U.S. patent application number 17/465566 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for roller assembly for floating watercraft port.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovative Outdoor Solutions, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Innovative Outdoor Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard G. Johanneck.
Application Number | 20220063777 17/465566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220063777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johanneck; Richard G. |
March 3, 2022 |
ROLLER ASSEMBLY FOR FLOATING WATERCRAFT PORT
Abstract
One example provides a roller assembly for conveying a
watercraft on a floating drive-on watercraft port. The roller
assembly includes an axle, a center roller disposed on the axle,
and a pair of shoulder rollers disposed on the axle, one shoulder
roller disposed on each side of the center roller, the center
roller and each shoulder roller free to spin independently from one
another about the axle. Each shoulder roller includes an outer
sidewall facing away from the center roller, and an inner sidewall
facing the roller, a diameter of the shoulder roller at the outer
sidewall being greater than a diameter of the shoulder roller at
the inner sidewall such that an outer circumferential surface of
the shoulder roller is downwardly angled from the outer sidewall
toward the center roller.
Inventors: |
Johanneck; Richard G.;
(Maple Lake, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Innovative Outdoor Solutions, Inc. |
Maple Lake |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Innovative Outdoor Solutions,
Inc.
Maple Lake
MN
|
Appl. No.: |
17/465566 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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63073709 |
Sep 2, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
B63C 1/02 20060101
B63C001/02 |
Claims
1. A roller assembly for conveying a watercraft on a floating
drive-on watercraft port, comprising: an axle; a center roller
disposed on the axle; and a pair of shoulder rollers disposed on
the axle, one shoulder roller disposed on each side of the center
roller, the center roller and each shoulder roller free to spin
independently from one another about the axle, each shoulder roller
having: an outer sidewall facing away from the center roller; and
an inner sidewall facing the roller, a diameter of the shoulder
roller at the outer sidewall being greater than a diameter of the
shoulder roller at the outer sidewall such that an outer
circumferential surface of the shoulder roller is downwardly angled
from the outer sidewall toward the center roller.
2. The roller assembly of claim 1, wherein each shoulder roller
includes a cylindrical roller pocket on the inner sidewall which is
coaxial with the axle, wherein opposing ends of the center roller
are disposed within the cylindrical roller pockets of the pair of
shoulder rollers.
3. The roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the diameter at the
inner sidewall is equal to a diameter of the center roller.
4. The roller assembly of claim 1, each shoulder roller having: an
outer portion including the outer sidewall; and an inner portion
including the inner sidewall, wherein an outer circumferential
surface of the outer portion is angled downwardly from the outer
sidewall to a transition with the inner potion at a first angle of
depression from a line parallel with a longitudinal axis of the
axle, and the inner portion is angled downwardly from the
transition with the outer portion to the inner sidewall at a second
angle of depression form a line parallel with the longitudinal axis
of the axle, where the second angle is greater than the first
angle.
5. The roller assembly of claim 1, each shoulder roller including:
a rim including a center hub defining a bore to receive the axle;
and a tire disposed about a circumferential surface of the rim, the
tire including a plurality of openings extending partially through
the tire from the outer sidewall toward the inner sidewall.
6. The roller assembly of claim 5, wherein a portion of the tire
corresponding to the outer portion of each shoulder roller
including a tread configured to shed water.
7. The roller assembly of claim 1, the center roller comprising: a
rim defining a bore to receive the axle; and a tire disposed about
a circumferential surface of the rim, the tire including a
plurality of through-holes extending through the tire between
opposing sidewalls.
8. The roller assembly of claim 1, the center roller and each
shoulder roller comprising molded copolymer materials.
