Abstract
The present invention provides an improved device for attaching a watercraft to another structure such as another watercraft or a fixed structure, such as a dock. The apparatus comprises a spacing bar and specialized, quick connecting and releasing attachment devices that allow the watercraft to be quickly and effectively moored to other structures on the water without the risk of collision or damage to the watercraft. The quick-connect devices may be positioned near ends of the spacing bars to effectively hold the watercraft at a predetermined distance from the other structure. The device may further include tensioning mechanisms that are operable to keep the spacing bars at a substantially orthogonal orientation relative to the watercraft to maintain the pre-determined spacing between the watercraft and the other structure.
Claims
1. A mooring apparatus comprising: i. at least one spacing member having a rotating joint member at an end thereof; ii. a mooring structure operable to be attached to a hull of a boat or a dock; and iii. a quick release mechanism for connecting the rotational having: 1. a male insertion structure in at least one of said attachment members having a first shape, and 2. a female receiver position on said mooring structure.
2. (canceled)
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one spacing member comprises a first spacing member and a second spacing member, wherein the first and second spacing members are separated by a pre-determined distance.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a tension system comprising at least one tension strap and at least one tensioning member.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tension system includes a first tensioning strap or cord for connecting a first end of the first spacing member with a second end of the second spacing member for generating a first tension force therebetween and a second tensioning strap for connecting a second end of the first spacing member with a first end of the second spacing member for generating a second tension force therebetween to cross-brace the first and second spacing members.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first and second spacing members are elongate structures operable to be positioned in a parallel arrangement, and said first tensioning strap and said second tensioning strap are arranged in a criss-cross pattern with the first tensioning strap connected at or near a first end of said first spacing member and a second end of said second spacing member, and the second tensioning strap connected at or near a first end of said second spacing member and a second end of said first spacing member.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. A mooring apparatus comprising: i. at least one spacing member with first and second opposite ends, said spacing member have a pre-determined length; ii. a plurality of attachment members, with at least one attachment member attached to each of the first and second opposite ends of the spacing member, wherein the plurality of attachment members are releasably attachable to a first watercraft at the first end of the spacing member and a second watercraft or stationary structure at the second end of the spacing member; and iii. a quick release mechanism having: 1. a male insertion structure in at least one of said attachment members having a first shape, and 2. a female receiver for anchoring the spacing member to the mooring device, wherein said mooring device is operable to be attached to a hull of a boat or a dock.
11. (canceled)
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the spacing member comprises a first spacing member and a second spacing member, wherein the first and second spacing members are separated by a second pre-determined distance that is substantially equal to the width.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a tension system comprising at least one tension strap or cord and at least one tensioning member.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the tension system includes a first tensioning strap for connecting a first end of the first spacing member with a second end of the second spacing member for generating a first tension force therebetween and a second tensioning strap for connecting a second end of the first spacing member with a first end of the second spacing member for generating a second tension force therebetween to cross-brace the first and second spacing members.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. A method of attaching a watercraft to a second watercraft or stationary structure, comprising: i. inserting a rotatable joint positioned at a first end of a spacer into a receiver in a mooring device installed in the surface of said watercraft, said spacer have a pre-determined length; ii. reversibly locking said rotatable joint into said receiver using a quick release mechanism, wherein said rotatable joint allows for limited rotational motion to allow the watercraft to oscillate with the motion of the surface of water; and iii. connecting a second end of said spacer to said second watercraft or stationary structure to secure said watercraft to said second watercraft or stationary structure.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said quick release mechanism includes a male pin that engages with a female pin receiver.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said rotatable joint is a ball joint, wherein said ball joint includes a pin passage through the ball structure for receiving said male pin.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said ball joint includes at least one joint spacer positioned on the ball that limits motion of the rotational joint within said receiver.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said male insertion structure includes a male pin that engages with said female receiver.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said rotatable joint member is a ball joint, wherein said ball joint includes a pin passage through the ball structure for receiving said male pin.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said ball joint includes at least one joint spacer positioned on the ball that limits motion of the rotational joint within said receiver.
