U.S. patent application number 12/218789 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for positioning apparatus.
Invention is credited to Mark Schaefbauer.
Application Number | 20100012012 12/218789 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41529139 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100012012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schaefbauer; Mark |
January 21, 2010 |
Positioning apparatus
Abstract
A positioning apparatus is disclosed having a track, wherein the
track is disposed horizontally on an aquatic vessel; one or more
optional pulley means, wherein the pulley means are positioned near
the ends of the track; a cable, having a first end and a second
end; one or more optional eyelets, wherein the cable partially
occupies the eyelets; an optional cable fastening means; one or
more optional mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets
affix the track to the aquatic vessel; an attachment site means,
wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment
site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the
attachment site means; and an optional one or more barrier means,
wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends of the track,
wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site means from
exiting the ends of the track.
Inventors: |
Schaefbauer; Mark; (League
City, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John William Sparks
3602 Burke Rd. 171
Pasadena
TX
77504
US
|
Family ID: |
41529139 |
Appl. No.: |
12/218789 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 21/00 20130101;
B63B 21/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/293 |
International
Class: |
B63B 21/00 20060101
B63B021/00; B63B 21/04 20060101 B63B021/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a track, having a first
end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed horizontally on
an aquatic vessel, wherein the track is attached to the aquatic
vessel, a cable having a first end and a second end, and an
attachment site means, wherein the attachment site means is
moveably attached to the track, wherein the attachment site means
moves horizontally along the track, wherein the first end of the
cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end
of the cable is attached to the attachment site means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cable fastening
means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably fastens the
cable to a particular position.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more pulley
means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic vessel,
wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track,
wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley means.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets are attached to
the aquatic vessel, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track
to the aquatic vessel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mounting brackets have
eyelets and the cable partially occupies the eyelets of the
mounting brackets.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends
of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site
means from exiting the ends of the track.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment site means has
a fixation site.
9. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a track, having a first
end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed horizontally,
wherein the track is manufactured into an aquatic vessel, a cable
having a first end and a second end, and an attachment site means,
wherein the attachment site means is moveably attached to the
track, wherein the attachment site means moves horizontally along
the track, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the
attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached
to the attachment site means.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a cable fastening
means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably fastens the
cable to a particular position.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: one or more
pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic
vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of
the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley
means.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: one or more
eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment site means has
a fixation site.
13. A method, the method comprising: creating a track on an aquatic
vessel, wherein the track has a first end and a second end, wherein
the track is disposed horizontally, installing a cable having a
first end and a second end, and installing an attachment site
means, wherein the attachment site means is moveably attached to
the track, wherein the attachment site means moves horizontally
along the track, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to
the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is
attached to the attachment site means.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the attachment site means has a
fixation site.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: installing a cable
fastening means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably
fastens the cable to a particular position.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: installing one or
more pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the
aquatic vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the
ends of the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley
means.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: installing one or
more eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: installing one or
more mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets are attached
to the aquatic vessel, wherein the mounting brackets affix the
track to the aquatic vessel.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mounting brackets have
eyelets and the cable occupies the eyelets of the mounting
brackets.
20. The method of claim 13, further comprising: installing one or
more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the
ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment
site means from exiting the ends of the track.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The embodiments of this invention relate to positioning an
aquatic vessel in a current.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Boating is a popular sport and a commercial industry. In a
strong current, boats drift unless anchored or acted upon by a
force. In some applications, boats need to be held in a particular
position, like sport fishing.
[0003] Maintaining a particular position is important to many
fishermen. Fishermen position their boats near where they think the
fish are. The fish like to swim next to obstacles. The obstacles
provide the fish with cover so bigger fish will have difficulty
catching them. The bigger fish swim next to the obstacles in hopes
of catching smaller fish that leave the safety of the
obstacles.
[0004] Fishermen are usually fishing in areas having obstacles to
catch the fish swimming in or near the obstacles. Fishing around
obstacles takes skill and practice. Some common obstacles for
fishermen are trees, submerged logs, rock, docks, and algae.
Sometimes being able to fish a particular spot is determined by
being able to position your boat in a current and maintaining a
particular boat angle with the current so that the fishing line
avoids the obstacles when casting the fishing line.
[0005] An anchoring system will keep your boat from drifting. An
anchoring system will not always keep your boat from moving in a
current due to a change in wind direction or speed. Anchoring
systems usually do nothing to keep your boat at a particular angle
in the current or wind.
[0006] The applicant realized the need for a positioning apparatus
that would allow the boat operator to hold their boat steady in a
current and maintain their boat at a particular angle. The
applicant looked for an anchoring or positioning apparatus that
would fulfill his fishing needs. No adequate apparatus was
available so the applicant invented his boat positioning apparatus.