9. A floating watercraft port comprising: at least one floating
dock section including: a first end; an opposing second end; and an
upper surface including a hull depression formed therein extending
symmetrically about a longitudinal axis of the dock section between
the first and second ends, and a wheel assembly disposed at the
upper surface at the second end of the dock section for conveying a
watercraft onto the dock section along the longitudinal axis, the
wheel assembly comprising: an axle defining an axis of rotation
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; a center roller disposed on
the axle and centered on the longitudinal axis; and a pair of
shoulder rollers disposed on the axle, one shoulder roller disposed
on each side of the center roller, the center roller and each
shoulder roller free to spin independently from one another about
the axle, each shoulder roller having: an outer sidewall facing
away from the center roller; and an inner sidewall facing the
roller, a diameter of the shoulder roller at the outer sidewall
being greater than a diameter of the shoulder roller at the inner
sidewall such that an outer circumferential surface of the shoulder
roller is downwardly angled from the outer sidewall toward the
center roller.
10. The floating watercraft port of claim 9, including a recessed
pocket extending into the upper surface, the wheel assembly
disposed within the pocket
11. The floating watercraft port of claim 9, wherein the diameter
at the inner sidewall is equal to a diameter of the center
roller.
12. The floating watercraft port of claim 9, each shoulder roller
comprising: an outer portion including the outer sidewall; and an
inner portion including the inner sidewall, wherein an outer
circumferential surface of the outer portion is angled downwardly
from the outer sidewall to a transition with the inner potion at a
first angle of depression from a line parallel with a longitudinal
axis of the axle, and the inner portion is angled downwardly from
the transition with the outer portion to the inner sidewall at a
second angle of depression form a line parallel with the
longitudinal axis of the axle, where the second angle is greater
than the first angle.
13. The floating watercraft port of claim 9, each shoulder roller
comprising: a rim including a center hub defining a bore to receive
the axle; and a tire disposed about a circumferential surface of
the rim, the tire including a plurality of openings extending
partially through the tire from the outer sidewall toward the inner
sidewall.
14. The floating watercraft port of claim 13, a portion of the tire
corresponding to the outer portion of each shoulder roller
including a tread configured to shed water.
15. The floating watercraft port of claim 9, the center roller
comprising: a rim defining a bore to receive the axle; and a tire
disposed about a circumferential surface of the rim, the tire
including a plurality of through-holes extending through the tire
between opposing sidewalls.
16. The roller assembly of claim 9, the center roller and each
shoulder roller comprising molded copolymer materials.
17. A wheel assembly for conveying a watercraft on a floating
drive-on watercraft port, comprising: an axle; a cylindrical center
roller having a first diameter disposed on the axle; and a pair of
shoulder rollers disposed on the axle at opposing ends of the
center roller, each shoulder roller comprising: an inner sidewall
with a diameter equal to the first diameter disposed adjacent to
the center roller; and an outer sidewall opposite the center roller
with a second diameter greater than the first diameter such that an
outer circumferential surface of the shoulder roller angles
downwardly from the outer sidewall to the inner sidewall.
18. The wheel assembly of claim 17, each shoulder roller
comprising: an inner portion including the inner sidewall; and an
outer portion including the outer sidewall; wherein from a
reference line parallel with a longitudinal axis of the axle, the
outer circumferential surface of the outer portion has a first
angle of depression from a line parallel with a longitudinal axis
of the axle, and the outer circumferential surface of the inner
portion has a second angle of depression, the second angle greater
than the first angle.
19. The wheel assembly of claim 17, where each shoulder roller
comprises: a rim defining a bore through which the axle passes; and
a tire disposed about the rim, a circumferential surface of the
tire forming the outer circumferential surface of the shoulder
roller, wherein the tire includes: a plurality openings extending
partially through the tire from the outer sidewall toward the inner
sidewall, the openings arrayed about an inner circumference of the
tire between the rim and the circumferential surface of the
tire.
20. The wheel assembly of claim 17, the center roller comprising: a
rim defining a bore through which the axle passes; and a tire
disposed about the rim, a circumferential surface of the tire
forming an outer circumferential surface of the center roller,
wherein the tire includes: a plurality openings extending through
the tire between opposing sidewall surfaces.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 63/073,709, filed Sep. 2, 2020, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Floating watercraft ports provide easy drive-on docking and
out-of-water storage of watercraft, including personal watercraft
and boats of various hull-types. Such floating watercraft ports
typically include a recessed cradle formed in an upper surface of
the port, and a number of rollers to receive and guide a hull of
the watercraft along the cradle during entry onto and exit from the
floating port. As owners purchase different watercraft, and
watercraft hull designs change over time, it is advantageous for
floating drive-on ports to be able to accommodate various hull
sizes and shapes.