30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said ball joint allows for limited rotational motion includes pitch, yaw, and roll motion of the spacing member relative to the ball structure in a range of angles from about 5° to about 30° relative to a perpendicular from an outer surface of the mooring device.
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said male insertion structure includes a male pin that engages with a female receiver.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said at least one attachment member includes a rotatable ball joint, wherein said ball joint includes a pin passage through the ball structure for receiving said male pin.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said ball joint includes at least one joint spacer positioned on the ball that limits motion of the rotational joint within a recess in said mooring device into which said ball joint is inserted.
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said limited rotational motion includes pitch, yaw, and roll motion of the spacing member relative to the ball structure in a range of angles from about 5° to about 30° relative to a perpendicular from an outer surface of the mooring device.
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 provides a bottom view of two watercraft connected by a mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of two watercraft connected by a mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 provides a view of a mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 provides a view of a rotational joint and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 provides a view of a rotational joint and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 provides a view of an anchoring structure and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 provides a view of an anchoring structure and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 provides a view of an anchoring structure and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 provides a view of an anchoring structure and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of an anchoring structure and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of an anchoring structure and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of an anchoring structure of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of an anchoring structure of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of a rotational joint and other components of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 15 provides a perspective exploded view of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 16 provides a perspective exploded view of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 17 provides a perspective view of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 18 provides a side view of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 19 provides a top view of a novel mooring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
[0041] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring to FIGS. 1-12B, it is seen that the present invention includes various embodiments of a watercraft mooring and rafting system that holds the watercraft at a substantially constant distance from another watercraft, dock, or other structure and prevents collision between them.
[0042] FIGS. 1-2 provide environmental views of one application of the mooring system 1000 of the present invention. The views in the drawings show the mooring system 1000 connecting two vessels A and B at a fixed distance to one another, spaced apart by the spacing members 1010A and 1010B. The spacing members 1010A and 1010B are attached to the vessels A and B via the anchoring structures 1100A, 1100B, 1100C, and 1100D attached to the hull of each vessel A and B, each vessel having two anchoring structures at a predetermined distance from one another along the hull and at substantially the same vertical distance from the keel thereof. This arrangement may be substantially the same on both vessels to allow for substantially parallel positioning of the spacing members 1010A and 1010B in both the vertical and horizontal aspects. The spacing members 1010A and 1010B are held in a substantial parallel position by the tensioning members (e.g., straps or cords) 1020A and 1020B connected to at each end to one of the spacing members 1010A or 1010B in a criss-cross pattern. The tensioning members 1020A and 1020B prevent the spacing members 1010A and 1010B from deviating from their substantially parallel arrangement and the vessels A and B from sliding past one another.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows a close-up arrangement of the mooring system 1000, with the spacing members 1010A and 1010B at a predetermined distance from one another in a substantially parallel arrangement. The tensioning members 1015A and 1015B (e.g., straps or cords) are connected at each end to one of the spacing members 1010A and 1010B in a criss-cross pattern to stabilize the system 1000. Each anchoring structure 1100A, 1100B, 1100C, and 1100D includes an attachment point for connecting to one end of one of the tensioning members 1015A and 1015B. For example, each anchoring structure may include a ring or rigid loop structure to which the tensioning member can be connected. Anchoring structure 1100A includes an attachment point 1011A, anchoring structure 1100B includes an attachment point 1011B, anchoring structure 1100C includes an attachment point 1011C, and anchoring structure 1100D includes an attachment point 1011D. Each tensioning member 1015A, 1015B may include a connector at each end thereof for attaching to one of the attachment points 1011A, 1011B, 1011C, and 1011D. Tensioning member 1015A includes connectors 1016A and 1016D, and tensioning member 1015B includes connectors 1016B and 1016C. The connector may be a clip such as a carabiner clip, mountaineer's clip, D-clip a round-eye swivel snap, or other appropriate attachment mechanism fixedly connected to a distal end of one of the tensioning members 1015A and 1015B. The tensioning members may be a strap, cord or wire (e.g., a woven strap, cord or wire) that comprises a high tensile strength material, such as nylon, steel (e.g., high strength alloy ASTM A514), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, polyester resin, polyamide thermoplastic, and other appropriate materials. In some embodiments, each of the tensioning members 1015A and 1015B may include a tensioning device for increasing the tension in the tensioning member, e.g., once it is attached to the anchoring structures. The tensioning devices may be a ratcheting mechanism, a rigging screw, turnbuckle, tension buckle, or other appropriate tensioning device for a strap, cord, or wire. Tensioning member 1015A may include a tensioning member 1017A and tensioning member 1015B may include tensioning member 1017B.