The applicant's positioning apparatus works very well at holding a
boat steady in a current and maintaining a particular boat
angle.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention is directed to a positioning apparatus
for positioning an aquatic vessel in a current. The positioning
apparatus has a track, having a first end and a second end, wherein
the track is disposed horizontally on an aquatic vessel; one or
more optional pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached
to the aquatic vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near
the ends of the track; a cable, having a first end and a second
end, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley means; one or
more optional eyelets, wherein the eyelets are disposed near the
length of the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the
eyelets; an optional cable fastening means, wherein the cable
fastening means revocably fastens the cable to a particular
position; one or more optional mounting brackets, wherein the
mounting brackets are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the
mounting brackets affix the track to the aquatic vessel; an
attachment site means, wherein the first end of the cable is
attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the
cable is attached to the attachment site means, wherein the
attachment site means moves along the track; and an optional one or
more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the
ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment
site means from exiting the ends of the track, wherein the track is
attached to or manufactured into an aquatic vessel.
[0008] The track and the attachment site means provide the
positioning apparatus with structural strength and the ability to
maintain a particular boat angle with the current. The track is a
structural course upon which the attachment site means moves along
the track. The attachment site means is a structure or device that
serves as an attachment site or fixation site for an anchoring
line. The cable has two ends with the first end being attached to
the attachment site means and the second end being attached to the
attachment site means. The cable forms a loop and this loop of
cable occupies the pulley means, eyelets, and, possibly, the track.
Some embodiments of the invention lack pulley means and
eyelets.
[0009] The pulley means, eyelets, and, possibly, the track,
depending upon the particular embodiment, of the positioning
apparatus form a structural course within which the cable moves or
travels when not fastened by the cable fastening means. The boat
angle is adjusted by pulling on the cable which adjusts the
position of the attachment site means and the angle of attachment
to the anchoring line. The cable fastening means fastens the cable
in a particular position and prevents movement of the cable within
the course that the cable travels. Thus, to set a particular boat
angle, the operator of the aquatic vessel moves the cable and
attachment site means to the desired position relative to the
anchoring line and the operator fastens the cable to the cable
fastening means at the desired position. The cable fastening means
prevents movement of the cable and attachment site means. The
desired boat angle is maintained until the cable is repositioned or
another force acts on the aquatic vessel, such as the wind changing
direction or speed.
[0010] The positioning apparatus can be attached to either side or
both sides of an aquatic vessel. Some embodiments have a track that
encircles an aquatic vessel. The track can be bowed.
[0011] The pulley means changes the direction of the cable and
allows for movement of the cable within the course of the cable.
When two pulley means are used on an embodiment, each pulley means
is usually positioned near the ends of the track and the pulley
means are aligned with the track.
[0012] The cable occupies the eyes of the eyelets. The eyelets are
usually linearly arranged near and above the track. The eyelets
form a partial course for the cable. The cable fastening means may
be positioned in many different places on the aquatic vessel. The
preferred position of the cable fastening means is near the track
and near the position of the operator of the aquatic vessel. The
cable fastening means is usually positioned on the same side of the
aquatic vessel as the track.
[0013] The mounting brackets are positioned on the same side of the
aquatic vessel as the track. The mounting brackets are usually
positioned in a linear or curvilinear arrangement near where the
track is positioned on the aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets
attach the track to the aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets may
have eyelets. The barrier means is any structure that prevents the
attachment site means from exiting or escaping the track.
[0014] The positioning apparatus maintains the position and boat
angle of the aquatic vessel in a current. This ability makes the
positioning apparatus useful for fishing. These and other features,
aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better
understood with regard to the following description, appended
claims, and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A depicts embodiment 100 of the positioning apparatus
in a perspective view.
[0016] FIG. 1B depicts the back half of embodiment 100 of the
positioning apparatus in a perspective view.
DESCRIPTION
[0017] A positioning apparatus is disclosed having a track, having
a first end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed
horizontally on an aquatic vessel; one or more optional pulley
means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic vessel,
wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track;
a cable, having a first end and a second end, wherein the cable
partially occupies the pulley means; one or more optional eyelets,
wherein the eyelets are disposed near the length of the track,
wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets; an optional cable
fastening means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably
fastens the cable in a particular position; one or more optional
mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets are attached to
the aquatic vessel, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track
to the aquatic vessel; an attachment site means, wherein the first
end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the
second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means,
wherein the attachment site means moves along the track; and an
optional one or more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are
attached near the ends of the track, wherein the barrier means
prevent the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the
track, wherein the track is attached to or manufactured into an
aquatic vessel. The invention does not require all the advantageous
features and all of the advantages to be incorporated into every
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] The track is a channel, a conduit, a groove, a furrow, a
conduit track, a structural course along which something moves, or
a partially enclosed opening that is continuous for a finite length
in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the opening.
