FLOTATION MAT EXTENSION, RETRACTION AND STORAGE APPARATUS

Abstract

An apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart support members such that both support members include an upper and a lower end. The spaced apart support members are secured to a boat dock by mounting hardware. First and second vertically slidable members are slidably mounted to the first and second spaced apart support members. The apparatus also includes a rotatable shaft that extends between the upper ends of the first and second slidable members. A sprocket assembly is mounted to one of the ends of the rotatable shaft to facilitate either manual or powered rotation of the shaft for purposes of extending or retracting the mat onto or off the body of water.

Claims

1. A flotation mat storage assembly configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a first laterally extending edge, said assembly comprising: first and second spaced apart support members, both support members including an upper and a lower end, the first and second spaced apart support members secured to a boat dock; a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end of the support members; first and second slidable members mounted to the first and second spaced apart support members, wherein the first and second slidable members further each comprise longitudinally opposed upper and lower ends and are translatable between the upper and lower ends of the first and second spaced apart support members; (i) a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the rotatable shaft extending between the upper ends of the first and second slidable members; (ii) a bracing member extending between the lower ends of the first and second slidable members; and a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft.

2. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the laterally extending edge of the mat is compressed between a first and second plate.

3. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 2, wherein the rotatable shaft comprises at least one longitudinally extending flat.

4. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second plates and the laterally extending edge of the mat compressed therebetween are mounted to the longitudinally extending flat of the rotatable shaft with fasteners.

5. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein at least two slider bearings are mounted to each of the slidable members to facilitate translation of the slidable members along the first and second spaced apart support members.

6. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rotation member is a sprocket.

7. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 6, wherein a drive chain connects the first rotation member to a second rotation member rotatably mounted to the first slidable member.

8. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 7, wherein a crank handle is mounted to the second rotation member for manual rotation of the rotatable shaft.

9. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 7, wherein a drive motor is operable to rotate the second rotation member for powered rotation of the rotatable shaft.

10. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein at least two mat spool prevention rails are secured to the bracing member to facilitate even extension and retraction of the flotation mat.

11. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least two mat spool prevention rails are fabricated from high density polyethylene (HDPE).

12. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein at least two roller guides are disposed atop the bracing member to lessen frictional resistance of the mat rubbing against the bracing member during extension and retraction of the mat.

13. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein at least two biased belt barriers are mounted to the bracing member, the belt barriers operable to flexibly secure the flotation mat when the mat is in a fully retracted position.

14. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the rotatable shaft are secured in position with spring loaded sliding pins.

15. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 1, wherein a bracket is secured to each of the first and second spaced apart support members for securing the assembly to a dock with at least one fastener.

16. A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a first laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising: first and second spaced apart support members, both support members including an upper and a lower end, the first and second spaced apart support members secured to a boat dock; a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end of the support members; first and second slidable members mounted to the first and second spaced apart support members, wherein the first and second slidable members further each comprise longitudinally opposed upper and lower ends; (i) a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the rotatable shaft extending between the upper ends of the first and second slidable members; (ii) a bracing member extending between the lower ends of the first and second slidable members; a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft; and at least one lift-assist member with a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one lift-assist member mounted to at least one of (i) the bracing member, (ii) the first support member, or (iii) the second support member, wherein the lift-assist member aids in the raising and lowering of the first and second slidable members and rotatable shaft when supporting the weight of the flotation mat.

17. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one lift assist member is a gas strut.

18. A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a first laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising: first and second spaced apart support members, both support members including an upper and a lower end, the first and second spaced apart support members secured to a boat dock; a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end of the support members; first and second slidable members mounted to the first and second spaced apart support members, wherein the first and second slidable members further each comprise longitudinally opposed upper and lower ends; at least two slider bearings mounted to each of the slidable members to facilitate translation of the slidable members along the first and second spaced apart support members; (i) a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the rotatable shaft extending between the upper ends of the first and second slidable members; (ii) a bracing member extending between the lower ends of the first and second slidable members; at least two roller guides disposed atop the bracing member to lessen frictional resistance of the mat rubbing against the bracing member during extension and retraction of the mat; at least two mat spool prevention rails each with a first and a second end, the first end of each mat spool prevention rail secured to the bracing member to facilitate even extension and retraction of the flotation mat; a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft; a drive chain connecting the first rotation member to a second rotation member rotatably mounted to the first slidable member; a drive motor operable to rotate the second rotation member for powered rotation of the rotatable shaft; and at least one lift-assist member with a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one lift-assist member mounted to at least one of (i) the bracing member, (ii) the first support member, or (iii) the second support member, wherein the lift-assist member aids in the raising and lowering of the first and second slidable members and rotatable shaft when supporting the weight of the flotation mat.

19. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 18, wherein at least one flexible belt barrier casing is mounted to the bracing member,

20. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 19, wherein a belt barrier strap is biasedly retained within the belt barrier casing.

21. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 20, wherein the belt barrier strap comprises a first end and a second end secured to the belt barrier casing.

22. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 21, wherein the first end of the belt barrier strap is secured to the rotatable shaft during retraction of the flotation mat from the body of water.

23. The flotation mat storage assembly of claim 22, wherein when fully retracted from the body of water the flotation mat is internally spirally wrapped by the belt barrier strap.

24. A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising: first and second rigid members for attachment to the underside of deck support cross-members of a watercraft, each rigid member comprising first and second longitudinally opposed ends; first and second spaced-apart support members each with an upper and a lower end, the lower ends of the first and second spaced apart support members pivotally secured respectively to the second ends of the at least two rigid members; a first and second lift-assist member each with a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the lift-assist members are mounted respectively proximate to the second ends of the first and second spaced-apart rigid members and the second ends of the lift-assist members are mounted respectively proximate to the first ends of the first and second spaced-apart support members, wherein the lift-assist members aid in the raising and lowering of the first and second spaced-apart support members when supporting the weight of the flotation mat; a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced-apart support members proximate a mid-point of the support members; a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the rotatable shaft disposed between the upper ends of the first and second spaced-apart support members; and a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft.

25. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 24, wherein the laterally extending edge of the mat is compressed between a first and second plate.

26. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 24, wherein the rotatable shaft comprises at least one longitudinally extending flat.

27. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first and second plates and the laterally extending edge of the mat compressed therebetween are mounted to the longitudinally extending flat of the rotatable shaft with fasteners.

28. A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising: first and second spaced-apart support members, both support members comprising an upper and a lower end, wherein an axle member is secured to the lower end of each of the first and second spaced-apart support members; a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end of the support members; a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the first and second ends mounted to the upper ends of the first and second spaced-apart support members; and a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft.

29. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 28, wherein the axle members are substantially orthogonally disposed to the first and second spaced-apart support members.

30. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 28, wherein the axle members comprise longitudinally opposed first and second ends.

31. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 30, wherein a wheel is rotatably mounted to the first and second ends of each of the axle members.

32. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 28, wherein the laterally extending edge of the mat is compressed between a first and second plate.

33. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 32, wherein the rotatable shaft comprises at least one longitudinally extending flat.

34. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first and second plates and the laterally extending edge of the mat compressed therebetween are mounted to the longitudinally extending flat of the rotatable shaft with fasteners.

35. The flotation mat storage apparatus of claim 28, wherein at least one of (i) a hand crank, or (ii) a motor rotates the first rotation member for rotating the rotatable shaft during extension and retraction of the mat onto and off the body of water.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the flotation mat apparatus mounted to a dock;

[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket assembly for mounting the flotation mat apparatus to a dock;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the flotation mat apparatus;

[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a drive mechanism for the flotation mat apparatus;

[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a hand crank for rotating the rotatable shaft for extending and retracting the flotation mat;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a side of the flotation mat apparatus;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a roller bearing assembly facilitating slidable action between the slidable members and the support members;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the engagement of embodiments of the slidable members and the support members utilizing the roller bearing assembly;

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the bracing member and associated hardware components mounted thereon with a hand crank;

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the bracing member and associated hardware components mounted thereon with a drive motor;

[0034] FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of an automatic strapping system utilized on the mat flotation apparatus;

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective topside view of an embodiment of the mat flotation apparatus shown mounted to a watercraft;

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective underside view of an embodiment of the mat flotation apparatus mounted to a watercraft; and

[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a shore-based embodiment of the flotation mat apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Disclosed herein as illustrated at FIG. 1 is a flotation mat storage assembly 10 configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water 12 a flotation mat 14 with a first laterally extending edge 16. The assembly 10 include first and second spaced apart support members 20, 22. The support members are disposed generally vertical in orientation and are secured to the edge 26 of a dock 28. The support members 20, 22 are preferably fabricated from aluminum or other corrosion resistant materials that are sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the mat 14 particularly if the mat has absorbed water during the period that it was extended from the assembly 10 atop the body of water 12.