[0044] The anchoring structures 1100A, 1100B, 1100C, and 1100D are connected to the rotational joints 1020A, 1020B, 1020C, and 1020D of the spacing members 1010A and 1010B by a reversibly locking mechanism that provides for efficient attachment and detachment of the system spacing members 1010A and 1010B from the anchoring structures 1100A, 1100B, 1100C, and 1100D and thus the vessels A and B. It shall be understood that the anchoring structures operable to be connected to a stationary structure, such as a dock, allowing the mooring system 1000 to connect a watercraft to such stationary structure.
[0045] FIGS. 4-5 close up views of the rotational joint 1020 located at each distal end of the spacing members 1010A and 1010B. FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the rotational joint 1020 with the pin 1110 passed through a pin path 1110A. The rotational joint may include an outer ring 1021 having a 360° concave inner track in which an inner ball 1022 is nested. The convex outer surface of the inner ball 1022 interfaces with the inner concave track of the outer ring 1021, such that the inner ball 1022 can freely rotate and spin within the outer ring 1020. The inner ball 1022 may include spacers 1023A and 1023B that are inserted into or attached to the inner ball 1022 in order to provide structures that are positioned in close proximity to the bracket to prevent sliding of the rotational joint within the bracket of the anchoring structures 1100A, 1100B, 1100C, and 1100D, and to limit the rotation of the inner ball 1022 in the outer ring 1021. The spacers 1023A and 1023B are shown in FIG. 4 in an exploded position for illustrative purposes, and are shown in a fully inserted and functional position in FIG. 5. FIG. 4 also presents the outer ring 1021, inner ring 1022, and spacers 1023A and 1023B in a transparent manner in order to illustrate the pin path 1110A and placement of pin 1110 through the spacers 1023A and 1023B and inner ring 1022. The inner ball 1022 may have an axial hole 1025 running therethrough that allows for the passage 1110A of a locking pin 1110. FIG. 5 provides side and profile views of the rotational joint 1020 in an assembled, functional condition. The rotational joint 1020 is shown detached from the spacing member, with a stem 1020A for attaching to a spacing member shown. The pin path 1110A is shown in axial and profile views without the pin 1110 inserted therethrough.
[0046] FIGS. 6-7 provide views of an embodiment of the anchoring structure 1100, which is an embodiment of the anchoring structures 1100A, 1100B, 1100C, and 1100D of FIGS. 1-3. The anchoring structure 1100 may be installed in hull, gunwale, or other structure on a boat and fixed in placed by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) passed through fastener receivers 1130A and 1130B. The anchoring structure 1100 may have a receiver 1105 for receiving the rotational joint 1020. The receiver 1105 may be a recess sized to accommodate the rotational joint 1020, having side walls 1106A and 1106B that may provide enough space to allow the rotational joint to be inserted with a small amount of space on the outer side of each of the spacers 1023A and 1023B. This arrangement allows the spacers 1023A and 1023B to be in close proximity to the side walls 1106A and 1106B and prevent sliding of the rotational joint 1020 within the receiver 1105.
