U.S. patent application number 16/821790 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-24 for automated boat lift and trolley.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arnold E. Peterson, Ronald E. Peterson. Invention is credited to Arnold E. Peterson, Ronald E. Peterson.
Application Number | 20200298948 16/821790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004825951 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200298948 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson; Ronald E. ; et
al. |
September 24, 2020 |
AUTOMATED BOAT LIFT AND TROLLEY
Abstract
An automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage
position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel.
The system can include a boat trolley. The boat trolley can include
a frame that couples to and rides on rails of a track that extends
between the boat garage and the dock channel. The boat trolley can
also include bunker supports for supporting the hull of the boat. A
dock lift mechanism can lower the trolley frame into the water,
from which the boat can be deployed. Once done using the boat, the
user can navigate the boat onto the trolley frame, and the dock
lift mechanism used to lift the trolley frame and boat out of the
water, and the boat trolley operated to move the boat from the dock
to the boat garage for storage.
Inventors: |
Peterson; Ronald E.; (Marco
Island, FL) ; Peterson; Arnold E.; (Somis,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Peterson; Ronald E.
Peterson; Arnold E. |
Marco Island
Somis |
FL
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004825951 |
Appl. No.: |
16/821790 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62820418 |
Mar 19, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02C 5/00 20130101; B63C
15/00 20130101; B63C 3/06 20130101; B63C 3/08 20130101; B63C 3/02
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63C 3/06 20060101
B63C003/06; B63C 3/02 20060101 B63C003/02; B63C 3/08 20060101
B63C003/08; B63C 15/00 20060101 B63C015/00; E02C 5/00 20060101
E02C005/00 |
Claims
1. An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat
between a boat garage and a dock, comprising: a track comprising a
pair of track rails, the track configured to run from a proximal
end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock; a boat
trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley
having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair
of track rails; a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift
assembly comprising a platform spaced from the distal end of the
track, the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which the
boat trolley is moved from the track rails, the lift assembly
operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat
thereon to a lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat
from the boat trolley for use, the lift assembly operable to raise
the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a raised
position, the pair of platform rails being substantially aligned
with the pair of track rails when the platform is in the raised
position to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the
platform and the track; a drive assembly as least partially
disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the
boat trolley along the track and between the track and the
platform; and a controller at least partially disposed in the
garage, the controller configured to automatically control
operation of the drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the
track between the track and the platform, and to control the lift
assembly to lower the boat trolley with the boat thereon to the
lowered position based at least in part on the sensed information
communicated by one or more sensors to the controller.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly comprises a
motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupled to a
track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate the
garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a distal end of the
track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven
sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat trolley,
wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft thereof in
one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a
first direction and the chain to move in a second direction thereby
causing the boat trolley to move in the second direction, and
wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaft in an
opposite direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate
in a third direction opposite the first direction and the chain to
move in a fourth direction opposite the second direction thereby
causing the boat trolley to move in the fourth direction.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the chain of the track chain
drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mule coupled to
the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of
track rails and configured to move between a first end position in
the garage and an opposite end position proximate the distal end of
the track, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between
an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the
engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with
the boat trolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat
trolley to move the boat trolley in the second or fourth
directions, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the
mule to move independently of the boat trolley.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the mule further comprises one or
more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic
actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more
proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller,
the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop
movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an
obstruction on the track.
5. The system of claim 4, further comprising an inductive power
transmitter disposed in or near the garage, the inductive power
transmitter configured to charge the one or more rechargeable
batteries of the mule when the mule is at or near the first end
position in the garage.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the mule further comprises one or
more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic
actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and the boat
trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured to
receive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the
mule is coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity
sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the
controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement
of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction
on the track.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism
configured to selectively lock the track to the platform when the
track rails are substantially aligned with the platform rails to
facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track and the
platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or more pins
actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform is
decoupled from the track and an extended position in which the
platform is coupled to the track.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the lift assembly comprises a
platform drive assembly comprising a motor operatively coupled to a
platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate a first
location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate a
second location on the platform track spaced from the first
location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven
sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when
at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the platform and
configured to move the boat trolley along the platform rails.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the chain of the platform chain
drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a platform mule
coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movably coupled to
one of the pair of platform rails and configured to move between
the first location and the second location on the platform track,
the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an
engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged
position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat
trolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat
trolley to move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged
position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat
trolley to allow the platform mule to move independently of the
boat trolley.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the platform mule further
comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured
to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors
configured to communicate with the controller, the controller
configured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement
of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction
on the platform track.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a
wireless transceiver, the controller configured to communicate
wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both of the
motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat
garage.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the remote control is a mobile
electronic device.
13. An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat
between a boat garage and a dock, comprising: a track comprising a
pair of track rails, the track configured to run from a proximal
end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock; a boat
trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley
having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair
of track rails; a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the
garage and configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley
along the track and between the track and a dock; and a controller
at least partially disposed in the garage, the controller
configured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly
to move the boat trolley along the track between the track and the
dock.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a lift assembly
disposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a platform
spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform having a pair
of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is moved from the
track rails, the platform movable between a raised position where
the platform rails are substantially aligned with the track rails
and a lowered position to facilitate movement of the boat trolley
between the track rails and platform rails, the lift assembly being
operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat
thereon to the lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat
from the boat trolley for use, the controller configured to control
the movement of the platform between the lowered position and the
raised position.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the drive assembly comprises a
motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupled to a
track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate the
garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a distal end of the
track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven
sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat trolley,
wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft thereof in
one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a
first direction and the chain to move in a second direction thereby
causing the boat trolley to move in the second direction, and
wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaft in an
opposite direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate
in a third direction opposite the first direction and the chain to
move in a fourth direction opposite the second direction thereby
causing the boat trolley to move in the fourth direction.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the chain of the track chain
drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mule coupled to
the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of
track rails and configured to move between a first end position in
the garage and an opposite end position proximate the distal end of
the track, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between
an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the
engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with
the boat trolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat
trolley to move the boat trolley in the second or fourth
directions, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the
mule to move independently of the boat trolley.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the mule further comprises one
or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an
electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and
one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the
controller, the controller configured to operate the drive system
to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors
sense an obstruction on the track.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising an inductive power
transmitter disposed in or near the garage, the inductive power
transmitter configured to charge the one or more rechargeable
batteries of the mule when the mule is at or near the first end
position in the garage.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the mule further comprises one
or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an
electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and
the boat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured
to receive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when
the mule is coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity
sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the
controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement
of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction
on the track.
20. The system of claim 14, further comprising a locking mechanism
configured to selectively lock the track to the platform when the
track rails are substantially aligned with the platform rails to
facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track and the
platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or more pins
actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform is
decoupled from the track and an extended position in which the
platform is coupled to the track.
21. The system of claim 14, wherein the lift assembly comprises a
platform drive assembly comprising a motor operatively coupled to a
platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate a first
location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate a
second location on the platform track spaced from the first
location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven
sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when
at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the platform and
configured to move the boat trolley along the platform rails.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the chain of the platform chain
drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a platform mule
coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movably coupled to
one of the pair of platform rails and configured to move between
the first location and the second location on the platform track,
the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an
engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged
position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat
trolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat
trolley to move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged
position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat
trolley to allow the platform mule to move independently of the
boat trolley.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the platform mule further
comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured
to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors
configured to communicate with the controller, the controller
configured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement
of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction
on the platform track.
24. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller comprises a
wireless transceiver, the controller configured to communicate
wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both of the
motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat
garage.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the remote control is a mobile
electronic device.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic
priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed
with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference
under 37 CFR 1.57.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present invention is directed to a boat lift and trolley
assembly, and more particularly to an automated boat lift and
trolley assembly with integrated electronic control and sensor
system for moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock
channel.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Boat lift assemblies exist. However, there is a need for an
automated system and method for moving a boat between a boat garage
for storage and a dock channel.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an
automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage
position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock
channel.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a
method for automated movement of a boat lift and trolley is
provided for movement of a boat between a storage position in a
boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an
automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat from a
boat garage and a dock is provided. The system comprises a track
comprising a pair of rails, the track configured to run from a
proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end at a dock, the
pair of rails disposed beside a dock channel on the dock. The
system also comprises a boat trolley configured to support a boat
thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably
couple the trolley to the pair of rails of the track. The system
also comprises a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift
assembly operable to lift the boat off the trolley, and to lower
the boat into water through the boat channel. The system also
comprises one or more sensors configured to sense one or both of a
position of at least a portion of the boat trolley and an operation
position of the lift assembly. The system also comprises a
controller configured to control operation of the boat trolley to
move along the track, and to control the lift assembly to lower the
boat into the water based at least in part on the sensed
information communicated by the one or more sensors to the
controller.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an
automated boat trolley system for moving a boat from a boat garage
and a dock is provided. The system comprises a lower frame having a
set of wheels configured to movably couple the lower frame a track.