[0039] Both support members 20, 22 as shown in FIG. 2 include an upper and a lower end 32, 34. The first and second spaced apart support members 20, 22 as previously indicated are secured to the edge 26 of a boat dock 28 with brackets 38 as also illustrated at FIG. 1A. Brackets 38 and fasteners 40 in many configurations are used to secure the support members 20, 22 to the edge 26 of the dock 28 and restrain it from undesirable movement.

[0040] As illustrated at FIG. 2, a connecting member 44 extends between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end 34 of the support members 20, 22. This connecting member 44 is preferably fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel, a rigid plastic or possibly even a composite. The connecting member 44 must be able to resist corrosion and may be welded or alternatively secured by threaded fasteners to the lower ends 34 of the support members 20, 22. The connecting member 44 stabilizes the assembly 10 and prevents rotation of the support members 20, 22.

[0041] As illustrated at FIG. 2 and mounted to the first and second spaced apart support members 20, 22 are first and second slidable members 48, 50. The first and second slidable members 48, 50 each comprise longitudinally opposed upper and lower ends 54, 56 and are slidably translatable between the upper and lower ends 32, 34 of the first and second spaced apart support members 20, 22. The slidable members 48, 50 are also preferably fabricated from corrosion and UV resistant materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, a rigid plastic or possibly composite materials. These first and second slidable members 48, 50 are inter-engaged respectively with the first and second spaced apart support members 20, 22.

[0042] As illustrated at FIGS. 4 and 5, a frame slider bearing 58 is disposed at the upper and at the lower ends 54, 56 of each slidable member 48, 50. The range of travel of the frame slider bearings 58 is limited to the longitudinal expanse of the channel 60 on the spaced apart support members 20, 22. As further illustrated at FIG. 4, an exemplary frame slider bearing 58 includes a frame slider bolt 62, a nylon insert locknut 64, a pair of metal washers 66, a nylon sleeve bearing 68 and a pair of plastic washers 70. The frame slider bearings 58 when installed, track the channel 60 of the spaced apart support members 20, 22 between the pair of plastic washers 70, providing relatively low friction traversing up and down the support members 20, 22 by the slidable members 48, 50.

[0043] As illustrated at FIG. 2, extending between the upper ends 54 of the first and second slidable members 48, 50 is a rotatable shaft 74 with first and second ends 76, 78. The first and second ends 76, 78 of the rotatable shaft 74 fit into openings 80 in the upper ends 54 of the slidable members 48, 50 and are supported by the slidable members. The rotatable shaft 74 preferably has at least one flat 84 or more on the outermost surface 86 of the shaft. The at least one flat 84 is configured to receive one or more fasteners 90 for securing preferably two plates 92, 94 to the flat 84 of the shaft 74. The fasteners 90 are preferably threaded fasteners with large handles 98 to facilitate manual turning of the fasteners to secure the plates 92, 94 to the flat 84.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the two plates 92, 94 are sized to retain an edge 16 of the mat 14 between them. Co-located with the large handle fasteners 90 are compression nuts 104. The compression nuts 104 are threaded onto the fasteners 90 and once the edge 16 of the mat 14 is positioned between the two plates 92, 94 the compression nuts 104 are rotated clockwise applying pressure to the upper plate 92 and securing the edge 16 of the mat 14 into position so that it cannot readily escape from the compression. When the edge 16 of the mat 14 is to be removed from the plate compression, the compression nuts 104 can be rotated counterclockwise to lessen or completely remove the pressure applied to the edge 16 and the edge can be retracted from between the compression plates 92, 94.

[0045] As illustrated at FIG. 2A, secured to the first end 76 of the rotatable shaft 74 is a first rotation member 110. The first rotation member 110 is operably coupled to the rotatable shaft 74 to facilitate rotation of the shaft. An exemplary first rotation member 110 is a sprocket 112, the teeth 114 of which mesh with a chain 116 to rotate the first rotation member 110 and in-turn rotate the shaft 74 for extending and retracting the mat 14 respectively onto and off the body of water 12. The chain 116 is preferably driven at a second rotation member 120. The second rotation member 120 is preferably operably connected to either a hand crank 122 or a drive motor 124 as illustrated at FIGS. 3, 6 and 7. An exemplary drive motor 124 for this application is the T-TarpBoss® motor produced by Tarping Systems, Inc. The T-TarpBoss® has a maximum torque of 100 ft-lb requires 12 V and has an operational rotation speed of 64 rpm. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated at FIG. 2B, a hand crank 122 utilizes a pivotal locking pawl 123 to lock the hand crank 122 in position and to prevent inadvertent rotation of the hand crank 122. The pawl 123 is held in position by a mounting fastener 123A and engages with tooth spacing 123B in the hand crank 122 to lock the hand crank 122 in position.

[0046] As illustrated at FIG. 2, spanning between the lower ends 56 of the slidable members 48, 50 is a bracing member 130 that includes first and second ends 131A, 131B. The bracing member 130 provides additional structural rigidity to the slidable members 48, 50 and overall assembly 10 by preventing the lower ends 56 from rotating in or out. The bracing member 130 as with other members is preferably fabricated from a corrosion and UV resistant material, such as aluminum, stainless steel a rigid plastic or a composite. The opposing ends 131A, 131B of the bracing member 130 each include a perpendicularly mounted plate 131C with openings 131D therein for passing fasteners 131E through the plates 131C to the slidable members 48, 50.

[0047] Mounted to the underside 132 of the bracing member 130 is the first end 134 of one or more lift devices 136. An exemplary lift device 136 is a gas filled strut that can prevent uncontrolled downward movement of the assembly 10 when the mat 14 is fully retracted onto the rotatable shaft 74. Industrial Gas Springs™ of Maumee, Ohio, among other vendors, produces gas filled struts that are appropriate for this application. The second end 140 of the lift device 136 is mounted to the connecting member 44. A preferred embodiment of the disclosed assembly 10 includes two lift devices 136.

[0048] In this preferred embodiment, the first end 134 of each lift device 136 is anchored approximately one-fourth of the span of the bracing member 130 starting at each attachment point 131A, 131B. The second end 140 of the lift devices 136 are preferably anchored proximate the attachment points 34 of the support members 20, 22 to the connecting member 44. The lift devices 136 serve as biasing members and prevent rapid movement of the slidable members 48, 50 along the support members 20, 22.

[0049] The assembly 10 as disclosed herein and as illustrated in isolation at FIG. 6, reveals several additional elements mounted to the bracing member 130. Because the mat 14 when being retracted is unwieldy and can potentially retract in an uneven manner, spool prevention rails 138 serve to prevent the mat 14 from undergoing uneven retraction. In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, two spool prevention rails 141 are utilized. The first end 142 of each of the spool prevention rails 141 is secured to the top side 144 of the bracing member 130 and extend outwardly in a slightly arcuate manner. In a preferred embodiment, the spool prevention rails 141 are fabricated from high density polyethylene (HDPE) are rigid and essentially inflexible. The second end 146 of each spool prevention rail 140 remains unattached and suspended in space above and slightly behind the bracing member 130.

[0050] An additional feature mounted to the top side 144 of the bracing member 130 are friction reducing rollers 152. These rollers 152 guide the surface of the mat 14 past the bracing member 130 and reduce the contact friction between the mat 14 and the bracing member 130. In a preferred embodiment, the rollers, as illustrated at FIGS. 6 and 7, are essentially a cylindrical roller 154 with a bore 156 extending therethrough. The cylindrical roller 154 is preferably fabricated from an engineered plastic that is both mechanically tough and UV resistant. A roller pin 158 threaded at both ends is positioned within the bore 156 and is secured in position at both ends 160, 162 by flange members 164 and threaded locking elements 166. The flange members 164 may optionally be secured to the bracing member 130 by additional flange elements and threaded fasteners or with an adhesive capable of withstanding repeated exposure to moisture and UV light.

[0051] As illustrated at FIG. 6, a third element mounted to the front face 170 of bracing member 130 is a belt barrier 172. In a preferred embodiment, two belt barriers 172 are secured to the bracing member and serve to restrain the mat 14 when fully retracted from the body of water 12. The belt barriers 172 include retractable straps 174 that can be withdrawn from the barrier casing 176 for securing an object, such as the mat 14, in position. In a preferred embodiment the straps 174 are roughly 30 feet in length, more than sufficient length to accommodate an 18 to 22-foot floating mat and spirally wrap the mat 14 as it is withdrawn from the body of water 12.

[0052] As illustrated at FIG. 7A, a first end 178 of the retractable strap 174 is attached to the rotatable shaft 74. As the shaft 74 rotates it winds the mat 14 and the strap 174 around the shaft 74 during retraction from the body of water 12, the straps 174 secure the mat into position onto the shaft. This combination of rotating shaft 74 along with the biased straps 174 also facilitate a controlled extension of the strap 174 and mat 14 onto the body of water. The straps 174 control the energy bound up within the coiled mat 14 seeking to unwind the mat rapidly onto the water.