The term "slit" is an orifice that is continuous for a finite
length in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the
opening of the orifice. The term "track" expressly includes a
conduit with a slit along the length of the conduit. The term
"track" expressly includes a partially enclosed opening that is
continuous for a finite length in a direction that is orthogonal to
the direction of the opening.
[0019] The pulley means is any device that allows a cable to slide
freely through the device when the cable turns an angle or corner
at or within the device. The term "pulley means" expressly includes
a pulley, a loop, a hook, a genoa slide, a pad eye, an eye bolt, a
carabiner, a cable pulley, a ring, or an eyelet. The pulley means
can be a fixed pulley, a movable pulley, or a combined pulley.
[0020] The cable is a rope, a lanyard, a string, a cord, a strap,
or a chain. The eyelets are loops, hooks, pad eyes, eyelet mounting
brackets, deck pipes, eye bolts, mooring eyes, conduits, or
orifices in a structure.
[0021] The cable fastening means is any means of fastening a cable
to prevent movement of the cable. The term "cable fastening means"
expressly includes a clamp, a cleat, a fairlead, a chock, a clip, a
hook, a bracket, a knot, a fastening means, a fastener, or a
vise.
[0022] The mounting brackets are any brackets that can affix the
track to the side of an aquatic vessel. The term "mounting
brackets" expressly includes brackets with orifices, clips, hooks,
screws, eyelet mounting brackets, or other fasteners for engaging
the track. The term "mounting brackets" expressly includes brackets
with flat surfaces, concave surfaces, curved surfaces, or
waterproof seals.
[0023] The attachment site means is any means of attaching a line,
an anchoring line, a drift sock, or cable to the cable of the
positioning apparatus. The term "attachment site means" expressly
includes a loop created in a cable, sliding fixation device, a ring
attached to a cable, a clamp attached to a cable, a hook attached
to a cable, a knot in the cable, a loop, a ring, a clamp, a hook,
or a fastener attached to the cable. The term "attachment site
means" expressly includes a cylindrical portion that slides in a
conduit type of track and a lateral portion that protrudes away
from the track, wherein the lateral portion has a fixation site;
clips that slide along a track and a ring that is attached to the
clips, wherein the ring is disposed parallel to the length of the
track and the ring protrudes laterally from the track, wherein the
ring serves as a fixation site; and a device having a first end and
a second end, wherein the first end is a male fixture that occupies
a track having a female shaped orifice to accommodate the male
fixture, wherein the male fixture slides along the track within the
female shaped orifice of the track and the second end of the
attachment site means has a fixation site.
[0024] The term "aquatic vessel" is any vessel for moving on or
through the water. The term "aquatic vessel" expressly includes
boats, kayaks, canoes, and rafts. The term "fixation site" is any
site for fastening another object to the applicable component. The
term "fixation site" expressly includes fasteners, an orifice, a
loop, a clamp, a clevis and pin, an eyelet, a hook, and a ring. The
anchoring line is any line attached to an anchor, pier, dock, tree,
piling, rock, drift sock, or any other stationary object. The term
"anchoring line" expressly includes an anchor, pier, dock, tree,
piling, rock, drift sock, or any other stationary object.
[0025] The barrier means is any structure that prevents the
attachment site means from exiting or escaping the track. The term
"barrier means" expressly includes hose clamps, plastic ties,
plugs, end caps, washers transversely attached to the ends of the
tracks, tracks crimped at the ends, tracks closed at the ends,
bolts or screws positioned to obstruct the ends of the track,
clamps or clips that attach to the ends of the track to obstruct
the ends of the track, and end caps with an orifice extending
completely through the end cap, wherein the cable is capable of
moving within the orifice of the end cap and the attachment site
means is incapable of moving through the orifice of the end
cap.
[0026] The term "horizontally" expressly includes horizontally,
nearly horizontally, or longitudinally. The term "horizontally"
expressly includes a horizontal placement, longitudinal placement,
or nearly a horizontal placement. The term "horizontal" expressly
includes horizontal, longitudinal, or nearly horizontal. The term
"boat angle" is the angle of the aquatic vessel in relation to the
current.
[0027] A "fastener" or a "fastening means" can be any fastener or
fastening system, including a clip, a pin, snaps, a latching
mechanism, stitching, a clamp, an orifice with a clamp, hook and
eye tape, a slot with a clip, a clevis and pin, opposing magnets
within the components, a zipper, or a button and buttonhole. The
term "attached" expressly includes embedded, manufactured, or
molded into an aquatic vessel.
[0028] The track is usually disposed horizontally along the side of
an aquatic vessel. The track can have a bow in the track. The bow
of the track can be vertical bow, a horizontal bow, or a
combination thereof. The track can bend with the side of the
aquatic vessel. The track can be made of metal, polymer, or
composite.