The system also comprises an upper frame comprising at least two
support bunkers configured to contact and support a hull of the
boat thereon, the upper frame having one or more support beams
removably coupleable to the lower frame and configured to be lifted
off of the lower frame by a lift assembly at a dock. The lower
frame comprises one or more delrin guides configured to receive the
support beams of the upper frame therein, the delrin guides
tapering outward to facilitate coupling of the upper frame to the
lower frame, the outward taper configured to guide the beams of the
upper frame into alignment with support beams of the lower
frame.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an
automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat between a
boat garage and a dock is provided. The system comprises a track
comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from
a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a
dock. The system also comprises a boat trolley configured to
support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels
that movably couple the trolley to the pair of track rails. The
system also comprises a lift assembly disposed at the dock. The
lift assembly comprises a platform spaced from the distal end of
the track, the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which
the boat trolley is moved from the track rails. The lift assembly
is operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat
thereon to a lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat
from the boat trolley for use. The lift assembly is operable to
raise the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a
raised position, the pair of platform rails being substantially
aligned with the pair of track rails when the platform is in the
raised position to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between
the platform and the track. The system also comprises a drive
assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and configured
to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track and
between the track and the platform. The system also comprises a
controller at least partially disposed in the garage. The
controller is configured to automatically control operation of the
drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between the
track and the platform, and to control the lift assembly to lower
the boat trolley with the boat thereon to the lowered position
based at least in part on the sensed information communicated by
one or more sensors to the controller.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an
automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat between a
boat garage and a dock is provided. The system comprises a track
comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from
a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a
dock. The system also comprises a boat trolley configured to
support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels
that movably couple the trolley to the pair of track rails. The
system also comprises a drive assembly as least partially disposed
in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the boat
trolley along the track and between the track and a dock. The
system also comprises a controller at least partially disposed in
the garage, the controller configured to automatically control
operation of the drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the
track between the track and the dock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
automated boat lift and trolley assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly
of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 2A is another top view of the boat lift and trolley
assembly of FIG. 1, without the boat;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a side view of the boat lift and trolley assembly
of FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of boat lift and trolley assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a front view of the boat lift and trolley
assembly of FIG. 2A, without the boat;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a front view of the boat lift and trolley
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the boat lift and trolley assembly
of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of a boat lift and trolley
assembly;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly
of FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of the boat lift and trolley assembly
of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of a trolley assembly;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
trolley assembly;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lower frame of the
trolley assembly of FIG. 10;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a partial view of the lower frame of FIG. 11;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an upper frame of the
trolley assembly of FIG. 10;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a partial view of the trolley assembly of FIG. 10
on a track with the boat disposed on the trolley;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the trolley assembly of
FIG. 10 with a boat disposed thereon;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the trolley assembly of
FIG. 10 on a track and with a boat disposed on the trolley;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an automatic boat lift and
trolley that travels between a boat garage and a platform lift,
showing the boat in the boat garage;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the automatic boat lift and
trolley of FIG. 17, showing the boat on the track between the boat
garage and platform lift;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the automatic boat lift and
trolley of FIG. 17 showing the boat on the platform lift;
[0032] FIG. 20A is a perspective schematic view of the automatic
boat lift and trolley, showing the boat on the platform lift;
[0033] FIG. 20B is a schematic partial view of the transition from
the track to the platform, in a locked configuration;
[0034] FIG. 20C is a schematic partial view of the transition from
the track to the platform, in an unlocked configuration;
[0035] FIG. 21 shows a schematic partial view of the automatic boat
lift and trolley showing the boat on the platform lift with the
platform lift in the lowered position;
[0036] FIG. 21A is a schematic partial view of the platform lift in
the lowered position;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective partial view of the
trolley on the track, the trolley supporting a boat thereon;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective partial view of the drive
assembly of the automatic boat lift and trolley with the trolley
and boat on the platform lift;
[0039] FIG. 23A is a schematic perspective partial view of a
portion of the drive assembly for the trolley;
[0040] FIG. 23B is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the drive assembly for the trolley;
[0041] FIG. 23C is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the drive assembly for the trolley;
[0042] FIG. 24A is a schematic partial perspective view of a mule
of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of
the mule coupled to a wheel set of the trolley;
[0043] FIG. 24B is another schematic perspective view of the mule
of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of
the mule in a disengaged position relative to a wheel set of the
trolley;
[0044] FIG. 24C is another schematic perspective partial view of
the mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber
armlet of the mule in a disengaged position relative to a wheel set
of the trolley;
[0045] FIG. 24D is another schematic perspective partial view of
the mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber
armlet of the mule coupled to a wheel set of the trolley;
[0046] FIG. 24E is another schematic perspective partial view of
the mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing the mule
coupled to a wheel set of the trolley;
[0047] FIG. 24F is another schematic perspective partial view of
the automatic boat lift and trolley with the trolley and boat on
the platform lift;
[0048] FIG. 24G is a schematic perspective partial view of a
portion of the automatic boat lift and trolley, showing sensors of
the system;
[0049] FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective partial view of the
automatic boat lift and trolley, showing certain electronic
components of the system;
[0050] FIG. 25A is a schematic perspective partial view of a
portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and
trolley system;
[0051] FIG. 25B is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and
trolley system;
[0052] FIG. 25C is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and
trolley system;
[0053] FIG. 25D is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and
trolley system;
[0054] FIG. 25E is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and
trolley system;
[0055] FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion
of the automatic boat lift and trolley system;
[0056] FIG. 26A is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and
trolley system;
[0057] FIG. 26B is a schematic perspective partial view of another
portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and
trolley system;
[0058] FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram showing a control
module for the boat lift and trolley assembly;
[0059] FIG. 28A is a schematic view of an example remote control
device and interface;
[0060] FIG. 28B is a schematic view of an example screen on an
interface of the remote control device;
[0061] FIG. 28C is a schematic view of an example screen on an
interface of the remote control device;
[0062] FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate an example process for
deploying boat from the garage; and
[0063] FIG. 30 illustrates an example process for returning a boat
to the garage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0064] FIGS. 1-5 show an embodiment of a boat lift and trolley
system 100 (hereafter "the system"). The system 100 includes a
trolley 10 having a plurality of wheels and a frame on which a boat
B can be removably supported. In one embodiment, the trolley 10
frame can be welded and made of aluminum, though other suitable
metals or other suitable materials can be used. The trolley 10
frame can have a plurality of adjustable support pads 16 (see FIG.
9) to support a variety of different boat B hull profiles.
[0065] The trolley can travel along a track 20 that extends between
a first end 22 and a second end 24 so that the track 20 extends
between a boat garage G and a dock channel D. The track 20 can have
a width W1. The dock channel D can have an opening with a width W2
that is at least as wide as width W1. The boat garage G can have a
length L1 that is longer than a length of the boat B. The dock
channel D can have a length L2 that is at least as long as the boat
B. A height H of the track 20 from a top of the sea wall can be
between about 4 inches and about 12 inches, for example about 6
inches. In one embodiment, the length L1 can be between about 30
feet and about 60 feet, for example about 40 feet and the length L2
can be between about 20 feet and about 50 feet, for example about
25 feet. The width W1 can be between about 15 feet and about 30
feet, for example about 19 feet. However, other suitable dimensions
for the length L1, length L2 and width W1 can be used.
[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the track 20 extends linearly
between the first end 22 and the second end 24. The trolley 10 can
travel along a length L3 from the boat garage G to the dock channel
D. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the track 20 can
have a curved portion (e.g., where needed to accommodate the
spatial relationship between the boat garage G and the dock channel
D).
[0067] A sling assembly 30 can include a plurality of posts 32. In
the illustrated embodiment, two pairs of posts 32 are on opposites
sides of the opening of the dock channel D. However, the sling
assembly 30 can include additional pairs of posts 32. The sling
assembly 30 can include a sling that extends between each pair of
posts 32 and across the opening of the dock channel D.
[0068] The system 100 further comprises a drive assembly, including
a motor M see FIG. 2A) (e.g., electric motor, such as a single
point robust motor drive) that drives movement of the trolley 10
along the track 20 between the proximal end 22 and the distal end
24. In one embodiment, the motor M can operate a chain drive, such
as a stainless steel chain drive, that is attached to the trolley
10 (e.g., to one or more wheels of the trolley 10). In one
embodiment, the track drive can be located in the boat garage G. In
one implementation, the motor M is mounted to the track 20. In
another implementation, the motor M is mounted adjacent the track
20. In one implementation, the motor M can be an electric motor. In
another implementation, the motor can be a hydraulic motor.
[0069] Though FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A show various dimensions for
various components of the assembly 100, one of skill in the art
will recognize that the various components of the assembly 100 can
have other suitable dimensions.
[0070] FIGS. 6-8 show another embodiment of a boat lift and trolley
system 200 (hereinafter "the system"). The system 200 is similar to
the system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5, except as noted below. Thus, the
reference numerals used to designate the various components of the
system 200 are identical to those used for identifying the
corresponding components of the system 100 in FIGS. 1-5 and the
description for the various components of the system 100 shown in
FIGS. 1-5 is understood to apply to the corresponding components of
the system 200 in FIGS. 6-8, except as described below.
[0071] The system 200 differs from the system 100 only in that at
least a portion of the track 20 has a curved portion 21 between the
dock channel D and the boat garage G. As best shown in FIG. 7, the
curved portion 21 can have an outer rail with a first radius of
curvature R1 and an inner rail with a second radius of curvature
R2. In some embodiments, radius of curvature R2 can be less that
the radius of curvature R1. Though FIGS. 7-8 show various
dimensions for various components of the system 200, one of skill
in the art will recognize that the various components of the system
200 can have other suitable dimensions.
[0072] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a trolley 10 for use with the
system 100, 200. The trolley 10 can be made of metal, such as
aluminium or steel. In one embodiment, the trolley 10 can be rated
to hold a boat B weighing 26000 lbs or more. The trolley 10 can
have a pair of side rails 11, each of which is coupled to a
plurality of wheels 12 (e.g., Delrin wheels) that can ride on the
track 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each side rail 11 is
coupled to or supports three sets of wheels 12. The trolley 10 can
include a frame 14 that extends between the pair of rails 11 and
defines a channel 18 along a longitudinal axis of the trolley 10.
The trolley 10 also has a plurality of support pads 16 for
supporting the hull of the boat B. In the illustrated embodiment, a
plurality of support pads 16 are arranged in two rows on each side
of the channel 18. The support pads 16 can advantageously be
adjustable (e.g., in height, in angular orientation) to allow them
to be adjusted to fit varying hull profiles. In the illustrated
embodiment, the trolley 10 has six support pads 16 arranged in
three pairs about the channel 18. The trolley 10 also defines a
channel 19 between each two pairs of support pads 16 in a direction
transverse to the longitudinal axis of the trolley 10. Said channel
19 allows for the slings 34 to easily be passed under the hull
portion between said two pairs of support pads 16 to couple the
slings 34 to the posts 32 when the boat B is to be lowered into the
dock channel D, or to decouple the slings 34 from the posts 32 when
the boat B has been lifted out of the water and onto the trolley 10
and is ready to be moved to the boat garage G.
[0073] The trolley 10 can have one or more proximity sensors S1
that can be disposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies 12
(e.g., a wheel assembly 12 on a proximal end of the trolley 10, a
wheel assembly 12 on a distal end of the trolley 10). The proximity
sensor(s) S1 can sense an obstruction (e.g., on the track 20) and
communicate (wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage G,
such as on a wall of the garage G), which can stop the movement of
the trolley 10, as further discussed below, if an obstruction is
sensed.
[0074] FIGS. 10-16 show another embodiment of a boat trolley
assembly 10B. The boat trolley assembly 10B is similar to the boat
trolley assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, except as noted below.
Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various
components of the boat trolley assembly 10B are similar to those
used for identifying the corresponding components of the boat
trolley assembly 10 in FIGS. 1-9 and the description for the
various components of the boat trolley assembly 10 shown in FIGS.
1-9 is understood to apply to the corresponding components of the
boat trolley assembly 10B in FIGS. 10-16, except as described
below.
[0075] The boat trolley assembly 10B includes a lower frame 11B and
an upper frame 15B removably disposed on and coupled to the lower
frame 11B. The lower frame 11B is supported on a set of wheel
assemblies 12B (e.g., Delrin wheels) that couple to rails of the
track 20. As best shown in FIG. 14, the wheel assemblies 12B can
extend over an I-beam portion of the rails of the track 20 to
couple to the track 20.
[0076] The lower frame 11B can have support beams 11B1, 11B2 that
extend between and couple (e.g., with bolts, welds, etc.) to the
set of wheel assemblies 12B. Additionally, the lower frame 11B can
have cross-beams 11B5 that extend between the wheel assemblies 12B
in a diagonal manner and can couple to the support beams 11B1, 11B2
(e.g., with bolts, welds, etc.).
[0077] The lower frame 11B can also have a set of angled delrin
guides 11B3 coupled to the beams 11B2 (e.g., with bolts, welds,
etc.) that can receive thereon a beam of the upper frame 15B to
couple the upper frame 15B to the lower frame 11B. In the
illustrated embodiment, the lower frame 11B has four delrin guides
11B3, one at each corner of the lower frame 11B (e.g., proximate
the wheel assemblies 12B). However, in other embodiments, the lower
frame 11B can have fewer or more delrin guides 11B3. The angled
delrin guides 11B3 advantageously allow the upper frame 15B to be
positioned properly onto the lower frame 11B, the angled shape of
the delrin guides 11B3 allowing the upper frame 15B to achieve the
correct position on the lower frame 11B even if the upper frame 15B
is initially misaligned relative to the lower frame 11B.
