angles, channels, tubing, or the
like. In one embodiment, the boat-support mechanism 106 or boat
sling 106 may be constructed of two straps 106' each having two
ends connected to the cradle supports 102. However, any number of
straps 106' may be used to construct the boat sling 106 as is
appropriate for use with the embodiments of the present invention.
Each strap 106' may be affixed at opposing ends of the cradle
supports 102 via pins, clips, bolts or other fasteners. In one
embodiment, the straps 106' may be moveably connected to the cradle
supports 102 by a movable constraint 108 such as a trolley 108',
wherein the moveable constraint 108 is capable of translating along
cradle support 102 to allow boat lift 10 to accommodate differently
sized boats.
[0036] As mentioned, the cradle assembly 100 may include of a pair
of boat slings 106. The boat slings 106 may be fabricated from high
strength polyester that is resistant to damage from abrasion and
deterioration from water exposure. The boat slings 106 may also be
fabricated from materials offering similar wear resistance like
that of nylon. It is also contemplated that the boat sling 106 for
carrying boat 12 may be comprised of other suitable means,
including but not limited to, a heavy gauge net 106'' which may be
coupled to connectors at its extremities. Like the straps 106',
such heavy gauge net 106'' may also be produced from nylon or high
strength polyester. To assist the boat slings 106 in submerging
rather than floating, weights 110 may be provided with the boat
slings 106. In one embodiment, weights 110 are sewn into packets
provided in the boat slings 106. The cradle assembly 100 and/or the
weights 110 may not retain water when the boat 12 is lifted out of
the water. In an alternate embodiment, the cradle assembly 100 may
employ a rigid structure, as shown in FIG. 7, for lifting,
supporting, and portaging the boat.
[0037] With reference now to all of the Figures, in use the lift
frame 60 of the boat lift 10 is positioned over the first body of
water 14 thereby positioning the cradle assembly 100 over the first
body of water 14. The cradle assembly 100 may then be lowered into
a position where the boat sling 106 and the corresponding weights
submerge beneath the water. It is noted here that track 34 is
cantilevered over the first body of water thereby allowing the boat
sling 106 to be oriented so as to receive the boat 12 in a sideways
manner. That is to say that the boat 12 may be maneuvered to
juxtapose the port or starboard sides of the boat 12 to the barrier
18 and the boat lift 10. The boat 12 may then be driven over the
boat sling 106 for subsequent lifting and translating by the boat
lift 10 in a manner consistent with the embodiments described
herein. If straps are used, at least one of the straps can be
adjusted to accommodate different length boats 12. The boat 12 may
then be translated over the barrier by engaging the lifting unit 82
to raise the boat 12 and laterally moving the lift frame 60. During
movement, the boat 12 may held at constant elevation above the
surface of the barrier. Accordingly, the boat lift 10 may include a
control unit that automatically adjusts the elevation based upon
one or more sensors, not shown. After the boat 12 is lifted and
successfully translated over barrier 18, it can then be lowered
into the second body of water 16 for navigation as desired in the
second body of water.
[0038] Although the invention has been described herein with
reference to the present embodiments, it will become apparent to
those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present
embodiments of the invention as described herein can be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
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