[0053] Additional optional features of the disclosed assembly 10 include spring loaded locking pins (not shown) positioned proximate the upper end 54 of the slidable members 48, 50. The locking pins extend from the slidable members 48, 50 into openings in the support members 20, 22. When there is a need to move the slidable members 48, 50 from the locked position, the locking pins can be manually retracted from the openings in the support members 20, 22 allowing movement of the slidable members. One or both sides of the assembly 10 may optionally incorporate the locking pins.

[0054] An alternative embodiment of the assembly 210 may also be secured to a watercraft 212. As illustrated at FIGS. 8 and 9, the watercraft mounted assembly 210 includes first and second attachment members 214, 216 for attachment to the underside of deck support cross-members 218 of the watercraft 212. Fasteners, well known in the art, may properly be utilized to secure the attachment members 214, 216 to the deck support cross members 218. Each attachment member 214, 216 includes first 220, 222 and second 224, 226 longitudinally opposed ends. The attachment members 214, 216 are preferably spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow placement of an outboard motor 230 of the watercraft 212 between the attachment members 214, 216.

[0055] At the second longitudinally opposed ends 224, 226 of the attachment members 214, 216 is a pivotal connection P to the first and second spaced-apart support members 240, 242. Each of the support members 240, 242 includes an upper end 244, 246 and a lower end 250, 252. The lower ends 250, 252 of the first and second spaced apart support members 240, 242 are pivotally secured respectively to the second longitudinally opposed ends 224, 226 of the attachment members 214, 216.

[0056] Shock absorbing devices 256, preferably gas filled struts, are utilized to prevent undesirable quick, potentially damaging, movement of the support members 240, 242 relative to the attachment members 214, 216 while the watercraft 212 is in motion. As illustrated at FIG. 8, the first end 258 of each shock absorbing device 256 is preferably mounted to a flange 260 extending outwardly and upwardly from the support members 240, 242. The second end 262 of each shock absorbing device 256 is preferably connected to an overlapping plate 266 that spans transversely from each of the attachment members 214, 216.

[0057] The overlapping plate 266 is disposed proximate the second ends 224, 226 of the attachment members 214, 216. The attachment location of the second end 262 of the shock absorbing device 256 is at the uppermost end 268 of the overlapping plate 266. The overlapping plates 266 are themselves pivotally connected, at roughly the midpoint 270, to the attachment members 214, 216. The lower end 272 of the overlapping plate 266 is biased by connection to a first end 274 of a spring 276. The second end of the spring 276, as illustrated at FIG. 9, is in turn connected to a downwardly extending flange 278 emanating from the underside 280 of each of the attachment members 214, 216. The spring 276, preferably a compression spring, serves to maintain the assembly 210 in balance acting in concert with the shock absorbing device 256 to attenuate any forces generated upon the assembly 210.

[0058] As illustrated at FIG. 9, at least one spanner member 284, and preferably two spanner members 284, 284A, span between each of the support members 240, 242 and are disposed behind the outboard motor 230. The spanner members 284 provide connectivity between the opposing support members 240, 242. In a preferred embodiment, a section 286 of each of the support members 240, 242 extends outwardly starting at approximately the location of the flange 260 connected to the first end 258 of each shock absorbing device 256 and ends at the point of connection 288 of the spanner member 284 to the support members 240, 242. Another section 290 of each support member 240, 242 extends rearwardly from the outboard motor 230. These sections 290 begin at roughly the point of connection 288 of the spanner member 284 and extend to an end point 292, 294 on each support member 240, 242.

[0059] As illustrated at FIG. 9, a shaft 296 with a first end 298 and a second end 300 extends between the support members 240, 242 proximate the end points 292, 294 and is captured by the support members. The shaft 296 includes a flat 302 thereon into which threaded fasteners may be received. As with the earlier described embodiment, this watercraft embodiment also utilizes two plates, as illustrated at FIG. 2, for compressing the edge 14 of the mat 16 and securing it in position utilizing threaded locking nuts to compress an upper plate onto a lower plate. In addition, either an electric motor 124 or a hand crank, as detailed above, may be employed to rotate the shaft 296 to which the compression plates are secured to either extend the mat 14 onto the body of water 12 or to retract it from the body of water 12.

[0060] A third embodiment of the assembly 400 is designed for land-based operation. This embodiment employs first and second spaced-apart support members 402, 404. Both support members 402, 404 include an upper end 406 and a lower end 408. The spaced apart support members 402, 404 are preferably fabricated from materials that are resistant to moisture, salts and UV light. Such materials include, aluminum, stainless steel, engineering plastics and composites.

[0061] Spanning between proximate the lower ends 408 of the support members 402, 404 is a bracing member 410. The bracing member 410 has a first end 412 and a second end 414 and is likewise fabricated from a material that is resistant to environmental degradation. The bracing member 410 serves to separate the supporting members 402, 404 and to restrain them in position.

[0062] Disposed opposite the bracing member 410 at the upper end 406 of the support members 402, 404 is a rotatable shaft 420 with a first end 422 and a second end 424. The first end 422 is rotatably supported by the upper end 406 of the first support member 402 while the second end 424 is supported by the upper end 406 of the second support member 404. Mounted to the first end 422 of the rotatable shaft 420 is a rotation drive motor 124 for driving rotation of the rotatable shaft. In a preferred embodiment the drive motor 124 drives a sprocket that in turn drives a chain and the chain then drives a second sprocket mounted to the rotatable shaft 420.

[0063] A hand crank 122 embodiment is illustrated at FIG. 2A and has been discussed in detail above in this section of the specification. The crank handle 122, or drive motor 124, rotate the second rotation member 120 which in turn drives the chain 116. As the chain 116 traverses, it causes rotation of the first rotation member 110 which causes rotation of the rotatable shaft 420. As discussed above, the shaft 420 in this embodiment also utilizes a flat 434 and two compression plates 436, 438 to secure an edge 16 of the mat 14 (as illustrated at FIG. 1) to the shaft 420 as with the first embodiment above.

[0064] Secured to the lower end 408 of each support member 402, 404 is an axle member 442. These axle members 442 are preferably rigidly attached to the support members 402, 404 by industry standard attachment means for tubular members. A rotatable wheel 446 is mounted at the outer extent 450 of each side of both members 442.

[0065] This embodiment also preferably employs rollers (not shown) mounted to the bracing member 410 to minimize the friction between the mat (not shown) and the bracing member 410 when the mat is either being extended or retracted. Additionally, this embodiment utilizes spool prevention rails 456 that are preferably fabricated from high density polyethylene (HDPE). The spool prevention rails 456 serve to minimize uneven winding and unwinding of the mat from the rotatable shaft 420.

[0066] This embodiment also employs a belt barrier 460. In a preferred embodiment, two belt barriers are secured to the bracing member and serve to restrain the mat 14 when fully retracted from the body of water 12. The belt barriers 460 include retractable straps 462 that can be withdrawn from the barrier casing 464 for securing an object, such as the mat 14, into position.

[0067] A user of the assembly places an edge of the mat between the two compression plates and squeezes the edge tightly between the two plates to prevent inadvertent release of the mat as has been discussed in the first embodiment above. The mat can then be retracted onto the rotatable shaft by using either a hand crank or an electric motor to rotate the rotatable shaft at a speed that allows the operator to maintain equilibrium with each side of the mat. Once the mat is fully retracted onto the rotatable shaft the retractable straps are used to secure the mat into position on the assembly. When it is time for the mat to be extended onto the body of water the operator turns the crank or activates the electric motor to rotate the rotatable shaft in the opposite direction thereby spooling the mat onto the water body.

[0068] The disclosed system should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The disclosed apparatus and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present, or problems be solved.

[0069] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only examples of the disclosure and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope of these claims.

[0070] The disclosure presented herein is believed to encompass at least one distinct invention with independent utility. While the at least one invention has been disclosed in exemplary forms, the specific embodiments thereof as described and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. Equivalent changes, modifications, and variations of the variety of embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods may be made within the scope of the present disclosure, achieving substantially similar results. The subject matter of the at least one invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein and their equivalents.

[0071] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein regarding specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or combination of elements that may cause any benefits, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be considered as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims of at least one invention.

[0072] Many changes and modifications within the scope of the instant disclosure may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the one or more inventions described herein include all such modifications. Corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all elements in the claims are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claim elements as specifically recited. The scope of the one or more inventions should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples set forth herein.

[0073] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein regarding specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines, if any, shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the inventions.

[0074] The scope of the inventions is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

[0075] In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a feature, structure, or characteristic is described relating to an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic relating to other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0076] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0077] The invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.