SUMMARY
[0003] One example provides a roller assembly for conveying a
watercraft on a floating drive-on watercraft port. The roller
assembly includes an axle, a center roller disposed on the axle,
and a pair of shoulder rollers disposed on the axle, one shoulder
roller disposed on each side of the center roller, the center
roller and each shoulder roller free to spin independently from one
another about the axle. Each shoulder roller includes an outer
sidewall facing away from the center roller, and an inner sidewall
facing the center roller, a diameter of the shoulder roller at the
outer sidewall being greater than a diameter of the shoulder roller
at the inner sidewall such that an outer circumferential surface of
the shoulder roller is downwardly angled from the outer sidewall
toward the center roller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments
and together with the description serve to explain principles of
embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages
of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better
understood by reference to the following detailed description. The
elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to
each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar
parts.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floating watercraft port
including rollers, according to one example of the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a top view of a floating watercraft port including
rollers, according to one example of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a base portion of
a floating watercraft port including rollers, according to one
example of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an entrance
portion of a floating watercraft port including rollers, according
to one example of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a floating watercraft port
including rollers, according to one example of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a wobble roller, according
to one example.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a side view of a wobble roller, according to one
example.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wobble roller rim,
according to one example.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a wobble roller assembly,
according to one example.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a wobble
roller assembly, according to one example.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a wobble roller hub,
according to one example.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a wobble roller
assembly, according to one example.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a wobble roller
assembly, according to one example.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
implementation comprising a bushing that fits inside the hub that
allows transverse articulation perpendicular to changing hull
pitch. The bushing can be manufactured in a way that a lubricant
can be added to the molded bushing that would otherwise interfere
with adhesion from wheel hub to over-mold substrate.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
implementation comprising a gradual curved pitch to transfer weight
load evenly at any angle.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the overmold in which suspension holes have a gradual wall
thickness change the employs greater force to compress in "0"
degrees and gradually reduces force required to compress suspension
holes towards the outer edge of the wheel.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the over-mold in which suspension holes have a one sided taper
suspension hole to gain less suspension travel on one side vs.
other. In this embodiment user can change wheel orientation around
to accommodate a tailored compression assembly.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the over-mold in which suspension holes have a symmetrical
suspension hole that reduces weight needed to compress on both
sides equally.
[0023] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the over-mold in which a symmetrical tapered suspension hole
allows for greater force requirement in the middle and gradually
needs less force toward outside edges to compress suspension
holes.
[0024] FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross sectional views of an alternative
embodiment of a hub bushing that snap fits inside the hub and
allows for articulation of the wobble wheel while still allowing up
to 10 degrees of articulation. Said embodiment also allows bushing
polymer to hinge radially while spinning. Embodiment can employ a
low friction additive for lower desired coefficient of friction.
This is accomplished by eliminating the lubricant from interrupting
the chemical bond of compatible hub and substrate materials. Such
bushing materials that could be used to accomplish this would be a
engineered polymer such as Hytrel(PET), PEEK or Acetal(POM) all
which are compatible with an internal molded lubricant. This
embodiment also allows axle pin to stay concentric and supported
with bushing during articulated rotation. This embodiment also will
maintain a home position of 0 degrees until articulation force is
applied and will return to home position after wheel weight is
eliminated.
[0025] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a bowtie roller,
according to one example.
[0026] FIG. 23 is a side view illustrating a bowtie roller,
according to one example.
[0027] FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views illustrating a rim
of a shoulder roller, according to one example.
[0028] FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views illustrating a tire
of a shoulder roller, according to one example.
[0029] FIG. 26A is a perspective view illustrating a rim of a
center roller, according to one example.
[0030] FIG. 26B is a perspective view illustrating a tire of a
center roller, according to one example.