[0047] The rotational joint 1020 may be inserted into the receiver 1105 such that the pin passage 1110A is aligned with pin hole 1110B in side wall 1106B and 1110C. The pin 1110 may then be advanced from a retracted position as shown in FIG. 6 to a locked position as shown in FIG. 7. The anchoring structure 1100 may include two locking slots 1150A and 1150B to hold the pin 1110 in place. The locking slot 1150A may receive a lever 1111 of the pin 1110 by rotation of the pin 1110 (e.g., by about 45°) around the central axis of the pin 1110, thereby positioning the lever 1111 in the locking slot 1150A. The positioning of the lever 1111 in the locking slot 1150A arrests the pin 1110 in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the locking slot 1150B may receive a lever 1111 of the pin 1110 by rotation of the pin 1110 (e.g., by about 45°) around the central axis of the pin 1110 when the pin 1110 is advanced through the pin path 1110A and into the locked position, thereby positioning the lever 1111 in the locking slot 1150B. The positioning of the lever 1111 in the locking slot 1150B arrests the pin 1110 in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 7. The positioning of the pin 1110 through the pin path 1110 through the rotational joint 1020 fixes the spacing member to which the rotational joint 1110 is attached to the anchoring structure 1100, while allowing for limited shifting of the spacing member. The rotational joint 1020 may allow for rotation shifting of the spacing member relative to the anchoring structure 1100 in a range of no more than about 5° to about 30° (e.g., about about 10° to about 20°, or any range of values therein) relative to a perpendicular from the outer surface 1101 of the anchoring structure 1100.
[0048] FIGS. 8-9 show a similar embodiment to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7. The anchoring structure 1200 may have a receiver 1205 for receiving the rotational joint 1020. The receiver 1205 may be a recess sized to accommodate the rotational joint 1020, having side walls 1206A and 1206B that may provide enough space to allow the rotational joint to be inserted with a small amount of space on the outer side of each of the spacers 1023A and 1023B. This arrangement allows the spacers 1023A and 1023B to be in close proximity to the side walls 1206A and 1206B and prevent sliding of the rotational joint 1020 within the receiver 1205. The receiver 1205 may be installed in hull, gunwale, or other structure on a boat and fixed in placed by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) passed through fastener receivers 1230A, 1230B, 1230C, and 1230D.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the rotational joint 1020 may be inserted into the receiver 1205 such that the pin passage 1110A is aligned with a pin. The pin 1110 may then be advanced from a retracted position as shown in FIG. 10 to a locked position as shown in FIG. 10. The anchoring structure 1200 may include a locking slot 1150 to hold the pin 1210 in place. The locking slot 1250 may receive a lever 1211 of the pin 1210 by rotation of the pin 1210 (e.g., by at least about 45°) around the central axis of the pin 1210, thereby positioning the lever 1211 in the locking slot 1250. The positioning of the lever 1211 in the locking slot 1250 arrests the pin 1210 in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 11. The positioning of the pin 1210 through the pin path 1110A through the rotational joint 1020 fixes the spacing member 1010 to which the rotational joint 1020 is attached to the anchoring structure 1200, while allowing for limited shifting of the spacing member 1010. The rotational joint 1020 may allow for rotation shifting of the spacing member relative to the anchoring structure 1200 in a range of no more than about 5° to about 20° relative to a perpendicular C from the outer surface 1201 of the anchoring structure 1200. The rotational joint 1020 may allow for a movement and pivoting of the spacer bar 1010 relative to the rotational joint 1020 in any direction within a conical zone around a perpendicular C to the outer surface of an anchoring structure 1200, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0050] FIG. 12 provides an additional embodiment of the anchoring structure. Anchoring structure 1300 has a construction that resembles a cleat that can be installed on the hull or gunwale of a watercraft by fasteners passed through fastener receivers 1330A and 1330B. The anchoring structure 1300 includes a bracket structure that includes bracket members 1306A and 1306B, each having pin holes (1307A and 1307B, respectively) through which a pin can be passed. The bracket creates a receiving structure 1305 for receiving the rotational joint 1020 of the spacer 1010. The pin passage 1110A of the rotational joint 1020 may be aligned with the pin holes 1307A and 1307B, and the pin may then be passed through pin passage 1110A, pin hole 1307A, and pin hole 1307B to reversibly fix the rotational joint 1020 to the anchoring structure 1300.