[0029] The track can be attached to the aquatic vessel by rivets,
bolts and nuts, screws, adhesives, mounting brackets, stitching, or
embedding or manufacturing the track into the aquatic vessel. The
track may have a barrier or barrier means at both ends to prevent
the attachment site means from leaving the ends of the track. The
track can be attached to either side or both sides of an aquatic
vessel.
[0030] The slit in the track is an opening, orifice, or groove in
the side of the track that is continuous for a finite length in a
direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the opening of the
orifice. The slit is usually directed away from the side of the
aquatic vessel. The attachment site means moves along the slit in
the track when the cable is pulled or moved.
[0031] The pulley means are usually positioned at the ends of the
track and aligned with the track. The cable forms a loop or
circuitous route. The pulley means receives the cable and the cable
loops around part of the pulley means. The pulley means changes the
direction and point of application of a pulling force.
[0032] The pulley means can be made with less friction by lining
the portion of the pulley means that is encountered by the cable
with tetrafluoroethane, polymer, copper, brass, resin, or smooth
metal. The pulley means can be made of metal, polymer, composite,
or glass.
[0033] The cable is a flexible material that forms a loop or
circuitous route. The route of the cable proceeds through the
eyelets, pulley means, and may partially occupy the orifice of the
track. The cable can be made of polymer, plant fibers, leather,
metal, or any combination thereof. The cable may partially occupy
the track. The cable partially occupies the pulley means and
eyelets.
[0034] Eyelets are positioned near the length of the track. The
eyelets can be positioned above or below the track. The eyelets can
be made of metal, plant fibers, composite, or polymer. The eyelets
are placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track. The
cable partially occupies the eyelets.
[0035] The cable fastening means can be a ring attached to the
aquatic vessel, an eye bolt, a clamp, a hook, a cleat, or a
fairlead. The cable fastening means can be positioned along the
length of the track. The cable fastening means can be positioned
above or below the track. The cable fastening means is preferably
positioned near the operator of the aquatic vessel, such as near
the seat of the operator. The cable fastening means can be made of
metal, plant fibers, composite, or polymer. The cable fastening
means is placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the
track.
[0036] The mounting brackets are brackets for affixing the track to
the side of an aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets have a flat or
nearly flat surface for attaching to the side of an aquatic vessel.
The mounting brackets are positioned on the aquatic vessel to align
horizontally or to align with the positioning of the track. The
mounting brackets can have clips, loops, clamps, rings, or other
fasteners to engage and attach the track to the aquatic vessel. The
mounting brackets are placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel
as the track.
[0037] Each mounting bracket can have a horizontal orifice, wherein
the track can occupy the horizontal orifices of the mounting
brackets. The eyelets can be incorporated into the mounting
brackets to create mounting brackets with eyelets. The eyelets of
the mounting brackets can be used instead of the eyelets. The cable
partially occupies the eyelets of the mounting brackets. The
mounting brackets can be made of can be made of metal, plant
fibers, composite, or polymer.
[0038] The attachment site means can be a loop or ring attached to
the cable. The attachment site means can be a loop or knot in the
cable, wherein the knot may form a loop. The attachment site means
can be a carabiner attached to the cable. The attachment site means
can be a hook attached to the cable. The attachment site means can
be an eyelet in the cable. The attachment site means can be a loop
or eyelet spliced into the cable. The attachment site means is
placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track.
[0039] Where a conduit with a slit is used as the track, the
attachment site means can be a cylindrical portion and a lateral
portion, wherein the cylindrical portion slides within the inner
diameter of the conduit, the lateral portion protrudes outwardly
through the slit of the track, the ends of the cable are attached
to the cylindrical portion, the lateral portion of the attachment
site means has a fixation site, and the anchor line is attached to
the lateral portion of the attachment site means. Hose clamps or
plastic ties can be used as barrier means to physically obstruct
the lateral portion of the attachment site means. The attachment
site means can be made of metal, plant fibers, composite, or
polymer.
[0040] The barrier means can be any structure that prevents the
attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track. The
barrier means can be a plastic tie wrap or hose clamp that
encircles the track that forms a physical obstruction to part of
the attachment site means. The barrier means can be a plug or end
cap that obstructs the end of the track to prevent the attachment
site means from leaving the end of the track.
[0041] The barrier means can be a planar component with an outside
perimeter that is circular and an orifice in the center of the
planar component. This barrier means resembles a washer. The cable
partially occupies the central orifice of this barrier means. The
central orifice of this barrier means allows the cable to pass
through the orifice unobstructed, the attachment site means is
manufactured to be incapable of passing through the central orifice
of this barrier means, and this barrier means is transversely
attached to the end of the track to obstruct further movement of
the attachment site means, especially where the track is a
conduit.