[0031] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating
portions of a bowtie roller, according to one example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which
is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional
terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading,"
"trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the
Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be
positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional
terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way
limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
appended claims.
[0033] It is to be understood that the features of the various
exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each
other, unless specifically noted otherwise.
[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective and top views, respectively,
illustrating an example of a floating drive-on watercraft port 10
including rollers to assist in guiding a watercraft on/off and
along watercraft port 10, in accordance with the present
disclosure, such as wobble wheels 60 and bowtie rollers 70. The
example watercraft port 10 includes a base section 12, and an
entrance, or tail, section 14, which are hinged together so that
base section 12 and tail section 14 can pivot or articulate
relative to one another about an axis 16 to assist on/off-loading
of a watercraft to/from port 10. In examples, base section 12 and
tail section 14 comprise rotationally molded shells of high-density
polyethylene filled with a marine-grade expanded polystyrene (EPS)
foam.
[0035] FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively illustrate perspective views of
base section 12 and tail section 14 when separated from one
another. With reference to FIG. 4, base section 12 includes a pair
of hinge knuckles 15a and 15b defining apertures 15c. Hinge
knuckles 15a and 15b insert into corresponding hinge pockets in the
bottom of tail section 14 (not illustrated), such that apertures
15c align with corresponding apertures 16a in tail section 14.
Hinge pins (not illustrated) are inserted through apertures 15c,
16a to pivotally join tail section 14 to base section 12.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, in one example, a first end 18
of base section 12 includes a pair of hinge knuckles 20a, 20b
extending therefrom which enable base section 12 to be pivotally
connected (e.g., via pins) to another structure, such as a dock
(e.g., a floating dock). An opposing second end 22 of base section
12 is non-linear in plan-view and has an inset region 22a that
mates with a tongue-like extension 24a of a first end 24 of tail
section 14. An opposing second end 26 of tail section 14 defines an
inlet or mouth 28 for receiving and directing a bow of watercraft
onto/off of floating watercraft port 10.
[0037] A top surface 30 of base section 12 and a top surface 32 of
tail section 14 together form a top surface 34 of watercraft port
10. A hull depression 36 is molded into top surface 34 and is
symmetrical about a longitudinal axis or centerline 38 of
watercraft port 10, with hull depression 36 being shaped to receive
a hull of a watercraft. In one example, hull depression 36 includes
a tapered bow region 40, an entrance region 42, and a center region
44 extending there between, and includes port and starboard
sidewalls 46a and 46b which curve upwardly from a central channel
48 toward top surface 34. Port and starboard sidewall 46a and 46b
of entrance region 42 are flared outwardly between port and
starboard sides 49a and 49b of watercraft port 10, and downwardly
towards a bottom surface 35 so as to form a funnel-like ramp which
directs a watercraft hull upwardly along centerline 38 toward
center region 44 of hull depression 36.
[0038] In one example, a number of recessed roller pockets 50 are
formed in port and starboard sidewalls 49a and 49b of hull
depression 36 along centerline 38 between bow region 40 and
entrance region 42. In one example, opposing rows 52a, 52b and 54a,
54b of recessed roller pockets 50 are symmetrically disposed along
opposite sides of central channel 48 of hull depression 36 at
different lateral distances (port and starboard) from centerline
38. In one example, a series of wobble wheels 60, which will be
described in greater detail below, are symmetrically mounted within
roller pockets 50 on opposing sides of enteral channel 48 to form
guide tracks to engage and direct a boat hull along centerline 36
while on/off-loading a watercraft to/from watercraft port 10. In
one example, as will be described in greater detail below, an axle
of wobble wheel 60 is mounted within axle sockets 51a and 51b on
opposing sides of each roller pocket 50 (see FIG. 4), such that an
axis of rotation of wobble wheels 60 is orthogonal to central axis
36.