[0078] The lower frame 11B also have a plurality of supports (e.g.,
angled supports) 11B4 (generally at the corners of the lower frame
11B, coupled such as with bolts or welds to the beams 11B2)
configured to receive pick points of the upper frame 15B thereon,
as discussed further below.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 13, the upper frame 15B can include a
pair of boat support bunkers 16B that extend between and are
coupled (e.g., with bolts) to a pair of support beams 15B1, 15B2
(e.g., I-beams) by bracket assemblies 16B2 on either end of the
boat support bunkers 16B. The bracket assemblies 16B2 can couple to
the support beams 15B1, 15B2 (e.g., with bolts) at various
locations along the length of the support beams 15B1, 15B2 via one
or more bolt holes 15B4 in the support beams 15B1, 15B2 (that
receive bolts, clevis pins, etc.) to adjust a width between the
boat support bunkers 16B to advantageously accommodate a variety of
boat hull sizes thereon. Additionally, angle adjustment assemblies
16B3 can couple to the support beams 15B1, 15B2 (e.g., with bolts)
and to the bracket assemblies 16B2 proximate the boat support
bunkers 16B at both ends of the boat support bunkers 16B. The angle
adjustment assemblies 16B3 can be adjusted to adjust the angle
between a plane defined by the boat support bunker 16B relative to
a horizontal plane defined by the support beams 15B1, 15B2, to
advantageously accommodate boat hulls of different sizes and shapes
(e.g., boat hulls that are wider and extend at a lower angle
towards the bottom of the boat, boat hulls that are narrower and
extend at a steeper angle toward the bottom of the boat).
Accordingly, the user can adjust (e.g., manually adjust) both the
width between the support bunkers 16B and the angle of the support
bunkers 16B and the horizontal plane defined by the support beams
15B1, 15B2, as described above, to ensure the support bunkers 16B
are adequately spaced and oriented to support the hull of the
user's boat B.
[0080] The upper frame 15B can have a plurality of pick-up
assemblies 15B3 coupled to (e.g., bolted, welded, etc.) to ends of
the support beams 15B1, 15B2, from which the upper frame 15B can be
raised off of the lower frame 11B, for example to then lower the
upper frame 15B with the boat B supported thereon into the water at
the end of the dock. In one embodiment, the pick-up assemblies 15B3
can include a quick disconnect member or a clevis pin that can be
used to couple cable clevises from a lift mechanism to the upper
frame 15B (e.g., via holes in pick-up assemblies 15B3) at the dock
to lift the upper frame 15B off the lower frame 11B, after which
the lower frame 11B can be moved out of the way (as discussed
above) to allow the upper frame 15B to be lowered into the water
with the boat B thereon so that the boat B can then be navigated in
the water.
[0081] The upper frame 15B can also have a plurality of vertical
guide poles 18B that can serve to guide the operator of the boat B
to navigate the boat B onto the upper frame 15B (e.g., in proper
alignment) while it's submerged and so that when the upper frame
15B is raised by the lift mechanism, the boat support bunkers 16B
can engage and support the bottom of the hull of the boat B.
[0082] The lower frame 11B can have one or more proximity sensors
S2 that can signal whether the upper frame 15B is disposed more
than a predetermined distance above the lower frame 11B, to thereby
allow a controller to move the lower frame 11B out of the way
before the upper frame 15B is lowered into the water at the dock
(via the lift mechanism). In one embodiment, the proximity sensors
S2 can be disposed on the delrin guides 11B3. In another
embodiment, the proximity sensors S2 can be disposed on one or more
of the support beams 11B1, 11B2 or cross-beams 11B5.
[0083] The trolley 10B can have one or more proximity sensors S3
that can be disposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies 12B
(e.g., a wheel assembly 12B on a proximal end of the trolley 10B, a
wheel assembly 12B on a distal end of the trolley 10B). The
proximity sensor(s) S3 can sense an obstruction (e.g., on the track
20) and communicate (wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the
garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G), which can stop the
movement of the trolley 10B, as further discussed below, if an
obstruction is sensed.
[0084] Additionally, the posts or pilings 32 of the dock can have
one or more sensor clips mounted thereon that can prevent the
trolley 10B from moving (e.g., that can communicate a signal to a
controller to prevent the trolley 10B from moving) unless the
sensor clips are coupled to lift cable clevises (e.g., that have
been decoupled from the pickup assemblies 15B3 of the upper frame
15B), which would also deactivate the boat lift mechanism.
Advantageously, this would prevent the trolley 10B from moving away
from the dock while the cables of the lift mechanism were attached
to the upper frame 15B, avoiding damage to the dock or lift
mechanism. In other embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., weight
sensors on the trolley 10B or sensors on the lift mechanism LM) can
sense when the upper frame 15B has been lifted off the lower frame
11B by a predetermined amount to allow the lower frame 11B to be
moved out of the dock D to allow the upper frame 15B and boat B to
be lowered into the water through the dock channel.
[0085] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 16, the track 20 can have a
gap TG between a first section 21A and a second section 21B of the
track 20 and a spacer member 23 that extends along the gap TG
between the first and second sections 21A, 21B. In one embodiment,
the gap TG can be defined at the location where the garage door GD
closes off the boat garage G to allow the garage door GD to close
the garage G (e.g., for the garage door GD to bear against the
spacer member 23) so as to inhibit entry of debris (e.g., leaves,
dirt) and vermin or insects into the garage G. The wheel assemblies
12, 12B advantageously can span the gap TG so that the gap TG does
not inhibit the movement of the trolley 10, 10B over the gap TG
while it moves from the first section 21A to the second section 21B
of the track 20. The spacer member 23 has a first groove 23A on one
side of the track 20 and a second groove 23B on an opposite side of
the track 20, where the grooves 23A, 23B can receive a chain drive
(not shown) of the drive mechanism when the chain de-tensions
(e.g., once the trolley 10, 10B is in the boat garage G and has
stopped moving).
[0086] The trolley assembly 10B can be made of a suitable metal
(e.g., rust resistant metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel).
In one embodiment, the boat support bunkers 16B can be made from
wood. However, other suitable materials can be used. In one
embodiment, the trolley assembly 10B can have a weight rating of
10,000 pounds. However, in other embodiments, the trolley assembly
10B can support boats B weighing less than or more than this.
[0087] FIGS. 17-26B schematically illustrate a boat lift and
trolley system 300 (hereinafter "the system"). The system 200 is
similar to the system 100 in FIGS. 1-5 and the system 200 in FIGS.
6-8, except as described below. Therefore, reference numerals used
to designate the various components of the system 300 are identical
to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the
system 100 in FIGS. 1-5 or system 200 in FIGS. 6-8. Thus, the
structure and description for the various features or components of
the system 100 in FIGS. 1-5 and of the system 200 in FIGS. 6-8 are
understood to also apply to the corresponding features or
components of the system 300 in FIGS. 17-26B, except as described
below.
[0088] The system 300 differs from the system 100, 200 in that it
includes a platform lift mechanism 30'. The platform lift mechanism
30' can include a platform 34' that supports a pair or rails 20A',
20B' ("platform rails") thereon. The platform 34' can include a
frame that supports the rails 20A', 20B'. The rails 20A', 20B' can
substantially align with the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 to
allow the boat trolley 10, 10B, 10C to travel from the track 20
onto the platform 34' with the boat B thereon. The platform 34' can
be moved (e.g., via a hydraulic mechanism) between a raised state
(see FIG. 20A) where the rails 20A', 20B' of the platform 34'
substantially align with the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20, and a
lowered state (see FIG. 21, 21A) where the platform 34' is lowered
from the dock to underwater position to allow the boat B to be
removed from the trolley 10, 10B, 10C. The platform 34'
advantageously has a low profile and excludes the need for any
above dock hardware (e.g., such as posts 32 or slings 34). The
trolley 10, 10B, 10C remains on the platform 34' as it moves
between the lowered and raised state. As further discussed below,
the platform lift mechanism 30' includes a drive assembly M'
operable to move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C onto, as well as off, the
platform 34'.
[0089] The platform lift mechanism 30' of FIGS. 17-26B can have one
or more sensors S8, S8A (see FIGS. 24F-24G) that sense the position
of the platform 34' to determine if it's in a lowered position or
in a raised position. The sensor(s) S8, S8A can optionally be
powered by low voltage line power that powers the motor M' on the
platform lift mechanism 30', said low voltage line power carried
via a conduit to the sensor(s) S8, S8A. In one implementation, if
the platform 34' is in the raised position with the trolley 10,
10B, 10C (with boat B) on it, the controller EM (in the garage G)
will optionally actuate the hydraulics of the lift mechanism 30' in
the up mode to ensure the platform 34' is fully raised. Once a
signal from the sensor(s) S8, S8A confirm the platform 34' is fully
raised and/or signal from the sensor(s) S7 confirm the platform 34'
is aligned with the track 20, the mule 50' can move the trolley 10,
10B, 10C from the platform 34' onto the track 20, as further
discussed below.
[0090] FIG. 17 shows the boat B in the boat garage G. Though not
shown in the drawing, the boat B is disposed on a trolley, such as
the trolley 10, 10B, 10C. FIG. 18 shows the boat B (while on the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C) on the track 20 at a location between the
boat garage G and the platform 34'. FIG. 19 shows the boat B (while
on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C) on the platform 34'. FIGS. 21-21A show
the platform 34' in the lowered state relative to the track 20 to
position the trolley 10, 10B, 10C underwater to allow the boat B to
be removed from over the trolley 10, 10B, 10C.
[0091] With reference to FIGS. 20A-20C, in one implementation the
system 300 can include a locking mechanism 40 actuatable to lock
and unlock the track 20 relative to the platform 34' to
substantially couple and decouple the track 20 to the platform 34'.
The locking mechanism 40 can include one or more locking pins 42
and one or more actuators 44. In the implementation shown in FIGS.
20A-20C, the locking mechanism 40 includes a pair of pins 42, one
of the pins 42 actuatable to interconnect the rail 20A of the track
20 with the rail 20A' on the platform 34' and the other of the pins
42 actuatable to interconnect the rail 20B of the track 20 with the
rail 20B' on the platform 34'. In one implementation, one or more
sensors S7 (e.g., proximity sensors) are operable to sense
alignment between the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 and the rails
20A', 20B' on the platform 34' to allow the actuator(s) 44 to move
the pin(s) 42 to the extended position to interlock the track 20
with the platform 34'. The sensor(s) S7 can optionally be mounted
to a portion of the track 20 near the gap 46, such as mounted to a
flange (not shown) attached to the track 20 or the actuator 44. The
sensor(s) S7 can optionally be powered with line power from the
controller EM (located in the garage G). Alternatively, the
sensor(s) S7 can optionally be mounted on the platform 34' and
powered by low voltage line power that powers the motor M' on the
platform lift mechanism 30', said low voltage line power carried
via a conduit to the sensor(s) S7.
[0092] With continued reference to FIGS. 20A-20C, the one or more
actuators 44 can be hydraulic actuators operable to move the
locking pins 42 between an extended position (see FIG. 20B), where
the locking pins 42 engage portions of the rails 20A, 20B on the
track 20 and rails 20A', 20B' on the platform 34', and a retracted
position (see FIG. 20C), where the locking pins 42 do not interlock
the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 with the rails 20A', 20B' on the
platform 34'. In another implementation, the one or more actuators
44 can be pneumatic actuators. In still another implementation, the
one or more actuators 44 can be electric motors.
[0093] As shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, the locking pins 42 can extend
through openings in flanges 21A1', 21A2' attached to the rails 20A,
20B of the track 20 and through openings in flanges 21B1', 21B2'
attached to the rails 20A', 20B' on the platform 34' to interlock
(e.g., substantially rigidly couple) and substantially align the
rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 with the rails 20A', 20B' on the
platform 34'. The ends of the rails 20A, 20B are spaced from the
rails 20A', 20B' by a distance 46. Advantageously, interlocking of
the rails 20A, 20B of the track 20 with the rails 20A', 20B' on the
platform 34' inhibits (e.g., prevents) misalignment of the platform
34' with the track 20 to facilitate movement of the trolley 10,
10B, 10C over the rails 20A, 20B, 20A', 20B'. Additionally, one or
more sensors S9 (e.g., contact sensors, pressure sensors, load
sensors) can detect when the pin(s) 42 have been fully extended to
confirm the platform 34' is engaged with the track 20.