[0042] The barrier means can be a crimped or closed off track to
form a barrier for the attachment site means. A clamp or clip can
be attached to the ends of the track to form a barrier means. A
bolt or screw can be positioned near the ends of the track so that
the head of the bolt or screw obstructs the ends of the track to
prevent the attachment site means from leaving the ends of the
track. The track can be manufactured with closed ends where the
closed ends are a barrier means. The barrier means can be made of
metal, polymer, wood, or composite.
[0043] The components of the positioning apparatus can be affixed
to the side of an aquatic vessel using adhesives, screws, bolts,
clips, rivets, or stitching. Any means of attaching the components
of the positioning apparatus to the aquatic vessel should be
performed in a waterproof manner. Gasket material, silicone,
rubber, or waterproof adhesives should be used to waterproof any
holes in the aquatic vessel.
[0044] The track and the attachment site means provide the
positioning apparatus with structural strength and the ability to
maintain a particular boat angle with the current. The cable has
two ends with the first end being attached to the attachment site
means and the second end being attached to the attachment site
means. The cable forms a loop and this loop of cable occupies the
pulley means, eyelets, and possibly the track.
[0045] The pulley means, eyelets, and possibly the track, depending
upon the particular embodiment, of the positioning apparatus form a
course within which the cable moves or travels when not fastened by
the cable fastening means. The boat angle is adjusted by pulling on
the cable which adjusts the position of the attachment site means
and the angle of attachment to the anchoring line. The cable
fastening means fastens the cable in a particular position and
prevents movement of the cable within the course that the cable
travels. Thus, to set a particular boat angle, the operator of the
aquatic vessel moves the cable and attachment site means to the
desired position relative to the anchoring line and the operator
fastens the cable to the cable fastening means at the desired
position. The cable fastening means prevents movement of the cable
and attachment site means and the desired boat angle is maintained
until the cable is repositioned or another force acts on the
aquatic vessel, such as the wind changing direction or speed.
[0046] In FIG. 1A, embodiment 100 of the invention is depicted on
the side of a kayak 102. The invention can be disposed on many
different kinds of aquatic vessels. This embodiment comprises a
conduit track 106, cable pulleys (a front cable pulley 104A, a back
cable pulley 104B, collectively 104), eyelet mounting brackets (a
first eyelet mounting bracket 108A, a second eyelet mounting
bracket 108B, a third eyelet mounting bracket 108C, a fourth eyelet
mounting bracket 108D, a fifth eyelet mounting bracket 108E, a
sixth eyelet mounting bracket 108F, a seventh eyelet mounting
bracket 108G, an eighth eyelet mounting bracket 108H, a ninth
eyelet mounting bracket 108I, a tenth eyelet mounting bracket 108J,
and an eleventh eyelet mounting bracket 108K, collectively 108), a
positioning cable 110, a fastening means 112, a sliding fixation
device 114, and barrier means (a front barrier means 116A, a back
barrier means 116B, collectively 116).
[0047] The conduit track 106 is a flexible circular conduit that is
horizontally disposed along the side of a kayak 102. The conduit
track 106 has a horizontal slot that extends along the entire
length of the conduit. The horizontal slot of the conduit track 106
is on the side of the conduit that is away from the kayak. The
conduit track 106 has a front end and a back end. The conduit track
106 has longitudinal orifice extending completely through the
center of the conduit track. The conduit track 106 bends with the
surface of the side of the kayak 102.
[0048] The cable pulleys 104 are pulleys that are attached to the
side of the kayak 102. The front cable pulley 104A is positioned in
front of the front end of the conduit track 106. The back cable
pulley 104A is positioned in back of the back end of the conduit
track 106. The pulleys of the cable pulleys 104 rotate on a
horizontal axis of rotation.
[0049] The eyelet mounting brackets 108 are brackets that are
attached to the side of the kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets
108 are disposed in a longitudinal alignment along the side of the
kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 have large longitudinal
orifices that extend completely through the eyelet mounting
bracket.
[0050] The conduit track 106 partially occupies the large
longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108. The
eyelet mounting brackets 108 have small longitudinal orifices that
extend completely through the eyelet mounting brackets. The small
longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are
positioned above the conduit track 106. The small longitudinal
orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are the eyelets of the
eyelet mounting brackets. The eyelets of the eyelet mounting
brackets are positioned above the conduit track 106 and the
positioning cable 110 runs through the eyelets of the eyelet
mounting brackets 108.
[0051] The positioning cable 110 is a cable having a first end and
a second end. The positioning cable 110 is predominantly disposed
longitudinally. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the
longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The lower sides of
the cable pulleys 104 are aligned with the longitudinal orifice of
the conduit track 106. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies
the pulleys of the cable pulleys 104.