[0051] FIG. 13 provides an additional embodiment, anchoring structure 1400, which also has a construction that resembles a cleat that can be installed on the hull or gunwale of a watercraft by fasteners passed through fastener receivers 1430A and 1430B. The anchoring structure 1400 includes a recessed bracket structure that is positioned within recess 1401. The bracket structure includes bracket member 1406A having pin hole 1407A and bracket member 1406B having pin hole 1407B, through which a pin can be passed. The bracket creates a receiving structure 1405 for receiving the rotational joint 1020 of the spacer 1010. The pin passage 1110A of the rotational joint 1020 may be aligned with the pin holes 1407A and 1407B, and the pin may then be passed through pin passage 1110A, pin hole 1407A, and pin hole 1407B to reversibly fix the rotational joint 1020 to the anchoring structure 1400. FIG. 14 shows the spacer 1010 and rotational joint 1020 with a pin 1310 attached to the spacer 1010 by retaining line 1311. This particular arrangement of the pin 1310 and the spacer 1010 may be utilized in combination with the anchoring structures 1300 and 1400 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Because the anchoring structures 1300 and 1400 do not include a integral pin, the pin 1310 may be advantageously attached to the spacer 1010 so that it is not lost. The pin 1310 may have a biased locking device 1310A thereon that prevents dislodgement of the pin 1310 from the receiver 1305 or 1405 when the rotational joint 1020 is installed therein. The biased locking device 1310A may be a spring-biased ball bearing, pin or other appropriate structure.
[0052] FIGS. 15-16 show a further embodiment of anchoring structure 1500. FIG. 14 provides a close-up, exploded view of the connection mechanism of anchoring structure 1500 and spacer 1010 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The anchoring structure 1500 includes a cleat and may be fixed to a vessel or a dock or other stationary structure by fastening receivers 1530A and 1530B, and a novel connection system for receiving a rotational joint 1020 of the spacer 1010. The anchoring structure 1500 may include a bracket receiver 1505 having bracket plates 1506A and 1506B, each having a pin hole (1507A and 1507B, respectively) for receiving a locking pin 1510. The rotational joint 1020 may be inserted into the bracket receiver 1505 such that the pin passage 1110A is aligned with the pin holes 1507A and 1507B, and the locking pin 1510 may be inserted through the pin passage 1110A and the pin holes 1507A and 1507B and reversibly lock the rotational joint 1020 in place within the bracket receiver 1505. The locking pin 1510 may be locked into place by a nut or other securing structure 1510B positioned on the distal end of the locking pin 1510. The anchoring device 1500 may include a quick release mechanism that connects the bracket receiver 1505 to the cleat base 1501. The quick release mechanism allows for fast attachment and release of the bracket receiver 1505 from the cleat base 1501.
[0053] The quick release mechanism may include a connection stud 1525 that protrudes from the bracket receiver 1505. The connection stud 1525 includes a notch 1525A for engaging with a biased pin 1527. The connection stud 1525 may be inserted into connection receiver 1526 in the cleat base 1501. When the connection stud 1525 is fully inserted into the connection receiver 1526, the biased pin 1527 engages with (e.g., inserts into) the notch 1525A, and thereby reversibly fixes the connection stud 1525 in the connection receiver 1526, as the presence of the biased pin 1527 in the notch 1525A. The connection stud 1525 may be released from the connection receiver 1526 by pulling the biased pin 1527 outward to remove it from the notch 1525A.
[0054] FIGS. 17-19 provides multiple views of the connection of a single spacer 1010 between two of the anchoring structures 1500A and 1500B, demonstrating the arrangement of the novel rotational joint 1020 to the anchoring structures 1500A and 1500B with the locking pin 1510 positioned in the bracket receiver of the anchoring structures 1500A and 1500B. The connections between the spacer 1010 and the other anchoring structure embodiments (e.g., those shown in FIGS. 1-13) would be arranged in a similar manner.
[0055] It should be understood that the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