[0039] An entrance roller 70 is mounted within an entrance roller
pocket 68 disposed at a base of tapered mouth 28 of entrance region
42. In one example, as will be described in greater detail below,
the entrance roller comprises a bowtie roller 70, in accordance
with the present disclosure, which serves as a both as a shock
absorber to lessen impact to both watercraft port 10 and a bow of a
watercraft upon initial contact during docking, and to direct the
bow of a watercraft toward centerline 38. In one example, as will
be described in greater detail below, an axle of bowtie roller 70
is mounted within axle sockets 69a and 69b of roller pocket 68 (see
FIG. 4), such that an axis of rotation of bowtie roller 70 is
orthogonal to central axis 36.
[0040] In one example, as illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, wobble
wheels 60 are mounted within roller pockets 50 of opposing rows 52a
and 52b closest to centerline 36. In another example, as
illustrated by the perspective view of watercraft port 10 of FIG.
5, a first portion of wobble wheels 60 are mounted in roller
pockets 50 of opposing rows 52a and 52b of tail section 14 closest
to centerline 36, and a second portion of wobble wheels 60 are
mounted in roller pockets 50 of opposing rows 54 and 54b of base
section 12 furthest away from centerline line 60. By mounting
wobble wheels 60 in portions of both inner and outer rows 52a/52b
and 54a/54b of roller pockets 50, wobble wheels 60 mounted in tail
section 14 initially engage and guide the bow of a watercraft,
which is typically narrower than other portion of the hull, onto
watercraft port 10 and along centerline 36, while wobble wheels 60
mounted in base section 12 engage and guide wider portions of the
watercraft hull as the watercraft is further loaded onto watercraft
port 10 while also providing stability to a watercraft when
docked.
[0041] FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively illustrate perspective and side
views of wobble wheel 60, in accordance with one example of the
present disclosure. Wobble wheel 60 includes a rim 80 having a
central hub 82 defining a bore 84 configured to receive an axle
(see FIGS. 9-13), an outer barrel 86, and a number of spokes 88
extending between central hub 82 and in inner surface 86a of outer
barrel 86. A tire 90 is disposed about the exterior surface of
outer barrel 86. In one example, tire 90 includes a plurality of
through-holes 92 extending through tire 90 between opposing
sidewalls 94, where through-holes 92 assist tire 90 in absorbing
kinetic energy from a watercraft hull during docking by enabling
tire 90 to better deflect relative to a solid tire. In one example,
as illustrated, spokes 88 have a non-linear, curved shape which
enable spokes 88 and outer barrel 86 to more easily flex (to
further absorb kinetic energy) without fracturing (e.g., cracking)
relative to straight/linear spokes.
[0042] In one example, rim 80 and tire 90 each comprise
single-piece, molded copolymer materials, such as thermoplastic
elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), for example. In
one example, tire 90 is over-molded onto rim 80. With reference to
FIG. 8, which is a perspective view of rim 80, according to one
example, outer surface 86b of outer barrel 86 includes a number of
depressions 87 formed therein about its circumference (e.g.,
scallop-like depressions) which assist in securing tire 90 to rim
80 when over-molded thereon. In one example, tire 90 is formed with
a copolymer material having a medium-soft durometer rating in a
range from 55-75 so as to absorb shock and not damage a watercraft
hull, but with a low compression set so as to return-to-shape (and
not have a "flat spot") after supporting a watercraft for long
periods of time.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 9, as described above, bore 84 of
central hub 82 receives an axle 98 which passes there through,
about which wobble wheel 60 is free to rotate. A longitudinal axis
of axle 98 represents an axis of rotation 99 of wheel 60. Together,
wobble wheel 60 and axle 98 represent a wobble wheel assembly 100,
where with opposing ends 98a and 98b of axle 98 are seated within
axle sockets 51a and 51b when wobble wheel assembly 100 is mounted
within a recessed roller pocket 50. In one example, bushings or
spacers 102 are disposed on axle 98 on both sides of wobble wheel
60 so as to retain wheel 60 on axle 98 and to space wheel 60 within
roller pocket 50 so as to prevent contact with sidewalls
thereof.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of wheel
assembly 100 of FIG. 9. In one example, as illustrated in greater
detail below by FIG. 11, central bore 84 is outwardly tapered so as
to be flared or fluted such that a diameter of central bore 84
increases from a central diameter to an outer diameter at the
openings to central bore 84 at opposing ends thereof.