[0052] The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the small
longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108.
[0053] The fastening means 112 is a cable fastener that has four
longitudinally aligned and separated protuberances with two
opposing longitudinal grooves in the base of the protuberances of
the fastening means 112, wherein the first longitudinal groove is
in the upper side of the protuberances and the second longitudinal
groove is in the lower side of the protuberances. The fastening
means 112 creates a tortuous path for the cable as the cable is
disposed between opposing longitudinal grooves of the protuberances
of the fastening means 112. When the cable is properly disposed in
the fastening means 112 for fastening the cable, the path of the
cable resembles a zigzag pattern. The fastening means 112 is
attached to the middle kayak 102 on the side of the kayak having
the conduit track 106. The tortuous path of the fastening means 112
prevents a cable from slipping through the fastening means. The
fastening means 112 is positioned away from the conduit track 106
to be out of alignment with the positioning cable 110.
[0054] This offset position of the fastening means 112 aids the
functioning of this particular fastening means. The positioning
cable 110 partially occupies the fastening means 112. The fastening
means 112 revocably fastens the positioning cable 110 by threading
the positioning cable through the tortuous pathway of the fastening
means 112.
[0055] The sliding fixation device 114 has a sliding portion and a
lateral portion. The sliding portion of the sliding fixation device
114 is a cylinder that is disposed longitudinally within the
longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The sliding portion
of the sliding fixation device 114 has a front end and a back end.
The front end of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device
114 has a front vertical orifice. The back end of the sliding
portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a back vertical
orifice.
[0056] The first end of the positioning cable 110 is affixed to the
front vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the sliding
fixation device 114. The second end of the positioning cable 110 is
affixed to the back vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the
sliding fixation device 114. The positioning cable 110 and the
sliding fixation device 114 forms a closed loop. This closed loop
allows the operator of the kayak to move the sliding fixation
device 114 by pulling the positioning cable 110 in the desired
direction once the positioning cable 110 is removed from the
fastening means 112. The sliding fixation device 114 moves
longitudinally along the conduit track 106.
[0057] The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a
planar or angled flat member that is disposed longitudinally. The
lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes away
from the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The
lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes
laterally from the side of the kayak 102. The lateral portion of
the sliding fixation device 114 has a vertical orifice extending
completely through the lateral portion of the sliding fixation
device 114. This vertical orifice of the lateral portion of the
sliding fixation device 114 is a point of attachment for an
anchoring line that holds the aquatic vessel in place.
[0058] The barrier means 116 are circular rings that encircle the
outside of the conduit track 106. The front barrier means 116A is
positioned near the front end of the conduit track 106 and behind
the first eyelet mounting bracket 108A. The back barrier means 116B
is positioned near the back end of the conduit track 106 and in
front of the eleventh eyelet mounting bracket 108K. The barrier
means 116 prevent the sliding fixation device 114 from leaving the
conduit track 106 by halting movement of the sliding fixation
device 114.
[0059] In FIG. 1B, the back half of embodiment 100 of the invention
is depicted on the side of a kayak 102. This embodiment comprises a
conduit track 106, cable pulleys (a front cable pulley 104A (not
visible and not labeled), a back cable pulley 104B, collectively
104), eyelet mounting brackets (a first eyelet mounting bracket
108A (not visible and not labeled), a second eyelet mounting
bracket 108B (not visible and not labeled), a third eyelet mounting
bracket 108C (not visible and not labeled), a fourth eyelet
mounting bracket 108D (not visible and not labeled), a fifth eyelet
mounting bracket 108E (not visible and not labeled), a sixth eyelet
mounting bracket 108F, a seventh eyelet mounting bracket 108G, an
eighth eyelet mounting bracket 108H, a ninth eyelet mounting
bracket 108I, a tenth eyelet mounting bracket 108J, and an eleventh
eyelet mounting bracket 108K, collectively 108), a positioning
cable 110, a fastening means 112, a sliding fixation device 114,
and barrier means (a front barrier means 116A (not visible and not
labeled), a back barrier means 116B, collectively 116).
[0060] The conduit track 106 is a flexible circular conduit that is
horizontally disposed along the side of a kayak 102. The conduit
track 106 has a horizontal slot that extends along the entire
length of the conduit. The horizontal slot of the conduit track 106
is on the side of the conduit that is away from the kayak. The
conduit track 106 has a front end and a back end. The conduit track
106 has longitudinal orifice extending completely through the
center of the conduit track. The conduit track 106 bends with the
surface of the side of the kayak 102.
[0061] The cable pulleys 104 are pulleys that are attached to the
side of the kayak 102. The front cable pulley 104A is positioned in
front of the front end of the conduit track 106. The back cable
pulley 104A is positioned in back of the back end of the conduit
track 106. The pulleys of the cable pulleys 104 rotate on a
horizontal axis of rotation.
