Patent classifications
B63C3/02
ATTACHABLE LOADING RAMP FOR MODULAR FLOATING VESSEL PLATFORMS
A loading ramp includes a contoured component with upwardly sloping surfaces and an opening for receiving the hull of a watercraft. The contoured component has a centrally located lower surface relative to the sides and front of the contoured unit. The loading ramp incorporates a way for the loading ramp to attach to a modular floating vessel platform.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND STIFFENING SYSTEM FOR MODULAR FLOATING PLATFORMS
A weight distribution and stiffening system is provided for modular floating platforms by creating internal channels that allow for the incorporation of stiffening members within the modular floating platform assembly. Float modules with horizontal recessed areas that are aligned with adjacent float modules to create open channels within the body of a modular floating platform.
FLOATING DRIVE-ON PONTOON PORT
One example provides a floating drive-on pontoon port including a plurality of floating sections pivotally coupled together in series with one another to form an articulating port track base and an articulating starboard track base extending longitudinally in parallel with one another, the port and starboard track bases each having a lower surface to be disposed in water and an opposing upper surface to face away from the water. A port transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the port track base, and a starboard transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the starboard track base and in parallel with the port transport track, the port and starboard transport tracks each comprising a series of spaced apart rollers configured to respectively receive, transport, and support a port pontoon and a starboard pontoon of a pontoon during loading, unloading, and storage of the pontoon boat on the pontoon port. A lateral position of the port and starboard transport tracks relative to one another is adjustable to adjust a lateral distance between the port and starboard transport tracks to accommodate pontoon boats of different widths.
FLOATING DRIVE-ON PONTOON PORT
One example provides a floating drive-on pontoon port including a plurality of floating sections pivotally coupled together in series with one another to form an articulating port track base and an articulating starboard track base extending longitudinally in parallel with one another, the port and starboard track bases each having a lower surface to be disposed in water and an opposing upper surface to face away from the water. A port transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the port track base, and a starboard transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the starboard track base and in parallel with the port transport track, the port and starboard transport tracks each comprising a series of spaced apart rollers configured to respectively receive, transport, and support a port pontoon and a starboard pontoon of a pontoon during loading, unloading, and storage of the pontoon boat on the pontoon port. A lateral position of the port and starboard transport tracks relative to one another is adjustable to adjust a lateral distance between the port and starboard transport tracks to accommodate pontoon boats of different widths.
BUOYANCY TANK WITH INTEGRATED CYLINDRICAL STRUCTURES
A buoyancy tank for a portable floatation apparatus which allows for the elevation of a watercraft above a water-line and which allows for the removal of the watercraft from a body of water. The buoyancy tank has at least one and/or a plurality of integrated cylindrical structures which supports the floatation apparatus in transport and storage. The integrated cylindrical structures provide sufficient support to allow the removal of the floatation apparatus by use of a boat lift and further provide sufficient support to allow a watercraft to be stacked on top of the floating apparatus while the floating apparatus is stacked on top of the floating apparatus for the purposes of storage. A plurality of said buoyancy tanks may be connected to the portable floatation apparatus by use of connecting means. The portable floatation apparatus should have a pumping device which pumps a sufficient volume of air into a plurality of the buoyancy tank which is effective to selectively and conveniently elevate a watercraft above a water line.
BUOYANCY TANK WITH INTEGRATED CYLINDRICAL STRUCTURES
A buoyancy tank for a portable floatation apparatus which allows for the elevation of a watercraft above a water-line and which allows for the removal of the watercraft from a body of water. The buoyancy tank has at least one and/or a plurality of integrated cylindrical structures which supports the floatation apparatus in transport and storage. The integrated cylindrical structures provide sufficient support to allow the removal of the floatation apparatus by use of a boat lift and further provide sufficient support to allow a watercraft to be stacked on top of the floating apparatus while the floating apparatus is stacked on top of the floating apparatus for the purposes of storage. A plurality of said buoyancy tanks may be connected to the portable floatation apparatus by use of connecting means. The portable floatation apparatus should have a pumping device which pumps a sufficient volume of air into a plurality of the buoyancy tank which is effective to selectively and conveniently elevate a watercraft above a water line.
A HANDLING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
The present invention concerns a handling system and method for use with a carrier vehicle or structure for unloading from, loading to and storing a smaller vehicle or body aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system includes a cradle for supporting a smaller vehicle or body therein. The cradle is mounted to a carrier vehicle or structure and is configured to be pivotable between a tilted position in which a smaller vehicle or body can be unloaded from or loaded into the cradle and a level position in which said smaller vehicle or body is stored aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system also includes at least one linear actuator for driving movement of the cradle between said tilted position and said level position.
A HANDLING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
The present invention concerns a handling system and method for use with a carrier vehicle or structure for unloading from, loading to and storing a smaller vehicle or body aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system includes a cradle for supporting a smaller vehicle or body therein. The cradle is mounted to a carrier vehicle or structure and is configured to be pivotable between a tilted position in which a smaller vehicle or body can be unloaded from or loaded into the cradle and a level position in which said smaller vehicle or body is stored aboard the carrier vehicle or structure. The system also includes at least one linear actuator for driving movement of the cradle between said tilted position and said level position.
Vehicle ramp resistant apparatus
A ramp restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes an elongate, rigid restraint bar having one end rotatably attached to the ramp and a free end having a notch and a roller at its tip. The restraint bar travels over a bar support on a lock/release assembly mounted to a vehicle bulkhead. The bar support is shaped at one end to receive the notch of the bar and hold the bar in place when the ramp is fully deployed. A release arm has a cam follower that pushes up on and releases the restraint bar when the release arm is rotated, allowing the ramp to close. When the ramp is fully closed, a storage bracket receives and holds the inboard end of the restraint bar.
AUTOMATED BOAT LIFT AND TROLLEY
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.