[0045] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating central bore
84 in greater detail. In one example, sidewall portions 110a-110d
of bore 84 are angled outwardly from a center circumference of bore
84 at a transverse centerline 112 thereof (which coincides with a
transverse centerline of rim 80), such that a diameter of bore 84
increases from a diameter dC at center circumference of bore 84 at
transverse centerline 112, to a diameter dO at opposing openings
84a and 84b of bore 84. In one example, the diameter of bore 84
increases linearly from diameter dC to diameter dO with the
internal sidewall of bore 84, as illustrated at 110a-110d, forming
an angle, .theta., with an axial centerline 114 of bore 84 (which
coincides with an axial centerline of rim 80, and with the axis of
rotation 99). In one example, values of 0 are in a range from 5 to
10 degrees. In one example, .theta. has a value of 10 degrees.
[0046] The tapered shape of central bore 84 allows wobble wheel 60
to "wobble" or articulate from side-to-side on axle 98 as wheel 60
freely rotates about axle 98 when engaging a hull of a watercraft
being driven onto or off of watercraft port 10. By allowing wobble
wheels 60 to rotate from side-to-side, wobble wheels 60 are able to
adjust to the position and size of the hull, and are thereby better
able to maintain alignment of the hull with centerline 36, and are
better able to maintain a broad surface contact with the hull so as
to avoid damage thereto. In one example, as illustrated, the
surface of tire 90 is crowned (has a radius) so as to maintain
broad surface contact with a watercraft hull at different
angles.
[0047] FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of wheel assembly
100 respectively illustrating wobble wheel 60 tipped to the left
and to the right. With sidewalls 110a-110d being at angle, .theta.,
relative to axial centerline 114 of bore 84 (see FIG. 11), the
transverse axis 112 of wobble wheel 60 is able to tilt at angle,
.theta., to the left of vertical 113 (see FIG. 12), and at angle,
.theta., to the right of vertical 113 (see FIG. 13), for a range of
motion equal to 2.times.0. In one example, if angle, .theta., has a
value of 10-degrees, wobble wheel 60 has a range of motion of
20-degrees (i.e., +/-10-degrees from vertical). By articulating to
both the left and right, wobble wheel assembly 100 can be
universally mounted within roller pockets 50 in any direction on
either side of centerline 36. Although the range of angle, .theta.,
of sidewalls 110a-110d of bore 84 is described as being in a range
from 5 to 10 degrees, other angles may be employed. However, it is
noted that rotation of wobble roller 60 will be inhibited when
tipped if angle, .theta., is too large.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
implementation comprising a bushing that fits inside the hub that
allows transverse articulation perpendicular to changing hull
pitch. The bushing can be manufactured in a way that a lubricant
can be added to the molded bushing that would otherwise interfere
with adhesion from wheel hub to over-mold substrate.
[0049] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
implementation comprising a gradual curved pitch to transfer weight
load evenly at any angle.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the overmold in which suspension holes have a gradual wall
thickness change the employs greater force to compress in "0"
degrees and gradually reduces force required to compress suspension
holes towards the outer edge of the wheel.
[0051] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the over-mold in which suspension holes have a one sided taper
suspension hole to gain less suspension travel on one side vs.
other. In this embodiment user can change wheel orientation around
to accommodate a tailored compression assembly.
[0052] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the over-mold in which suspension holes have a symmetrical
suspension hole that reduces weight needed to compress on both
sides equally.
[0053] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of an alternative example
of the over-mold in which a symmetrical tapered suspension hole
allows for greater force requirement in the middle and gradually
needs less force toward outside edges to compress suspension
holes.
[0054] FIGS. 20 and 21 are cross sectional views of an alternative
embodiment of a hub bushing that snap fits inside the hub and
allows for articulation of the wobble wheel while still allowing up
to 10 degrees of articulation. Said embodiment also allows bushing
polymer to hinge radially while spinning. Embodiment can employ a
low friction additive for lower desired coefficient of friction.
This is accomplished by eliminating the lubricant from interrupting
the chemical bond of compatible hub and substrate materials. Such
bushing materials that could be used to accomplish this would be a
engineered polymer such as Hytrel(PET), PEEK or Acetal(POM) all
which are compatible with an internal molded lubricant. This
embodiment also allows axle pin to stay concentric and supported
with bushing during articulated rotation. This embodiment also will
maintain a home position of 0 degrees until articulation force is
applied and will return to home position after wheel weight is
eliminated.
[0055] FIGS. 22 and 23 respectively illustrate perspective and side
views of bowtie roller 70, according to one example of the present
disclosure. Although illustrated primarily herein as being employed
as an entrance roller, bowtie roller 70 may be used for other
purposes and in other locations with floating watercraft ports. In
the illustrated example, bowtie roller 70 includes a pair of
shoulder rollers 120, illustrated as shoulder rollers 120a and
120b, and a center roller 140, with each of the rollers being
disposed on a same axle 160, with each roller able to spin freely
and independently from one another about axle 160. Each shoulder
roller 120 includes a rim 122 including a center hub 124 defining a
bore 126 to receive axle 160 (see FIGS. 24A and 24B below for
further detail), and a tire 130 disposed on rim 122. In examples,
bushings (not illustrated) may be disposed on axle 160 adjacent to
each shoulder roller 120 to maintain positions of shoulder rollers
120 and center roller 140 on axle 160.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 23, tire 130 of shoulder roller 120
includes an inner tire portion 132 and an outer tire portion 134,
with shoulder roller 120 positioned on axle 160 such that inner
tire portion 132 faces center roller 140. In one example, a
diameter of outer tire portion 134 of tire 130 decreases from a
diameter D1 at an outer sidewall 136a opposite inner tire portion
132 to a diameter D2 where outer tire portion 134 transitions to
inner tire portion 132, such that outer tire portion 134 has a
first angle of depression, al, relative to an axis of rotation 164
of bowtie roller 70 (which coincides with the longitudinal axis of
axle 160) from outer sidewall 136a toward inner tire portion 132.
Similarly, a diameter of inner tire portion 132 decreases from
diameter D2 at the transition with outer tire portion 134 to a
diameter D3 at an inner sidewall 136b, such that inner tire portion
132 has a second angle of depression, .alpha.2, relative to the
axis of rotation 164. In one example, as illustrated, second angle
of depression, .alpha.2, is greater than first angle of depression,
al. In one example, the diameter of center roller 140 matches the
diameter, D3, at inner sidewall 136b of tire 130.
[0057] FIGS. 24A and 24B are perspective views illustrating hub 122
of shoulder rollers 120, according to one example. Hub 122 includes
a first hub portion 150, corresponding to outer tire portion 134,
and a second hub portion 152 corresponding to inner tire portion
132 of tire 130. First hub portion 150 includes center hub 124
defining bore 126, an outer barrel 154 having an inner surface 154a
and an outer surface 154b, and a number of spokes 156 extending
between center hub 124 and inner surface 154a of outer barrel 154.
In one example, outer surface 154b includes scallop-like
depressions 158 to interlock with outer tire portion 134 of
over-molded tire 130. Second hub portion 152 tapers downward from
first hub portion 150 and has an outer surface 170 including a
plurality of outwardly radiating ribs 172 to interlock inner tire
portion 132 of with over-molded tire 130.
[0058] FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective views illustrating tire
130, according to one example. In one example, outer tire portion
134 includes a number of tapered openings 180 extending partially
through tire 130 from outer sidewall 136a. Openings 180 enable
compression of otherwise solid tire 130 (similar to through-holes
92 of wobble wheel 60) to provide absorption of kinetic energy by
shoulder rollers 120 when contacted by a watercraft hull. In one
example, an outer surface of outer tire portion 134 includes a
tread 182 to shed water from shoulder rollers 120.
[0059] In one example, rim 122 and tire 130 of shoulder roller 120
each comprise single-piece, molded copolymer materials, such as
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), for
example. In one example, tire 130 is over-molded onto previously
molded rim 120. With reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B, scallop-like
depressions 158 and raised ribs 172 formed about the
circumferential surface of hub 122 assist in securing tire 130 to
rim 122 when tire 130 is over-molded thereon. In one example, tire
130 is formed with a copolymer material having a medium-soft
durometer rating in a range from 55-75 so as to absorb shock and
not damage a watercraft hull, but with a low compression set so as
to return-to-shape (and not have a "flat spot") after supporting a
watercraft for long periods of time.
[0060] FIGS. 26A and 26B respectively illustrate perspective views
of a rim 190 and a tire 200 of center roller 140, according to one
example. Rim 190 includes an outer barrel 192 defining bore 126
through which axle 160 passes. An outer surface 192 of barrel 192
includes a number of depressions 194 to assist in interlocking hub
190 with tire 200 which is over-molded thereon. A plurality of
through-holes 202 extend through tire 200 between opposing sidewall
204a and 204b to enable compression of otherwise solid tire 200
(similar to through-holes 92 of wobble wheel 60) to provide
absorption of kinetic energy by center roller 140 when contacted by
a watercraft hull.
[0061] In one example, rim 190 and tire 200 of center roller 140
each comprise single-piece, molded copolymer materials, such as
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic rubbers (TPR), for
example. In one example, tire 200 is over-molded onto previously
molded rim 190. With reference to FIG. 26A, depressions 194 in
outer surface 192a of hub 190 assist in securing tire 200 to rim
190 when tire 200 is over-molded thereon. In one example, tire 200
is formed with a copolymer material having a medium-soft durometer
rating in a range from 55-75 so as to absorb shock and not damage a
watercraft hull, but with a low compression set so as to
return-to-shape (and not have a "flat spot") after supporting a
watercraft for long periods of time.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, bowtie roller 70 is positioned
within entrance roller pocket 68, with opposing ends 162a and 162b
of axle 160 being mounted within axle sockets 69a and 69b.
[0063] As described above, shoulder rollers 120a, 120b and center
roller 140 each spin independently about axle 160. When driving a
watercraft onto watercraft port 10, tapered mouth 28 of entrance
section 14 directs a bow of the watercraft to bowtie (entrance)
roller 70. Upon initial contact, openings 180 within tire 130 of
shoulder rollers 120a and 120b, through-holes 202 extending through
tire 200 of center roller 140, and the elastic characteristics of
the material from which tires 130 and 200 are formed, absorb a
portion of kinetic energy of the watercraft rather than
transferring such kinetic energy into the watercraft port 10 and
the watercraft hull, thereby reducing a "jarring" effect of initial
contact. As the watercraft is driven onto watercraft port 10, the
independent spinning of each roller, and the downward angle of each
shoulder roller 120a, 120b toward center roller 140 cause the
watercraft hull to self-align with the longitudinal centerline 36
of watercraft port 10. Similarly, bowtie roller 70 functions to
assist in maintain central alignment of a watercraft hull when the
watercraft is being driven off of watercraft port 10. As described
above, center rollers 140 of different widths may be employed to
adjust an overall width of bowtie roller 170 to accommodate
watercraft hulls of different widths.
[0064] FIG. 27 is a simplified cross-sectional view generally
illustrating portions of a bowtie roller 70, according to one
example of the present disclosure. According to the example of FIG.
27, inner tire portions 132 of shoulder rollers 120a and 120b each
include a circular extension 196 extending from inner sidewall 136b
and forming a cylindrical roller pocket 198 which is coaxial with
bore 126. As illustrated, opposing ends of center roller 140 are
disposed within cylindrical roller pockets 198 of shoulder rollers
120a and 120b. Disposing opposing ends of center roller 140 within
roller pockets 198 prevents objects (including keels of boat hulls
and pontoons) from becoming wedged between the ends of center
roller 140 and shoulder rollers 120a and 120b.
[0065] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the
present invention. This application is intended to cover any
adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed
herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited
only by the claims and the equivalents thereof
* * * * *