[0062] The eyelet mounting brackets 108 are brackets that are
attached to the side of the kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets
108 are disposed in a longitudinal alignment along the side of the
kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 have large longitudinal
orifices that extend completely through the eyelet mounting
bracket.
[0063] The conduit track 106 partially occupies the large
longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108. The
eyelet mounting brackets 108 have small longitudinal orifices that
extend completely through the eyelet mounting brackets. The small
longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are
positioned above the conduit track 106. The small longitudinal
orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are the eyelets of the
eyelet mounting brackets. The eyelets of the eyelet mounting
brackets are positioned above the conduit track 106 and the
positioning cable 110 runs through the eyelets of the eyelet
mounting brackets 108. In this embodiment of the invention, there
are eleven eyelet mounting brackets.
[0064] The positioning cable 110 is a cable having a first end and
a second end. The positioning cable 110 is predominantly disposed
longitudinally. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the
longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The lower sides of
the cable pulleys 104 are aligned with the longitudinal orifice of
the conduit track 106. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies
the pulleys of the cable pulleys 104. The positioning cable 110
partially occupies the small longitudinal orifices of the eyelet
mounting brackets 108.
[0065] The fastening means 112 is a cable fastener that has four
longitudinally aligned and separated protuberances with two
opposing longitudinal grooves in the base of the protuberances of
the fastening means 112, wherein the first longitudinal groove is
in the upper side of the protuberances and the second longitudinal
groove is in the lower side of the protuberances. The fastening
means 112 creates a tortuous path for the cable as the cable is
disposed between opposing longitudinal grooves of the protuberances
of the fastening means 112. When the cable is properly disposed in
the fastening means 112 for fastening the cable, the path of the
cable resembles a zigzag pattern. The fastening means 112 is
attached to the middle kayak 102 on the side of the kayak having
the conduit track 106. The tortuous path of the fastening means 112
prevents a cable from slipping through the fastening means. The
fastening means 112 is positioned away from the conduit track 106
to be out of alignment with the positioning cable 110.
[0066] This offset position of the fastening means 112 aids the
functioning of this particular fastening means. The positioning
cable 110 partially occupies the fastening means 112. The fastening
means 112 revocably fastens the positioning cable 110 by threading
the positioning cable through the tortuous pathway of the fastening
means 112.
[0067] The sliding fixation device 114 has a sliding portion and a
lateral portion. The sliding portion of the sliding fixation device
114 is a cylinder that is disposed longitudinally within the
longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The sliding portion
of the sliding fixation device 114 has a front end and a back end.
The front end of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device
114 has a front vertical orifice. The back end of the sliding
portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a back vertical
orifice.
[0068] The first end of the positioning cable 110 is affixed to the
front vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the sliding
fixation device 114. The second end of the positioning cable 110 is
affixed to the back vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the
sliding fixation device 114. The positioning cable 110 and the
sliding fixation device 114 forms a closed loop. This closed loop
allows the operator of the kayak to move the sliding fixation
device 114 by pulling the positioning cable 110 in the desired
direction once the positioning cable 110 is removed from the
fastening means 112. The sliding fixation device 114 moves
longitudinally along the conduit track 106.
[0069] The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a
planar or angled flat member that is disposed longitudinally. The
lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes away
from the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The
lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes
laterally from the side of the kayak 102. The lateral portion of
the sliding fixation device 114 has a vertical orifice extending
completely through the lateral portion of the sliding fixation
device 114. This vertical orifice of the lateral portion of the
sliding fixation device 114 is a point of attachment for an
anchoring line that holds the aquatic vessel in place.
[0070] The barrier means 116 are circular rings that encircle the
outside of the conduit track 106. The front barrier means 116A is
positioned near the front end of the conduit track 106 and behind
the first eyelet mounting bracket 108A. The back barrier means 116B
is positioned near the back end of the conduit track 106 and in
front of the eleventh eyelet mounting bracket 108K. The barrier
means 116 prevent the sliding fixation device 114 from leaving the
conduit track 106 by halting movement of the sliding fixation
device 114.
[0071] It is advisable to install the positioning apparatus to an
aquatic vessel using waterproof installation methods. When the
components of the positioning apparatus are installed on the side
of an aquatic vessel, the installer uses sealants, rubber or
silicone seals or gaskets, silicone adhesives, adhesives, gasket
material, and other waterproof installation means between the
components and the sides of the aquatic vessel. The positioning
apparatus can be installed on inflatable rafts by using adhesives,
stitches that are waterproofed, or manufacturing the raft with the
components of the positioning apparatus. Epoxy, rubber cement, or
silicone adhesives would work well for installing components of the
positioning apparatus.
