Sling Thang

Abstract

This invention, The Sling Thang strap device, addresses the safety and structural issues associated with hoisting a boat out of the water for storage, utilizing a traditional sling system. The structural issues arise when a boat is driven over the slings in the boat slip causing the slings to twist and separate. The safety issues arise when the owner attempts to manipulate the slings in order to remove the twist and re-position the slings. The Sling Thang is installed at the center of each existing sling straps. The Sling Thang strap or straps, between each of the existing sling straps, can be weighted down so as not to impede on any type of watercraft entering the boatlift area. The existing slings will not separate any further than the Sling Thang maximum allowance. The Sling Thang is also designed to eliminate the existing slings from twisting.

Claims

1. An apparatus consisting of two or more sleeves slid onto each sling.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 where the sleeves are constructed of individual loops so that positioning on the sling is visible.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 where the strap(s) are connected the sleeves.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 where the strap(s) contain weights where appropriate.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 where the strap(s) are glued and sewn to the sleeves.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 where the strap(s) and sleeves are constructed of polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane or nylon materials.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 where the strap(s) and sleeves are materials coated with UV protectant.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 where the strap(s) and sleeves are materials that are waterproof or water resistant.

9. An apparatus of claim 1 where the loop connection to the sling is replaced with magnetic straps and/or buckle devices and/or Velcro devices and/or the Sling Thang strap weaved or interloped into the sling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1This figure depicts a typical sling type boat lift/hoist. The slings are lowered, via an electric and mechanical drive system, into the water, sufficient for the boat to enter the boat slip over the slings. Once the boat is positioned over the slings, the slings are raised via the same electrical and mechanical system, until the boat is out of the water. Note that the slings have a twist in them and are free to separate or converge.

[0008] FIG. 2This figure depicts the current practice to control the separation of the slings. A separating cable is attached to the lifting cables via cable clamps. Note that the separating cable will limit the amount of separation but will not prevent the slings from converging. They also will not prevent the slings from twisting.

[0009] FIG. 3This figure depicts one version of this invention (the Sling Thang) installed on the slings of a commercial boat slip. There are multiple configurations of the Sling Thang, each designed to adapt to different boat hull shapes. Drawings four through six will present different configurations of the Sling Thang, adapted to different boat hull configurations. Note, the configuration of the Sling Thang is not limited to the three shown in the figures. These are the most common hull shapes.

[0010] FIG. 4This figure depicts the Sling Thang configured for a V-Hull boat. The crossing straps are used the distribute the weight of the boat over the hull verses concentrating it on the keel.

[0011] FIG. 5This figure depicts the Sling Thang configured for pontoon and tunnel type boats.

[0012] FIG. 6This figure depicts the Sling Thang configured for multi-hull type boats.

[0013] FIG. 7This figure depicts the jig is where the material is laid out and precut for the Sling Thang device. This provides square and precisely aligned components for each and every build of the Sling Thang.

[0014] FIG. 8This figure depicts the figure where the precut components are assembled and precisely glued together prior to being sewn.

[0015] FIG. 9This figure depicts the heavy duty, industrial sewing machine used to sew all of the previous glued components together. Zig-zag and diamond shaped patterns are used, hence providing an extremely durable Sling Thang.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] We developed a system of processing for the manufacturing of the Sling Thang. We measure and cut each piece in an order of sequence to be laid out and glued on a jig. (See FIG. 7). The word Sling Thang will subsequently be referred to as Sling Device or Strap.

[0017] The jig is where we layout the precut material for the sling device. This allows us to glue the parts prior to sewing the straps, making them square and precise on each and every build. (See FIG. 8)

[0018] The strap is then taken over to the sewing tables where they are sewn together with heavy duty industrial sewing machines. The industrial thread, also water resistant and UV coated, with zig-zag and diamond shape patterns to increase the longevity. (See FIG. 9)