[0094] Once the trolley 10, 10B, 10C has moved from the track 20
onto the platform 34', a stop tab (e.g., hydraulic stop, pneumatic
stop) 36' can be actuated to be moved relative to at least one of
the rails 20A', 20B' to inhibit (e.g., prevent) movement of the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C along the rails 20A', 20B'. One or more
sensors S14 can confirm engagement of the stop tab 36'. The locking
pin(s) 42 can then be retracted to disengage the platform 34' from
the track 20 and allow a user to use the platform controls to lower
the platform 34' to a submerged position.
[0095] FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a trolley assembly 10C
supporting a boat B on rails 20A, 20B of the track 20. The trolley
assembly 10C is similar to the trolley assembly 10 of FIG. 9,
except as described below. Therefore, reference numerals used to
designate the various components or features of the trolley
assembly 10C are identical to those used for identifying the
corresponding components of the trolley assembly 10 in FIG. 9,
except that a "C" is added to the numerical identifier. Thus, the
structure and description for the various features or components of
the trolley assembly 10 in FIG. 9 are understood to also apply to
the corresponding features or components of the trolley assembly
10C in FIG. 22, except as described below.
[0096] The trolley assembly 10C can be an integral (e.g., single
piece structure) with four sets of wheels 12 (e.g., generally at
the corners of the trolley assembly 10C) and two support pads or
bunkers 16C attached to a frame 14C of the trolley assembly 10C and
that can support the hull of the boat B thereon. The trolley
assembly 10C is advantageously made of corrosion resistant
materials that allow the trolley assembly 10C to be submerged in
water (e.g., in salt water) when the platform 34' is moved to the
lowered state, and from which the boat B can be removed from on top
of the trolley assembly 10C for use.
[0097] The trolley assembly 10C can have one or more proximity
sensors S4 that can be disposed on one or more of the wheel
assemblies 12C and one or more proximity sensors S4' that can be
disposed on the frame 11C of the boat trolley 10C. The proximity
sensor(s) S4, S4' can sense an obstruction (e.g., on the track 20)
and communicate (wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage
G, such as on a wall of the garage G), which can stop the movement
of the trolley 10C, as further discussed below, if an obstruction
is sensed.
[0098] FIGS. 23A-26B show features of a drive assembly 400 of the
boat lift and trolley system 100, 200, 300. The drive assembly 400
can include a chain drive 60. The chain drive 60 can include a
drive sprocket 62, which can engage an output shaft of the motor M
(in the garage G), a driven or tail sprocket 66 located near the
end of the track 20 (e.g., proximate the gap 46 between the track
20 and the platform 34'), and a chain 64 that extends between (and
loops around) the drive sprocket 62 and the driven or tail sprocket
66. The drive sprocket 62 can optionally be located in the garage
G. Optionally, the chain drive 60 can include one or more chain
idler rollers 65 that support the chain 64 between the sprockets
62, 66. The chain 64 can extend along a portion of a rail (e.g.,
portion of the rail 20B in FIG. 23B, 24A) and attach to a mule 50
(e.g., via a connector 67) that is movably coupled to the rail 20B
by one or more rollers or wheels 52. Therefore, operation of the
motor M to rotate the drive sprocket 62, which moves the chain 64
along the track 20 causes the mule 50 to move along the track 20.
In particular, operation of the motor M in one direction (e.g., to
rotate the output shaft clockwise) causes the drive sprocket 62 to
rotate clockwise and the chain 64 to move so that the mule 50 moves
away from the drive sprocket 62. Similarly, operation of the motor
M in an opposite direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft
counter-clockwise) causes the drive sprocket 62 to rotate
counter-clockwise and the chain 64 to move so that the mule 50
moves toward the drive sprocket 62. Accordingly, the mule 50 can
move along the rail 20B from a location in the garage G to a
location proximate the end of the track 20 (e.g., proximate the gap
46 between the track 20 and the platform 34').
[0099] With reference to FIG. 23A, the platform lift mechanism 30'
can have a drive assembly 400' that can include a chain drive 60'.
The chain drive 60' can include a drive sprocket 62', which can
engage an output shaft of the motor M' (on the platform 34'), a
driven or tail sprocket 66' movably coupled to the rail 20B', and a
chain 64' that extends between (and loops around) the drive
sprocket 62' and the driven or tail sprocket 66'. The drive
sprocket 62' can be located on the platform 34'. The chain 64' can
extend along a portion of a rail (e.g., portion of the rail 20B' of
the platform 34') and attach to a mule 50' (via connector 67') that
is movably coupled to the rail 20B' by one or more rollers 52'.
Therefore, operation of the motor M' to rotate the drive sprocket
62', which moves the chain 64' along the rail 20B' causes the mule
50' to move along the rail 20B'. In particular, operation of the
motor M' in one direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft
clockwise) causes the drive sprocket 62' to rotate clockwise and
the chain 64' to move so that the mule 50' moves away from the
drive sprocket 62' (e.g., toward the front of the platform 34' near
the track 20). Similarly, operation of the motor M' in an opposite
direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft counter-clockwise)
causes the drive sprocket 62' to rotate counter-clockwise and the
chain 64' to move so that the mule 50' moves toward the drive
sprocket 62' (e.g., toward the rear of the platform 34' away from
the track 20). Accordingly, the mule 50' can move along the rail
20B' from a location near the track 20 to a location further apart
from the track 20.
[0100] The mule 50 that travels on the track 20 and the mule 50'
that travels on the platform 34' (e.g., on the rail 20B') can
optionally have a similar construction. The mule 50 can engage the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., engage a front portion of the trolley
10, 10B, 10C), as further discussed below, and move the trolley 10,
10B, 10C along the track 20 (e.g., via actuation of the chain drive
60 in a forward direction) from the garage G toward the end of the
track 20 (e.g., proximate the gap 46), where the mule 20 can
disengage from the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., when at least a
portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C has travelled onto the platform
34'). The mule 50' can engage the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g.,
engage a rear portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C), as further
discussed below, and move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C onto the
platform 34' (via actuation of the chain drive 60' in a forward
direction) so that the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is fully supported on
the platform 34'. To move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C off the platform
34' and onto the track 20, the mule 50' can engage the trolley 10,
10B, 10C (e.g., engage the rear portion of the trolley 10, 10B,
10C) and move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C off the platform 34' and
onto the track 20 (e.g., by operating the chain drive 60' in a
reverse direction that is opposite to the forward direction). Once
at least a portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C has travelled onto
the track 20 from the platform 34', the mule 50' can disengage from
the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., from a rear portion of the trolley
10, 10B, 10C). The mule 50 can then engage the trolley 10, 10B, 10C
(e.g., engage a front portion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C) and move
the trolley 10, 10B, 10C along the track 20 (e.g., via actuation of
the chain drive 60 in a reverse direction opposite the forward
direction) toward the garage G. Accordingly, the mules 50, 50' can
work to hand off the trolley 10, 10B, 10C to each other as the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C travels between track 20 and the platform
34'.
[0101] With reference to FIGS. 23-26B, the mule 50 can be movably
coupled to a rail of the track 20, such as to one of the rails 20A,
20B. FIG. 24A shows the mule 50 over the rail 20B, though in
another implementation the mule 50 can be movably coupled to the
rail 20A. The mule 50 can have a frame 51 with one or more rollers
or wheels 52 rotatably coupled to the frame 51, the rollers or
wheels 52 being able to rotate over an upper surface 27a of a head
29 of the rail 20B. The mule 50 and optionally have one or more
wheels 54 rotatably coupled to the frame 51, where the wheels 54
engage an underside 27b of the head 29 of the rail 20B, to control
upward torque applied to the mule 50 and resist lateral forces on
the mule 50, thereby providing for increase stability of the mule
50 on the rail 20B. The mule 50 can have a grabber armlet 55 that
is actuatable (by an actuator 56 on the mule 50) between an engaged
position (see FIG. 24D) and a release position (see FIG. 24C). In
the engaged position (see FIG. 24D), the grabber armlet 55 engages
a portion of a wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C to couple the mule 50 to
the wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C (such that the mule 50 and trolley
10, 10B, 10C move together as an integral unit). In the release
position (see FIG. 24C), the grabber armlet 55 does not engage the
wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C so that the mule 50 and trolley 10,
10B, 10C can move independently of each other. In one
implementation, the grabber armlet 55 can have a clamp 55A (e.g., a
spring-loaded clamp) that can engage (e.g., extend over) a pin 12C1
of the wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C. With the grabber armlet 55 in
the engaged position, the mule 50 can pull or push the trolley 10,
10B, 10C (e.g., with the boat B supported thereon) along the track
20 (e.g., from the garage G to the end of the track 20 adjacent the
platform 34' and locations in between).
[0102] With reference to FIG. 24A, the mule 50 can optionally
include an electronics module 57 with circuitry C (e.g., including
a wireless transmitter A' and one or more antennas A) and a power
source P (e.g., a battery, such as a rechargeable battery), as well
as one or more sensors S5 (e.g., proximity sensors). The sensor(s)
S5 on the mule 50 can communicate (e.g., wirelessly via the
wireless transmitter A') with the controller EM (located in the
garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G) to control the
operation of the motor M, and therefore control the motion of the
mule 50 along the track 20 (e.g., when it is separated from the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C and/or when it is coupled to the trolley 10,
10B, 10C). Further discussion of the operation of the sensors is
provided below. The power source P can power the sensor(s) S5 on
the mule 50 and/or the actuator 56 of the mule 50 that operates the
grabber armlet 55.
[0103] With reference to FIGS. 23A and 24E, the platform lift
mechanism 30' includes a mule 50' movably coupled to the rail 20B'
on the platform 34' that is similar to the mule 50. Therefore,
reference numerals used to designate the various components or
features of the mule 50' are identical to those used for
identifying the corresponding components of the mule 50 in FIG.
24A, except that a "'" is added to the numerical identifier. Thus,
the structure and description for the various features or
components of the mule 50 in FIG. 24A are understood to also apply
to the corresponding features or components of the 50' in FIGS. 23A
and 24E, except as described below.
[0104] In one implementation, the mule 50' is identical to the mule
50. In another implementation, the mule 50' can be smaller in size
than the mule 50. In some implementations, the mule 50' excludes
the electronics module 57. The mule 50' can include sensors S6 that
are powered by line power from the motor M' (e.g., a submersible
hydraulic motor), and travels between a proximal location AA and a
distal location BB along the rail 20B'. As with the mule 50, the
mule 50' can have a grabber armlet 55' that is actuatable between
an engaged position and a release position. In the engaged
position, the grabber armlet 55' engages a portion of a wheel
assembly 12, 12B, 12C to couple the mule 50' to the wheel assembly
12, 12B, 12C (such that the mule 50' and trolley 10, 10B, 10C move
together as an integral unit). In the release position, the grabber
armlet 55' does not engage the wheel assembly 12, 12B, 12C so that
the mule 50' and trolley 10, 10B, 10C can move independently of
each other. With the grabber armlet 55' in the engaged position,
the mule 50' can pull or push the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (e.g., with
the boat B supported thereon) along the platform 34' (e.g., between
a proximal location AA and a distal location BB).
[0105] With reference to FIGS. 23A-25E, the mule 50, 50' can have a
power transmitter 58A, 58A' (e.g., inductive power transmitter)
optionally provide power to sensors on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C,
such as proximity sensors S1, S3, S4, S4', via a power receiver 18C
of the boat trolley 10, 10B, 10C, allowing the sensors on the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C to communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the
controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G)
via a transmitter 17C on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C. The mule 50 can
also have a power receiver 58B (e.g., inductive power receiver) via
which it receives power (e.g., to charge the power source, such as
batteries, P of the mule 50), as further described below.
Advantageously, this allows the trolley 10, 10B, 10C to not have a
power source (e.g., battery) which may be damaged when the trolley
10, 10B, 10C is submerged in water with the platform 34'. The power
source P on the mule 50 can be charged or recharged when the mule
50 is retracted to or proximate an end position (e.g., the "storage
position") in the garage G (e.g., when the mule 50 has pulled the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C all the way back into the garage G). In one
implementation, an inductive power transmitter G1 can be disposed
in the garage and positioned so as to inductively transmit power to
the power receiver 58B of the mule 50 when the mule 50 is in the
"storage position" in the garage G. In one implementation, though
the power transmitters G1, 58A, receiver 58B are inductive power
transmitters and receiver, respectively. In another implementation,
the power transmitters G1, 58A and receiver 58B can transmit or
receive power via electrical contacts thereof. The battery charge
level (and whether the batter is currently being charged) may be
detected and report by battery charge level sensors.
[0106] FIG. 27 shows a block diagram of a control system 500 for
the boat lift and trolley assembly 100, 200, 300. The control
system 500 includes a controller EM (e.g., located in the garage G,
such as on a wall of the garage G) that receives information from a
plurality of sensors S1-Sn (e.g., where n is a digit, such as
S1-S10, S1-S15, as described herein, or greater or fewer number of
sensors, etc.). The controller EM sends control signals to the
motor M (and optionally to the motor M' on the platform 34') and
receives operational information from the motor M based at least in
part on the information the controller EM receives from the
plurality of sensors S1-Sn. As discussed above, one or more of the
sensors S4, S4' can be on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C to sense a
position and/or motion of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C and/or any
obstructions on the track 20 and in the path of the trolley 10,
10B, 10C. Optionally, one or more of the sensors can be located in
one or more locations on the track 20, for example, to sense a
position of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C. For example, at least one of
the sensors S10 can be located in the boat garage G, just outside
the boat garage G, and/or at the edge of the dock channel D. For
example, one or more sensors S11 can be disposed in the garage G
proximate the end of the track 20 to indicate the end of the track
20 and one or more sensors S12 can be disposed outside the garage G
to indicate when the mule 50 and/or boat trolley 10, 10B, 10C is
proximate the garage door GD, to cause the garage door GD to open.
One or more sensors S13 (see FIG. 24G) can be disposed proximate
the end of the track 20 (near the gap 46) to indicate the end of
the track 20. One or more sensors can be located on the garage door
of the boat garage G. With reference to the lift mechanism 30, one
or more sensors can optionally be located on the posts 32 to sense
when the slings 34 are connected thereto.
[0107] In operation, the boat B can be disposed within the boat
garage G and on top of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C frame with the
garage door GD in a closed position. The mule 50 can be coupled to
the trolley 10, 10B, 10C, as discussed above, and proximate stop AB
in the garage G near end of track 20. A user can initiate the
automated deployment of the boat B by actuating a button, such as a
"trolley out" activation button or "garage door open" activation
button on a controller (e.g., control attached to the garage G,
handheld remote control R, or a mobile electronic device such as a
smartphone), at which point the garage door GD can open. Once the
garage door GD is open (e.g., and triggers a signal from a "garage
open" sensor S15, such as a proximity sensor that senses a location
of the garage door GD), the controller EM can optionally turn on a
chain tensioner to tension a drive chain attached to the trolley,
such as drive chain 60 operatively coupleable to trolley 10C via
mule 50). When the drive chain is tensioned to a predetermined
amount, as sensed by a (tension) sensor, the controller EM can
receive a signal that movement of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is
allowed. The operator can optionally press and hold a "trolley out"
button to actuate the motor M to move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C (and
the boat B) out of the boat garage G. The "trolley out" button can
optionally be a deadman button that the operator must continuously
press for the trolley 10A, 10B, 10C to move. As the trolley 10,
10B, 10C moves, one or more sensors S4, S4' (e.g., proximity
sensors) on the trolley 10, 10B, 10C and/or sensors S5 on the mule
50 can sense for obstructions in the trolley's path (e.g., on the
track 20), and can signal the controller EM to stop movement of the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C if an obstruction is sensed. In one
embodiment, the lift mechanism 30, 30' can have one or more sensors
that can communicate with the controller EM. For example, the lift
mechanism 30 can have one or more sensors indicating that the lift
cables/slings are in a stowed position and can communicate such a
signal to the controller EM. Alternatively, as discussed above the
lift mechanism 30' can have one or more sensors S8 that sense a
position of the platform 34' (e.g., fully raised, lowered) and
optionally communicates this to the controller EM. It the platform
34' is not in a fully raised position, the controller EM will stop
the trolley 10A, 10B, 10C short of the end of the track 20 (near
the gap 46) until sensors confirm the platform 34' has been fully
raised, sensors S7, S9 confirm alignment between the rails 20A',
20B' and the rails 20A, 20B and/or sensors confirm the locking pins
42 have been actuated by the actuator(s) 44 to lockingly couple the
track 20 to the platform 34'.
[0108] In one implementations, even upon receipt of signals that
the platform 34' is completely raised, the controller EM can
optionally pause movement of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C for a
predetermined period of time before actuating the mule 50 (via the
chain drive 60) to move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C onto the platform
34'. During said pause, the controller EM can bump the hydraulics
of the platform 34' in the up mode to ensure the platform 34' is
fully raised, and the pins 42 can be extended to align the rails
20A, 20B with the rails 20A', 20B'. and the locking engagement of
the pins 42 with the rails 20A', 20B' is confirmed by sensors.
[0109] The controller EM actuates movement of the mule 50 (via the
chain drive 60) to move the trolley 10, 10B, 10C onto the platform
34' until the trolley 10, 10B, 10C engages the mule 50'. The mule
50' on the platform 34' can then engage the trolley 10, 10B, 10C,
as discussed above, and the mule 50 can disengage from the trolley
10, 10B, 10C and the controller EM actuates movement of the mule 50
in the opposite direction (away from the platform 34'), for example
to a predetermined distance from the gap 46. The locking tab 36' on
the platform 34' can then be moved, as discussed above, to inhibit
movement of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C while on the platform 34'. The
controller EM then actuates the locking pins 42 to retract to
disengage the track 20 from the platform 34' (e.g., disengage the
rails 20A, 20B from the rails 20A', 20B'). At this point, the
operator can optionally use the controls on the platform 34' to
lower the platform 34'. Alternatively, the operator can use a
remote control or their mobile electronic device to operate the
platform 34'.
[0110] Once the operator is done operating the boat B, and is ready
to return the boat B to the garage, the operator can operate the
system in reverse. For example, once the operator has maneuvered
the boat B over the trolley 10, 10B, 10C, the operator can operate
the "Platform Up" button (e.g., Deadman button) on the platform
controller (e.g., remote control, mobile electronic device) to
raise the platform 34'. When the platform 34' reaches the raised
position, the platform 34' stops. The operator can then actuate the
"Boat to Garage" button (e.g., dead man button) to start the
trolley process. As the operator continues to hold the "Boat to
Garage" button, the controller EM can bump the platform hydraulics
to ensure the platform 34' is fully raised, then the locking pins
42 can be actuated to extend and engage the rails 20A, 20B of the
track 20 with the rails 20A', 20B' on the platform 34'. Once the
engagement of the track 20 with the platform 34' is sensed, the
hydraulic lock tab 36' on the platform 34' will disengage and the
mule 50 will move to its forward most position and stop. The mule
50' will push the trolley 10, 10B, 10C toward the track 20 until
the mule 50 engages the trolley 10, 10B, 10C, at which point the
mule 50' will disengage from the trolley 10, 10B, 10C. The
controller EM can then actuate the mule 50 (via the chain drive 60)
to pull the trolley 10, 10B, 10C toward the garage G. Once the
trolley 10, 10B, 10C clears the gap 46, the locking pins 42 can
optionally be actuated (by the controller EM) to disengage the
track 20 from the platform 34'. The mule 50 will continue to pull
the trolley 10, 10B, 10C toward the garage G. If the garage door GD
is closed, it can optionally open automatically once the mule 50
and/or trolley 10, 10B, 10C trigger a sensor on the track 20. The
trolley 10, 10B, 10C can continue into the garage G and stop when
it reaches a stop position (as triggered by a sensor proximate the
end of the track 20 in the garage G). The garage door GD can then
be closed (using a Door Close button).
[0111] If the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is stopped in the garage door GD
area, one or more track sensors S10 (e.g., sensors proximate the
gap TG) can communicate with the controller EM to inhibit the
closing of the garage door GD until the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is
clear of the garage door GD area. The trolley 10, 10B, 10C can
continue to travel toward the dock D (e.g., via a chain drive 60
actuated by the motor M under the control of the controller EM).
One or more track end sensors S13 can communicate with the
controller EM to stop the position of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C in a
predetermined position on the dock D once it is reached.
[0112] As discussed above with reference to the trolley 10B, clips
from the lift mechanism 30 can then be attached to pick-up
mechanisms 15B3 (e.g., lift clevises) of the upper frame 15B of the
trolley 10B. The movement of the lift cable or sling from the
stowed position can lock the movement of the trolley 10B, as
discussed above. The operator can then press a "lift up" button to
raise the boat B (and upper frame 15B) off the lower frame 11B of
the trolley 10B. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism will not
operate to lift the boat B unless all dock side cable clip sensors
are vacant (indicating that the lift cable clips have been moved
from the stowed position to couple them to the upper frame 15B.
[0113] The "lift up" button actuation can lift the upper frame 15B
and boat B off the lower frame 11B of the trolley 10B until a lift
stop sensor senses that the upper frame 15B has been lifted by at
least a predetermined amount. Once said predetermined amount is
reached, the lift stop sensor can communicate a signal to the
controller EM, allowing the controller EM to allow movement of the
lower frame 11B of the trolley 10B.
[0114] Optionally, the operator can then press a "trolley in"
button to cause the controller EM to move the lower frame 11B of
the trolley 10B from underneath the upper frame 15B (e.g., via the
motor M operated chain drive attached to the lower frame 11B). The
trolley 10B can be moved until a parking sensor is activated,
indicating that the lower frame 11B of the trolley 10B is clear of
the boat B, at which point the controller EM can receive a signal
to stop movement of the lower frame 11B. At this point, the
operator can actuate the lift mechanism to lower the boat and upper
frame 15B into the water. Advantageously, the parking sensor would
prevent the lift mechanism from lowering the upper frame 15B and
boat B if it does not sense that the lower frame 11B is clear of
the upper frame 15B.
[0115] Once use of the boat B was complete, the operator could
navigate the boat B back onto the upper frame 15B while this is
submerged in the water and press a "lift up" button to lift the
boat B and upper frame 15B out of the water. Once a sensor of the
lift mechanism 30 indicates the boat B is in the lifted position,
such a sensor can communicate a signal to the controller EM
allowing movement of the lower frame 11B. The operator can press a
"trolley out" button to operate the motor M to drive the lower
frame 11B under the upper frame 15B until a track end sensor is
triggered. The operator can then operate the lift mechanism 30 to
lower the upper frame 15B onto the lower frame 11B, as discussed
above, at which point the operator can decouple the lift cable
clips from the upper frame 15B and place them in the stowed
position, thereby triggering the cable/sling stowed signal that can
communicate to the controller EM that the trolley 10B can be moved.
Such a signal allowing the trolley 10B to move, will not occur
unless all the cable clip sensors on the lift mechanism indicate
that the lift cables have been stowed and are no longer attached to
the upper frame 15B. The operator can then operate a "trolley in"
button to cause the controller EM to move the trolley 10B (via the
motor M driven chain drive) toward the garage G. The signal from
the cable clip sensors indicating that the lift cables are stowed,
would allow the trolley 10B to continue moving toward the garage G
without stopping once it passes the parking sensor, as discussed
above. Optionally, a release and reapplication of the "trolley in"
button can bypass the stop point indicated by the parking
sensor.
[0116] The controller EM could continue to move the trolley 10,
10B, 10C toward the garage G (e.g., as long as the operator
continues to press the "trolley in" button). The trolley 10, 10B,
10C will thus continue to move until it triggers and "end of track"
sensors S15, which signal communicated to the controller EM will
stop movement of the trolley 10, 10B, 10C. Additionally, the
controller EM can prevent the closure of the garage door GD if an
inside track sensor S10 (e.g., track sensor located inside the
garage G) senses that the trolley 10, 10B, 10C is too close to the
garage door GD). Once properly inside the garage G, the operator
can press the "door close" button, causing the controller EM to
activate the chain de-tensioner, which allows the chain to lose
tension and rest in the grooves 23A, 23B discussed above, allowing
the garage door GD to fully close. A garage door sensor S10 can be
used to sense if there are obstacles in the closing plane of the
garage door GD and if so can communicate a stop signal to the motor
activating the movement of the garage door GD.
[0117] As discussed above, the actuation buttons for the various
actions of the system (e.g., trolley in, trolley out, etc.) can be
on a remote control R (e.g., a handheld remote control); in another
embodiment, the user and use a mobile electronic device, such as a
mobile phone or tablet (e.g., which has been paired with the
controller EM and communicates wirelessly with the controller EM,
such as via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF), as the remote control R to
actuate the controller EM (e.g., via a mobile app previously
installed on the mobile electronic device, or via the internet
without using a mobile app).
[0118] With reference to FIG. 27, operation of the trolley 10
embodiment is very similar to that of the trolley 10B, discussed
above. The one or more sensors on the trolley 10 and/or one or more
sensors on the track 20 can sense once the trolley 10 is clear of
the boat garage G (e.g., more than a predetermined distance away
from the entrance of the boat garage G) and the controller EM can
actuate the garage door GD to close, and the one or more sensors
can sense the position of the garage door GD. If said sensors sense
that the trolley 10 is not clear of the boat garage G, the
controller EM can inhibit (e.g., prevent) the garage door GD from
closing to prevent the garage door from striking the boat B.
[0119] Once clear of the boat garage G, the controller EM can
operate the motor M (e.g., via a deadman button pressed by the
operator) to move the trolley 10 toward the dock channel D. One or
more of the sensors can sense when the trolley 10 is adjacent the
opening of the dock channel D. At this point, the user can decouple
the slings 34 from the posts 32, and the sensors can communicate
said decoupling to the controller EM, which can then actuate the
motor M to move the trolley 10 over the opening in the dock channel
D. The user can then position the slings 34 under the boat B and
recouple the ends of the slings 34 to the posts 32. The sensors can
communicate the recoupling of the slings 34 to the posts 32, and
the controller EM can operate the lift mechanism LM to lift the
boat B off the trolley 10 frame 14. Once the boat B is off the
trolley 10 (e.g., as sensed by one or more sensors, such as weight
sensors on the trolley 10 or sensors on the lift mechanism LM), the
controller EM can move the trolley 10 from below the boat B and out
of the opening in the dock channel D, and can then operate the lift
mechanism LM to lower the boat into the dock channel D and onto the
water surface. The user can then operate the boat B.
[0120] Once done operating the boat B, the boat B can be moved from
the dock channel D to back to the boat garage G by operating the
control system 500 and boat lift and trolley assembly 100, 200 in
the reverse order. First the user can move the boat B back into
position in the dock channel and confirm the slings 34 are disposed
under the hull of the boat B. The controller EM can operate the
lift mechanism LM to lift the boat B out of the dock channel D. One
or more sensors can sense when the boat B has been lifted to a
predetermined position out of the dock channel D; for example,
sensors can sense a position of the boat B and/or the slings 34 to
sense that the predetermined position has been reached and
communicate this to the controller EM. The controller EM can
operate the motor M to move the trolley 10 into position under the
boat B, and one or more sensors, can inform the controller EM when
the trolley 10 is under the boat B, at which point the controller
EM can operate the lift mechanism LM to lower the boat B onto the
trolley 10 frame. If the trolley 10 frame is not completely under
the boat B, as sensed by one or more of the sensors, the controller
EM can prevent the lift mechanism LM from lowering the boat B. One
or more sensors (e.g., weight sensors) can sense when the boat B
has been placed on the trolley 10 frame, and a user can decouple
the slings 34 from the posts 32 and remove the slings from under
the boat B, at which point the controller EM can operate the motor
M to move the trolley 10 away from the dock channel D and toward
the boat garage G. The user can the recouple the slings 34 to the
posts 32.
[0121] One or more sensors can sense when the trolley 10 is
proximate the garage G, and the controller EM can operate the
garage door GD to open. Sensors on the garage door GD can indicate
the position of the garage door GD, and the controller EM can
operate the motor M to move the trolley 10 into the garage G based
on an indication that the garage door GD is fully open. One or more
sensors can inform the controller EM when the trolley 10 frame 14,
with the boat B thereon, is fully inside the boat garage G, and the
controller EM can operate the garage door GD to close.
[0122] In addition to the indications provided to the controller EM
by the one or more sensors on the track 20 or on the trolley 10, as
discussed above, the sensors S2 can inform the controller EM if
there are any obstructions on the track 20, and the controller EM
can prevent movement of the trolley 10 based on said sensed
information until such an obstruction is no longer sensed.
[0123] As noted above, optionally a remote control device (e.g.,
such as remote control R) may be configured to control the
operation of the mechanisms discussed herein. For example, the
remote control may be in the form of a portable wireless device,
such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a
wearable (e.g., a smart watch), and/or the like. The remote control
device may also be a wired controller removably attached to a
structure (e.g., attached to the garage, a post, or elsewhere).
Optionally, the remote control functionality may be provided via an
application (an "app") downloaded onto the remote control device
(e.g., via an app store) or preinstalled on the remote control
device. The app may be installed in non-volatile remote control
device memory and may be executed by a processing device to perform
operations described herein. In addition to providing an interface
for controlling the mechanisms described herein, the remote control
device may report status data received from sensors described
herein, errors, camera views, messages, and/or other data.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 28A, an example remote control device and
interface is displayed. Optionally, the illustrated remote control
device may include a touch display, a soft or hard keyboard,
microphones, cameras, and/or speakers. In this example, the remote
control device is a wireless device that includes one or more
wireless interfaces (e.g., a cell phone modem, a WiFi interface, a
Bluetooth interface, a Zigby interface, a proprietary wireless
interface, and/or other interface). The wireless interfaces may be
used to send commands to the motors and other devices/components
described herein and to request/receive data from the sensors
disclosed herein. Some or all of the received sensor data may then
be processed and displayed to the user via one or more user
interfaces.
[0125] For example, the sensors may include position sensors (e.g.,
contact sensors, magnetic sensors, ultrasonic sensors,
photoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, load sensors, float
sensors, capacitive sensors, cameras, and/or other sensor types).
By way of example, the sensors may be positioned and configured to
detect the position of the boat trolley, the position of the lift
assembly, the position of the garage door, the position of the mule
50, 50', the alignment of the rails 20A, 20A', 20B, 20B', and/or
whether the pin(s) 42 have been fully extended to confirm the
platform is engaged with the track. The sensors may include one or
more wired or wireless cameras configured to stream images (e.g.,
still images and/or video images) to the remote control device. For
example, one or more cameras may be positioned within the garage,
on the trolley, on the mule, on the platform, on the tracks, and/or
elsewhere to provide views of the boat, trolley, mule, track,
platform, garage, garage door, and/or surrounding environment. The
cameras may include wide angle lenses, fish eye lenses, rectilinear
lenses, and/or macro lenses. The cameras may be positioned to be
upward facing, downward facing, or level facing. The cameras may be
motorized so that the pointing angle of the camera is controllable
via the remote control device. Each camera may transmit images in
association with a camera identifier (which may indicate the
location of the camera).
[0126] Additionally, as discussed elsewhere herein, sensors may be
configured to indicate that the lift cables/slings are in a stowed
position. Sensors may be configured to measure the charge level of
the batteries discussed herein, and to detect whether the batteries
are currently being charged. Sensors may be configured to determine
sling connection status. Some or all of the motors discussed herein
may be equipped with some or all of the following sensors:
overcurrent sensors (to detect overcurrent conditions), vibration
sensors (to detect potentially damaging vibration), speed/rotation
sensors, and/or temperature. The foregoing sensors may be used to
detect a motor failure or potential failure, and to identify the
cause of such failure or potential failure.
[0127] Certain sensors may be discrete in nature. For example, the
mule position sensors may be spaced apart on the track(s) (e.g.,
every foot, every three feet, or other spacing) so as to provide a
corresponding position detection resolution. Certain sensors may be
continuous in nature (e.g., range finder sensors) so as to provide
continuous or almost continuous position detection with high
resolution (e.g., 0.1 inch, 0.5 inch, 1 inch).
[0128] The sensors may be water resistant, and in particular
seawater/saltwater compatible. For example, sensors may optionally
have housings of saltwater resistant materials, such as titanium,
ceramic, plastic, and/or marine bronze.
[0129] Referring again to FIG. 28A, the example user interface may
be organized into multiple areas to provide a logical, easy to
learn arrangement. Further, such an arrangement may provide the
most or more commonly used and/or critical control and status in a
single display to thereby reduce the need to navigate through many
screens. In the illustrated example, a control area 2802 provides
controls to cause the foregoing mechanisms to transport the boat to
the platform, to transport the boat to the garage, to move the
platform up, to move the platform down, to open the garage door,
and close the garage door.
[0130] Optionally, certain controls may be selectively configured
as dead man controls that the user must continuously press for the
corresponding operation to be performed to completion, wherein if
the user releases the control, the app (which may continuously
monitor the user's touch of the control) commands the corresponding
component to stop a corresponding operation (or ceases commanding
the component to perform the corresponding operation). Optionally,
the app may be configured to respond to voice commands to execute
the operations described herein. For example, the voice commands
may be received via the remote control device microphone, and the
voice commands may be translated to text (e.g., using a natural
language processing engine). The text may be compared to tags
associated with available operations, a match may be identified,
and the matching operation may be caused to be performed.
[0131] In addition, controls are provided which may cause the
application to access and/or display certain information. For
example, activation of a message control may cause messages
generated by the app or received by the app from a remote system to
be presented (see, e.g., FIG. 28C). Example messages may include an
indication that there is a software update for the app, that
remedial action needs to be taken (e.g., removal of debris on the
track, replacement of rechargeable battery, etc.), current weather
and/or ocean conditions, and/or other message types. Activation of
the error log control may cause an error log to be accessed and
presented, where the error log includes detected errors and the
respective date/time of the detected errors. For example, the error
log may include a history of detected obstructions, such as the
object and/or location of the obstructions (e.g., stern, bow, mule,
trolley, etc.). By way of further example, the error log may
include motor overcurrent detections, battery charge failures,
sensor failures, etc. The error log may include errors detected
since inception of the error log and/or may be limited to a user
specified date range.
[0132] Activation of the status control may cause the current
operational and/or location status of various components (see,
e.g., FIG. 28B), such as the garage door, the platform, the
trolley, the mule, the pin(s), the rail alignment, the drive train
tension, the sling status, the presence/location of obstructions,
and/or the like. For example, the status may indicate "Trolley
moving," "Trolley stopped," "Obstruction stern," "Obstruction bow,"
"Obstruction Mule," "Latch/lock error," "mule battery at 75%
charge," "Garage door open," "Garage door closed," "Platform up,"
Platform down," "Pins locked," "Rails aligned," "Drive train
slack," "Boat parked," and/or the like. Errors displayed via the
status user interface may also be included in the error log,
however the error log may exclude non-error related status.
[0133] Various camera controls may be provided. When a given camera
control is activated, the corresponding camera feed may be used by
the remote control device and displayed via the camera feed display
area 2804. In this example, trolley camera, track camera, and
garage camera controls are provided, however additional, fewer
and/or different camera controls may be provided. In addition,
controls may be provided that enable the user to point the cameras
to a desired pointing angle.
[0134] In addition, an animated, graphic representation of various
components may be displayed in animated status area 2804. By way of
illustration, sensor position data received by the app may be
analyzed and the sensor data may be reflected via the animated
status area 2804. For example, animated status area 2804 may
indicate the position of the galley as the galley is being moved
down the track. By way of further example, the animated status area
2804 may indicate the current position of the mule(s), garage door,
and/or platform (e.g., up, down, moving upwards, moving downwards).
In addition, the gauge 2806 may indicate the vertical position of
the platform. By way of illustration, the app may store a mapping
of various sensors to the illustrated tracks, track positions, and
related components. When a sensor reports a position of a given
component (e.g., the location of the trolley on the tracks) the
representation of the trolley and/or boat may be redrawn or moved
to correspond to the reported position.
[0135] The gauge 2808 may indicate the battery charge level of a
mule battery, and may indicate whether or not the battery is
currently being charged. Optionally, a battery charge level gauge
or other indicator may be provided for each mule and/or other
battery-powered devices.
[0136] FIGS. 29A-29B illustrate an example process for deploying a
boat from the garage (which may be executed by the apparatus
described herein), as similarly discussed above. At block 2902, the
process detects a user activation of a "boat out" control.
Optionally, the process operates on a dead man basis, where the
process continuously monitors the user activation of the "boat out"
control, and if the user releases the control, the process stops
certain operations.
[0137] At block 2904, a determination is made from the garage door
sensor readings as to whether the garage door is open. If the
garage door is not open, at block 2906, the garage door is
commanded to open. The process may wait until the garage door
sensors indicate that the garage door is fully open. At block 2908,
the transport mechanism (e.g., the dockside mule and trolley) is
commanded to transport the boat to the platform at the end of the
track. The platform motors/pneumatics are commanded to raise the
platform.
[0138] As the boat is being navigated on the track, the various
sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) monitor for obstructions (e.g.,
branches, rocks, seaweed, etc. on the track). At block 2910, a
determination is made as to whether the sensors detected an
obstruction. If an obstruction is detected that appears to be a
potential hindrance to the safe transport of the boat, at block
2912, the process commands the transport mechanism to stop movement
(e.g., to stop movement of the dockside mule and trolley).
Otherwise, at block 2914, sensors are monitored to detect if the
transport mechanism has reached the end of the track ending at the
gap between the track and the platform. In response to detecting
that the transport mechanism has reached the end of the track, the
transport mechanism is commanded to halt.
[0139] At block 2918, a determination is made from corresponding
sensor readings as to whether the platform is fully raised to the
top position. At block 2920, the platform hydraulics are bumped in
the up mode to ensure the platform is fully trapped in an XY
retainer (which reduces or eliminates the likelihood of minor
leaks).
[0140] At block 2922, the lock pins are extended from the dockside
tracks to the platform tracks to align the dockside tracks with the
platform tracks. In response to the process sensing that the lock
pins are fully extended and locked (via corresponding sensors) to
the platform tracks, at block 2924 the transport mechanism is
commanded to be moved to the platform track until the stern side of
the trolley contacts the platform mule. At block 2926, the platform
mule clamps are commanded to latch the trolley truck (e.g., on the
stern side). At block 2930, the dockside mule clamps are commanded
to unlatch from the bow-side trolley truck. At block 2931, the
platform mule is commanded to transport the trolley onto the
platform and park the trolley in the appropriate location (e.g.,
the stern side of the platform). At block 2932, the dockside mule
is commanded to move backwards (e.g., 2-4 feet) from the platform
gap. At block 2932, a platform-based hydraulic mechanism is
commanded to push a locking tab up to lock the platform mule or the
trolley to prevent trolley movement
[0141] At block 2934, the pins are commanded to retract from the
platform rails. At block 2936, in response to sensors detecting
that the pins have been successfully retracted, the platform
controls are enabled so that the user can utilize the platform
control to provide desired commands.
[0142] FIG. 30 illustrates an example process for returning the
boat and trolley to the garage, as similarly discussed above. The
boat is docked onto the lowered platform (where the platform is
lowered beneath the surface of the water) and onto the trolley
support bunkers. At block 3002, the process detects a user
activation of a "Platform up" control, indicating that the platform
and bunkered boat are to be raised. Optionally, the process
operates on a dead man basis, where the process continuously
monitors the user activation of the "Platform up" control, and if
the user releases the control, the process stops certain operations
(e.g., the movement of the platform).
[0143] At block 3004, in response to the detected activation of the
"Platform up" command, the platform is commanded to be raised. When
the platform is fully raised, the platform movement stops. At block
3006, the process detects a user activation of a "Boat to garage"
control, indicating that boat and trolley are to be returned to the
garage. At block 3008, in response to detecting the "Boat to
garage" command, the user-accessible platform controls (e.g.,
provided via the remote control device) are optionally disabled to
prevent the user from commanding the platform to perform an action
that may be unsafe or that may damage the boat, rails, or other
components. In addition, the controller is commanded to bump the up
platform hydraulics to ensure that the platform cylinder is in the
full up position. At block 3010, the pins are commanded to extend
from the track end to engage the platform rails, and to thereby
align the platform tracks with the tracks going to the garage. At
block 3012, in response to sensing via sensors that the pins are
fully extended and locked to the platform rails, the trolley
hydraulic lock tabs on the platform are caused to disengage.
[0144] At block 3014, the dockside mule is commanded to move to the
most forward position on the track, to a point just before the gap
between the dockside track and the platform, and stop. At block
3016, the platform mule, on the stern side of the boat, is
commanded to transport the trolley towards the dockside mule, until
the dockside mule clamps engage the trolley. At block 3018, the
platform mule is commanded to release its clamps so as to disengage
from the trolley. At block 3020, position sensors are monitored to
determine if the trolley has cleared the gap between the platform
and the tracks. In response to detecting that the trolley has
cleared the gap between the platform and the tracks, the process
proceeds to block 3022, and the pins are retracted from the
platform rails. At block 3024, in response to detecting that the
pins have been retracted from the platform rails (so that the
platform tracks are no longer mechanically coupled to the dockside
tracks), the platform controls (e.g., on the remote control device)
are enabled so that the user can independently control the platform
now that it is safe to do so.
[0145] At block 3026, the dockside mule is commanded to transport
the trolley to the garage. At block 3028, the process detects, via
corresponding door sensors, whether the garage door is open. In
response to detecting the garage door is not open, at block 3030,
the garage door is commanded to open. At block the 3032, a
determination is made as to whether the trolley is at a parked
position in the garage (e.g., by monitoring a sensor at or near the
end of the track that indicates whether the trolley is at a
designated end point). At block 3034, the garage door is commanded
to close automatically, or a user can manually activate a door
close control so as to close the door.
Additional Embodiments
[0146] In embodiments of the present invention, an automated boat
lift and trolley system may be in accordance with any of the
following clauses:
[0147] Clause 1: An automated boat lift and trolley system for
moving a boat from a boat garage and a dock, comprising: [0148] a
track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run
from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate
a dock; [0149] a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon,
the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the
trolley to the pair of rails of the track; [0150] a lift assembly
disposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a platform
spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform having a pair
of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is moved from the
track, the lift assembly operable to lower the platform with the
boat trolley and boat thereon into water to facilitate removal of
the boat from the boat trolley for use, the lift assembly operable
to raise the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon such
that the pair of platform rails are substantially aligned with the
pair of track rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley from
the platform onto the track; [0151] a drive assembly as least
partially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the
movement of the boat trolley along the track and from the track
onto the platform; and [0152] a controller at least partially
disposed in the garage, the controller configured to automatically
control operation of the boat trolley to move along the track,
between the track and the platform, and to control the lift
assembly to lower the boat into the water based at least in part on
the sensed information communicated by one or more sensors to the
controller.
[0153] Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein the drive assembly
comprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively
coupled to a track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or
proximate the garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate an end of
the track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven
sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat trolley,
wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft thereof in
one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a
first direction and the chain to move in a second direction thereby
causing the boat trolley to move in the second direction, and
wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaft in an
opposite direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotates
in a third direction opposite the first direction and the chain to
move in a fourth direction opposite the second direction thereby
causing the boat trolley to move in the fourth direction.
[0154] Clause 3: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
chain of the track chain drive operatively couples to the boat
trolley via a mule coupled to the chain, the mule being movably
coupled to one of the pair of track rails and configured to move
between a first end position in the garage and an opposite end
position proximate an end of the track, the mule comprising a
grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the
mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley
in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged
position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat
trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boat
trolley.
[0155] Clause 4: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a
wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate
the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to
communicate with the controller, the controller configured to
operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when
the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.
[0156] Clause 5: The system of any preceding clause, further
comprising an inductive power transmitter disposed in or near the
garage, the inductive power transmitter configured to charge the
one or more rechargeable batteries on the mule when the mule is at
or near the first end position in the garage.
[0157] Clause 6: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a
wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate
the grabber armlet, and the boat trolley comprises one or more
proximity sensors configured to receive power from the one or more
rechargeable batteries when the mule is coupled to the boat
trolley, the one or more proximity sensors configured to
communicate with the controller, the controller configured to
operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when
the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.
[0158] Clause 7: The system of any preceding clause, further
comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the
track to the platform when the track rails are substantially
aligned with the platform rails to facilitate movement of the boat
trolley between the track and the platform, the locking mechanism
comprising one or more pins actuatable between a retracted position
in which the platform is decoupled from the track and an extended
position in which the platform is coupled to the track.
[0159] Clause 8: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
lift assembly comprises a platform drive assembly comprising a
motor operatively coupled to a platform chain drive having a drive
sprocket proximate a first location on the platform track, a driven
sprocket proximate a second location on the platform track spaced
from the first location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket
and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the
boat trolley when at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the
platform and configured to move the boat trolley along the platform
rails.
[0160] Clause 9: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
chain of the platform chain drive operatively couples to the boat
trolley via a platform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule
being movably coupled to one of the pair of platform rails and
configured to move between the first location and the second
location on the platform track, the platform mule comprising a
grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the
platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the
boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the
platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley.
[0161] Clause 10: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
platform mule further comprises a wireless transmitter, an
electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and
one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the
controller, the controller configured to operate the platform drive
assembly to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity
sensors sense an obstruction on the platform track.
[0162] Clause 11: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
controller comprises a wireless transceiver, the controller
configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control to
operate one or both of the motion of the boat trolley and a garage
door of the boat garage.
[0163] Clause 12: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the
remote control device is a mobile electronic device.
[0164] Clause 13: An automated boat lift and trolley system for
moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock, comprising: [0165]
a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to
run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end
proximate a dock; [0166] a boat trolley configured to support a
boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably
couple the trolley to the pair of track rails; [0167] a lift
assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a
platform spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform
having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is
moved from the track rails, the lift assembly operable to lower the
platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a lowered
position to facilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley
for use, the lift assembly operable to raise the platform with the
boat trolley and boat thereon to a raised position, the pair of
platform rails being substantially aligned with the pair of track
rails when the platform is in the raised position to facilitate
movement of the boat trolley between the platform and the track;
[0168] a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage
and configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the
track and between the track and the platform; and [0169] a
controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the
controller configured to automatically control operation of the
drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between the
track and the platform, and to control the lift assembly to lower
the boat trolley with the boat thereon to the lowered position
based at least in part on the sensed information communicated by
one or more sensors to the controller.
[0170] Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the drive
assembly comprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor
operatively coupled to a track chain drive having a drive sprocket
in or proximate the garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a
distal end of the track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket
and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat
trolley, wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft
thereof in one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to
rotate in a first direction and the chain to move in a second
direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the second
direction, and wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output
shaft in an opposite direction causes the drive and driven
sprockets to rotate in a third direction opposite the first
direction and the chain to move in a fourth direction opposite the
second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the
fourth direction.
[0171] Clause 15: The system of any of clauses 13-14, wherein the
chain of the track chain drive operatively couples to the boat
trolley via a mule coupled to the chain, the mule being movably
coupled to one of the pair of track rails and configured to move
between a first end position in the garage and an opposite end
position proximate the distal end of the track, the mule comprising
a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the
mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley
in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged
position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat
trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boat
trolley.
[0172] Clause 16: The system of any of clauses 13-15, wherein the
mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a
wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate
the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to
communicate with the controller, the controller configured to
operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when
the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.
[0173] Clause 17: The system of any of clauses 13-16, further
comprising an inductive power transmitter disposed in or near the
garage, the inductive power transmitter configured to charge the
one or more rechargeable batteries of the mule when the mule is at
or near the first end position in the garage.
[0174] Clause 18: The system of any of clauses 13-17, wherein the
mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a
wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate
the grabber armlet, and the boat trolley comprises one or more
proximity sensors configured to receive power from the one or more
rechargeable batteries when the mule is coupled to the boat
trolley, the one or more proximity sensors configured to
communicate with the controller, the controller configured to
operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when
the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.
[0175] Clause 19: The system of any of clauses 13-18, further
comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the
track to the platform when the track rails are substantially
aligned with the platform rails to facilitate movement of the boat
trolley between the track and the platform, the locking mechanism
comprising one or more pins actuatable between a retracted position
in which the platform is decoupled from the track and an extended
position in which the platform is coupled to the track.
[0176] Clause 20: The system of any of clauses 13-19, wherein the
lift assembly comprises a platform drive assembly comprising a
motor operatively coupled to a platform chain drive having a drive
sprocket proximate a first location on the platform track, a driven
sprocket proximate a second location on the platform track spaced
from the first location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket
and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the
boat trolley when at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the
platform and configured to move the boat trolley along the platform
rails.
[0177] Clause 21: The system of any of clauses 13-20, wherein the
chain of the platform chain drive operatively couples to the boat
trolley via a platform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule
being movably coupled to one of the pair of platform rails and
configured to move between the first location and the second
location on the platform track, the platform mule comprising a
grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the
platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the
boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the
platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley.
[0178] Clause 22: The system of any of clauses 13-21, wherein the
platform mule further comprises a wireless transmitter, an
electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and
one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the
controller, the controller configured to operate the platform drive
assembly to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity
sensors sense an obstruction on the platform track.
[0179] Clause 23: The system of any of clauses 13-22, wherein the
controller comprises a wireless transceiver, the controller
configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control to
operate one or both of the motion of the boat trolley and a garage
door of the boat garage.
[0180] Clause 24: The system of any of clauses 13-23, wherein the
remote control is a mobile electronic device.
[0181] Clause 25: An automated boat lift and trolley system for
moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock, comprising: [0182]
a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to
run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end
proximate a dock; [0183] a boat trolley configured to support a
boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably
couple the trolley to the pair of track rails; [0184] a drive
assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and configured
to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track and
between the track and a dock; and [0185] a controller at least
partially disposed in the garage, the controller configured to
automatically control operation of the drive assembly to move the
boat trolley along the track between the track and the dock.
[0186] Clause 26: The system of clause 25, further comprising a
lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a
platform spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform
having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is
moved from the track rails, the platform movable between a raised
position where the platform rails are substantially aligned with
the track rails and a lowered position to facilitate movement of
the boat trolley between the track rails and platform rails, the
lift assembly being operable to lower the platform with the boat
trolley and boat thereon to the lowered position to facilitate
removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use, the controller
configured to control the movement of the platform between the
lowered position and the raised position.
[0187] Clause 27: The system of any of clauses 25-26, wherein the
drive assembly comprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor
operatively coupled to a track chain drive having a drive sprocket
in or proximate the garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a
distal end of the track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket
and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat
trolley, wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft
thereof in one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to
rotate in a first direction and the chain to move in a second
direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the second
direction, and wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output
shaft in an opposite direction causes the drive and driven
sprockets to rotate in a third direction opposite the first
direction and the chain to move in a fourth direction opposite the
second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the
fourth direction.
[0188] Clause 28: The system of any of clauses 25-27, wherein the
chain of the track chain drive operatively couples to the boat
trolley via a mule coupled to the chain, the mule being movably
coupled to one of the pair of track rails and configured to move
between a first end position in the garage and an opposite end
position proximate the distal end of the track, the mule comprising
a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the
mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley
in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged
position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat
trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boat
trolley.
[0189] Clause 29: The system of any of clauses 25-28, wherein the
mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a
wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate
the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to
communicate with the controller, the controller configured to
operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when
the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.
[0190] Clause 30: The system of any of clauses 25-29, further
comprising an inductive power transmitter disposed in or near the
garage, the inductive power transmitter configured to charge the
one or more rechargeable batteries of the mule when the mule is at
or near the first end position in the garage.
[0191] Clause 31: The system of any of clauses 25-30, wherein the
mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a
wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate
the grabber armlet, and the boat trolley comprises one or more
proximity sensors configured to receive power from the one or more
rechargeable batteries when the mule is coupled to the boat
trolley, the one or more proximity sensors configured to
communicate with the controller, the controller configured to
operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when
the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track.
[0192] Clause 32: The system of any of clauses 25-31, further
comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the
track to the platform when the track rails are substantially
aligned with the platform rails to facilitate movement of the boat
trolley between the track and the platform, the locking mechanism
comprising one or more pins actuatable between a retracted position
in which the platform is decoupled from the track and an extended
position in which the platform is coupled to the track.
[0193] Clause 33: The system of any of clauses 25-32, wherein the
lift assembly comprises a platform drive assembly comprising a
motor operatively coupled to a platform chain drive having a drive
sprocket proximate a first location on the platform track, a driven
sprocket proximate a second location on the platform track spaced
from the first location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket
and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the
boat trolley when at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the
platform and configured to move the boat trolley along the platform
rails.
[0194] Clause 34: The system of any of clauses 25-33, wherein the
chain of the platform chain drive operatively couples to the boat
trolley via a platform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule
being movably coupled to one of the pair of platform rails and
configured to move between the first location and the second
location on the platform track, the platform mule comprising a
grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a
disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the
platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the
boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber
armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the
platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley.
[0195] Clause 35: The system of any of clauses 25-34, wherein the
platform mule further comprises a wireless transmitter, an
electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and
one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the
controller, the controller configured to operate the platform drive
assembly to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity
sensors sense an obstruction on the platform track.
[0196] Clause 36: The system of any of clauses 25-35, wherein the
controller comprises a wireless transceiver, the controller
configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control to
operate one or both of the motion of the boat trolley and a garage
door of the boat garage.
[0197] Clause 37: The system of any of clauses 25-36, wherein the
remote control is a mobile electronic device.
[0198] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been
described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example
only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be
embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various
omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods
described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of
the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are
intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within
the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of
the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended
claims.
[0199] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in
conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to
be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or
example described in this section or elsewhere in this
specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features
disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,
abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or
process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except
combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are
mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details
of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel
one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this
specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and
drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the
steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[0200] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this
disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be
implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely,
various features that are described in the context of a single
implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations
separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although
features may be described above as acting in certain combinations,
one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases,
be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed
as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0201] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings
or described in the specification in a particular order, such
operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or
in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to
achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted
or described can be incorporated in the example methods and
processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be
performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the
described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or
reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the
processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown
in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps
described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore,
the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed
above may be combined in different ways to form additional
embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present
disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in
the implementations described above should not be understood as
requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be
understood that the described components and systems can generally
be integrated together in a single product or packaged into
multiple products.
[0202] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines,
and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments
disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g.,
ASICs or FPGA devices), computer software that runs on computer
hardware, or combinations of both. Moreover, the various
illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection
with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or
performed by a machine, such as a processor device, a digital
signal processor ("DSP"), an application specific integrated
circuit ("ASIC"), a field programmable gate array ("FPGA") or other
programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,
discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed
to perform the functions described herein. A processor device can
be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device
can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine,
combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can
include electrical circuitry configured to process
computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a
processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that
performs logic operations without processing computer-executable
instructions. A processor device can also be implemented as a
combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and
a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such
configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to
digital technology, a processor device may also include primarily
analog components. For example, some or all of the rendering
techniques described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry
or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can
include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to,
a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer,
a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device
controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name
a few.
[0203] The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm
described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can
be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by
a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software
module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM
memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a
CD-ROM, or any other form of a non-transitory computer-readable
storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the
processor device such that the processor device can read
information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In
the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the
processor device. The processor device and the storage medium can
reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the
alternative, the processor device and the storage medium can reside
as discrete components in a user terminal. The computer devices
discussed herein may optionally include displays, user input
devices (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition,
etc.), network interfaces, cameras, microphones, and/or the
like.
[0204] While the phrase "click" or similar phrases may be used with
respect to a user selecting a control, menu selection, or the like,
other user inputs may be used, such as voice commands, text entry,
gestures, etc. User inputs may, by way of example, be provided via
an interface, such as via text fields, wherein a user enters text,
and/or via a menu selection (e.g., a drop down menu, a list or
other arrangement via which the user can check via a check box or
otherwise make a selection or selections, a group of individually
selectable icons, etc.). When the user provides an input or
activates a control, a corresponding computing system may perform
the corresponding operation. Some or all of the data, inputs and
instructions provided by a user may optionally be stored in a
system data store (e.g., a database), from which the system may
access and retrieve such data, inputs, and instructions. The
notifications/alerts and user interfaces described herein may be
provided via a Web page, a dedicated or non-dedicated mobile device
(e.g., phone application), computer application, a short messaging
service message (e.g., SMS, MMS, etc.), instant messaging, email,
push notification, audibly, a pop-up interface, and/or
otherwise.
[0205] The user terminals described herein may be in the form of a
mobile communication device (e.g., a cell phone), laptop, tablet
computer, interactive television, game console, media streaming
device, head-wearable display, networked watch, etc. The user
terminals may optionally include displays, user input devices
(e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.),
network interfaces, etc.
[0206] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects,
advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not
necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with
any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the
art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried
out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of
advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other
advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
[0207] Conditional language, such as "can," "could," "might," or
"may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise
understood within the context as used, is generally intended to
convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do
not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such
conditional language is not generally intended to imply that
features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or
more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily
include logic for deciding, with or without user input or
prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are
included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
[0208] Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X,
Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise
understood with the context as used in general to convey that an
item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive
language is not generally intended to imply that certain
embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one
of Y, and at least one of Z.
[0209] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms
"approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" as used
herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the
stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a
desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the
terms "approximately", "about", "generally," and "substantially"
may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less
than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and
within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in
certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and
"substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount, or
characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or
equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or
0.1 degree.
[0210] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be
limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in
this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined
by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this
specification or as presented in the future. The language of the
claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed
in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the
present specification or during the prosecution of the application,
which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.
* * * * *