[0072] The track of the positioning apparatus can be manufactured
into the side of the aquatic vessel. The track of the positioning
apparatus can be embedded into the side of the aquatic vessel. The
track of the positioning apparatus is not required to be attached
to the aquatic vessel after manufacturing. The positioning
apparatus can be manufactured into an aquatic vessel.
[0073] The positioning apparatus is easy to use. An anchoring line
is securely attached on one end to an anchor, tree, dock, or other
suitable stationary object. The other end of the anchoring line is
attached to the attachment site component of the positioning
apparatus. The anchoring line attached to the positioning apparatus
holds the aquatic vessel in particular position. The positioning
apparatus changes the angle of the aquatic vessel relative to the
anchoring line. The aquatic vessel operator attaches the anchoring
line to the positioning apparatus in accordance with the operator's
individual preferences.
[0074] When the aquatic vessel needs to be repositioned, the
operator can shorten or lengthen the anchoring line to change the
distance from the aquatic vessel to the anchoring object or the
operator can change the boat angle relative to the direction of the
anchoring line, current, and wind.
[0075] When the boat angle needs to be repositioned, the aquatic
vessel operator disengages the cable of the positioning apparatus
from the cable fastening means, the operator moves the attachment
site means to their desired position by pulling the cable in a
particular direction. When the cable is pulled, the attachment site
means moves relative to the direction of the pulling force being
exerted upon the cable. This movement of the attachment site means
changes the angle of the aquatic vessel in the current or wind
relative to the direction of the anchoring line.
[0076] By moving the attachment site means to the back of the
aquatic vessel, the front of the aquatic vessel moves to a downwind
or down current position depending on the strength and directions
of these two forces. By moving the attachment site means to the
front of the aquatic vessel, the back of the aquatic vessel moves
to a downwind or down current position depending on the strength
and directions of these two forces. By moving the attachment site
means to the middle of the side of the aquatic vessel, the aquatic
vessel moves to a crosswise position of the wind or current
depending on the strength and directions of these two forces.
[0077] The positioning apparatus can be attached to either side or
both sides of an aquatic vessel. An embodiment of the positioning
apparatus can be made that has a track going completely around the
aquatic vessel. In this embodiment, the cable would form a loop
encircling the aquatic vessel with the cable disposed horizontally
and the track would preferably be a more flexible version of the
track. A more flexible version of the attachment site means may
need to be used for traversing the encircling track.
[0078] In this embodiment that encircles the aquatic vessel, the
eyelets and pulley means may be unneeded components and the
attachment site means may be a very simple design, such as a loop
tied in the cable, a ring attached to the cable, or a carabiner
attached to the cable. The cable could extensively occupy the track
and the cable fastening means would be positioned near the track to
fasten the cable within the course of the track.
[0079] The encircling version of the positioning apparatus would be
desirable on less angular aquatic vessels, such as rafts. The
encircling version of the positioning apparatus or an aquatic
vessel having two positioning apparatuses would allow for any or
nearly any boat angle.
[0080] A circular conduit with a longitudinal slit is the preferred
version of the track. A rope made of polymer is the preferred
version of the cable. The cable partially occupying the central
orifice of the circular conduit is a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0081] An attachment site means having a cylindrical portion and a
lateral portion is the preferred version of the attachment site
means, wherein the lateral portion of the attachment site means has
a vertical orifice extending completely through the lateral portion
of the attachment site means. The cylindrical portion of the
preferred version of the attachment site means occupies the central
orifice of the circular conduit and the lateral portion of the
attachment site means protrudes laterally through the slit of the
track, wherein the anchoring line attaches to the lateral portion
of the attachment site means. The vertical orifice of the lateral
portion of the attachment site means is a preferred fixation site
for attaching the anchoring line.
[0082] The preferred cable fastening means is a cable fastener that
has four longitudinally aligned and separated protuberances with
two opposing longitudinal grooves in the base of the protuberances
of the fastening means, wherein the first longitudinal groove is in
the upper side of the protuberances and the second longitudinal
groove is in the lower side of the protuberances. The preferred
pulley means is a single pulley attached to the side of the aquatic
vessel with a horizontal axis of rotation.
[0083] The preferred eyelets and mounting brackets are the mounting
brackets having eyelets. The preferred barrier means have a ring
shape, such as a hose clamp, a ring, or a plastic tie wrap.
[0084] The invention allows fishermen to position their aquatic
vessels in particular positions in relation to the current, wind,
and anchoring line. Fishermen and other boat operators will
appreciate how the invention gives them more control over the
positioning of their aquatic vessels.
[0085] Applicant intends to encompass within the language any
structure presently existing or developed in the future that
performs the same function. While the invention has been described
with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in
the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations
therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such
modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *