Abstract
A piling-mounted boat lift locking and stabilization apparatus couples a row of pilings and a lowering/raising platform to form a rigid uni-structure. The apparatus includes a piling mounting bracket assembly (101), a turnbuckle (100), and a positioning indicator assembly (103). It provides the piling-mounted boat lift with an omni-structure that changes the inherent frequency of the assembly. The turnbuckle is designed to mitigate lateral or non-axial loads. An associated bracket assembly enables the apparatus to support the weight of the lift platform. The apparatus automatically engages one side of the lift that has no operator access. It exhibits increased rigidity and is adjustable to remove motion of the lift during high-wind events.
Claims
1. A piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus, comprising: a piling mounting bracket assembly (101) comprising a bracket plate (250) and a clevis (255), wherein the piling mounting bracket assembly (101) is configured to attach to a piling (600); a turnbuckle (100) comprising a first end (420) and a second end (421), wherein the first end (420) of the turnbuckle (100) is pivoted to the clevis (255) of the piling mounting bracket assembly (101), and wherein the second end (421) of the turnbuckle (100) is configured to attach with a lowering/raising platform (601); a positioning indicator assembly (103) comprising a lift indicator (263) mounted into the clevis (255) of the piling mounting bracket assembly (101), and an activator bracket (264) mounted on the first end (420) of the turnbuckle (100), wherein when the turnbuckle (100) is deployed by manually rotating in a downward direction along the pivot point, the activator bracket (264) engages with the lift indicator (263) and forces the lift indicator (263) to raise from a normal resting position against a top surface of the clevis (255) of the piling mounting bracket assembly (101), thereby creating a visual gap indicating a safe and correct height of the lowering/raising platform (601) to an operator for attachment of the turnbuckle (100) with the lowering/raising platform (601); an Outer Piling Locking System (OPLS) that automatically engages an outer side of the lift with no access for the operator to engage a standard configuration of a lift beam locking post mount assembly (124), comprising a longitudinal adjustment assembly (122) and a latitudinal adjustment assembly (123) that is mounted to a locking post (273) for full adjustability and couples with a locking post receiver plate (274) attached to a piling (600) by means of a piling mount receiver bracket assembly (121) that locks the lowering/lifting platform (601) to the piling (600) by adjusting the length of a turnbuckle (100) to remove any movement in the lift.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket plate (250) comprises a plurality of through holes, adapted to receive therein a plurality of fasteners (254) for securing the piling mounting bracket assembly (101) to the piling (600).
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turnbuckle (100) is pivoted to the clevis (255) of the piling mounting bracket assembly (101) through a permanent locked screw (256), washers (256A), and lock nut (256B), which passes through a pivot hole (370) in the first end (420) of the turnbuckle (100).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a lift beam bracket assembly (102) mounted on the lowering/raising platform (601), wherein the lift beam bracket assembly (102) comprises a clevis attachment point (422) configured to receive therein the second end (421) of the turnbuckle (100).
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, having a locking pin (260) for securing the second end (421) of the turnbuckle (100) inside the clevis attachment point (422), wherein the locking pin (260) comprises a hole (374) perpendicular to its shaft diameter and adapted to accept at least one of a padlock and a like locking device.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a locking snap (262) attached onto the piling (600) at a distance from the piling mounting bracket assembly (101) for detachably snap fitting the turnbuckle (100).
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a strap attachment bracket assembly and a securing strap for connecting together the piling mounting bracket assembly (101) and lowering/raising platform (601).
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of padlocks or pin locks for securing the apparatus to the piling to prevent theft.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a safety link that secures the lowering/raising platform (601) to the piling (600) in the event of partial failure of the lift components.
10. The apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is configured to fit a multitude of sizes and designs of standard commercially available piling-mounted boat lifts.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus has an adjustment mechanism for eliminating swaying movement inherent in piling-mounted boat lifts.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said apparatus having a locking mechanism associated with said adjustment mechanism so that upon being adjusted, said apparatus can be locked to remain in a rigid configuration.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said turnbuckles (100) are designed to handle increased non-axial loads.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is hand deployed with no extra components or tools.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is permanently mounted for rapid deployment.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is operative to lock the piling-mounted boat lift for security and theft prevention.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus in the OPLS configuration automatically engages one side of the lift that has no operator access and is adjustable to remove motion of the lift during high wind events.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention will be more fully understood, and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings that set forth illustrative embodiments in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional perspective view of a piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus, in accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 1A illustrates a sectional perspective view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus, shown in the primed position 507, in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus of FIG. 1A. Shown in the target position 509,
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a planer view of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus with a turnbuckle in a stored position, in accordance with the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a planer view of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus with the turnbuckle in a primed position connected to a lowering/raising platform, in accordance with the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 4A illustrates a sectional top view of the turnbuckle and the lowering/raising platform, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0038] FIG. 4B illustrates a back-end view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in a primed position connected to a lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 4.
[0039] FIG. 4C illustrates a partially sectioned side view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in a primed position connected to a lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 4.
[0040] FIG. 4D illustrates a partially sectioned top view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in a primed position connected to a lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 4.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a planer view of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus with the turnbuckle in an engagement position with the lowering/raising platform, in accordance with the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 5A illustrates a sectional top view of the turnbuckle and the lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 5.
[0043] FIG. 5B illustrates a back-end view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in the engagement position connected to a lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 5.
[0044] FIG. 5C illustrates a partially sectioned side view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in the engagement position connected to a lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 5.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a planer view of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus with the turnbuckle and the lowering/raising platform in a target position, in accordance with the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 6A illustrates a sectional top view of the turnbuckle and the lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 6.
[0047] FIG. 6B illustrates a back-end view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in the target position connected to the lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 6.
[0048] FIG. 6C illustrates a partially sectioned side view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in the target position connected to the lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 6.
[0049] FIG. 6D illustrates a partially sectioned top view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus with the device in the target position connected to the lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 6.
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a planer view of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus with the turnbuckle in the engagement position and lowering/raising platform in the target position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 7A illustrates a sectional top view of the turnbuckle and the lowering/raising platform, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0052] FIG. 7B illustrates a planer view of the piling mounted boat lift locking apparatus with the turnbuckle in the engagement position adjusted to the OPLS horizontally locked position and connected to the lowering/raising platform in the target position, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 7C illustrates a sectional top view of the turnbuckle and the lowering/raising platform as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0054] FIG. 7D illustrates a back-end view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus and the lowering/raising platform, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0055] FIG. 7E illustrates a partially sectioned side view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus and the lowering/raising platform, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0056] FIG. 7F illustrates a partially sectioned top view of the OPLS lift locking apparatus and the lowering/raising platform, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a boat lift incorporating therein the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus, in accordance with the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a boat lift incorporating therein the piling mounted boat lift locking apparatus, and the OPLS lift locking apparatus in accordance with the present invention
[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the boat lift incorporating therein the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the boat lift having the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus in an engaged position and securing a boat therein, in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention, as defined by the subjoined claims. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present disclosure herein may be employed and that the description should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0062] At the outset, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms shown below, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present claims.
[0063] The articles a and an as used herein mean one or more when applied to any feature in embodiments of the present invention described in the specification and claims. The use of a and an does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated. The article the preceding singular or plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used. The adjective any means one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity.
[0064] STANDARD SYSTEMdesigned for boat lifts that have access to both sides of the boat and boat lift assembly, as shown in FIG. 8. This system can be deployed from both sides of the lift assembly, having access to all four pilings from dockside 800 and far dockside 801.
[0065] OPLSOuter Piling Locking System (OPLS) is designed for boat lifts that only have access to one side of the boat and the boat lift assembly, as shown in FIG. 8a. This system can be deployed from the one side that has a boat lift access and still connects and locks all four pilings to the lift assembly. Hereafter, in the detailed description of this system, the term dockside 800 will be used to describe the side of the boat that has access to the lift, and the term outer side 802 will be used to describe the opposite side or the side with no access to the boat or lift assembly.
[0066] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus is described hereafter. With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a sectional perspective view of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus, hereinafter referred to as the apparatus. Generally stated on the dockside 800, the apparatus comprises a piling mounting bracket assembly 101 configured to be attached to a piling 600. The piling mounting bracket assembly 101, in an embodiment, comprises a bracket plate 250 and a clevis 255 permanently fixed together. The bracket plate 250 comprises a plurality of through holes adapted to receive therein a plurality of fasteners 254. As shown in the figure, the piling mounting bracket assembly 101 is securely attached to the piling 600 using fasteners 254.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 1A, the OPLS is shown in the primed position 507, on the outer side 802, the piling mount receiver bracket assembly 121. In an embodiment, the OPLS comprises a bracket plate 250 and a locking post receiver plate 274 permanently fixed together. The bracket plate 250 comprises a plurality of through holes adapted to receive therein a plurality of fasteners 254. As shown in the Figure, the piling mount receiver bracket assembly 121 is securely attached to the piling 600 using fasteners 254.
[0068] The apparatus further comprises, on the dockside 800, a lift beam bracket assembly 102 mounted on a beam of the lowering/raising platform 601. The lift beam bracket assembly 102 comprises a head plate 251, a top plate 252, and two base plates 253A and 253B, attached together to form the lift beam bracket assembly 102. The top plate 252 and two base plates 253A and 253B clamp onto the beam of the lowering/raising platform 601 using fasteners 257 and 259. The head plate 251 is fastened over the top plate 252 using fasteners 258 and 259, forming a clevis attachment point 422.
[0069] The apparatus further comprises, on the outer side 802, a lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, mounted on a beam of the lowering/raising platform 601. The lift beam locking post mount assembly 124 comprises two sub-assemblies, the longitudinal adjustment assembly 122 and the latitudinal adjustment assembly 123. A main lift slide arm 271 and two base plates 253A and 253B are attached together to form the longitudinal adjustment assembly 122. the main lift slide arm 271, and the two base plates 253A and 253B clamp onto the beam of the lowering/lifting platform 601 using fasteners 257. The longitudinal adjustment assembly 122 provides a latitudinal slide surface 443 for the attachment of the latitudinal adjustment assembly 123.
[0070] Further, on the dockside 800, the apparatus includes a turnbuckle 100 for coupling the pilings 600 and lowering/raising platform 601, forming one-half of a unistructural structural assembly. The turnbuckle 100 comprises a first-end 420 and a second-end 421. The first end 420 of the turnbuckle 100 is pivoted to the clevis 255 of the piling mounting bracket assembly 101 using a permanent locked screw 256. The second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 is configured to attach with a lowering/raising platform 601 of the apparatus, wherein the clevis attachment point 422 is configured to receive therein the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100. Hence, the piling mounting bracket assembly 101 mounted on the pilings 600 executes a primary function of linking the piling 600 to the first end 420 of the turnbuckle 100.
[0071] Further, on the outer side 802, the apparatus includes a lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, having a locking post 273, with a post interlocking engagement surface 440, that will interlock with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442 of the piling mount receiver bracket assembly 121, for coupling the piling 600 and the lowering/lifting platform 601, forming the second half of the unistructural assembly. The lift beam locking post mount assembly 124 is comprised of two sub-assemblies, the longitudinal adjustment assembly 122 and the latitudinal adjustment assembly 123. The longitudinal adjustment assembly 122 is comprised of a main lift slide arm 271, two base plates 253A and 253B that clamp onto a flange surface of the lowering/lifting platform 601 using fasteners 257; this allows the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, to be adjusted to the correct longitudinal position during installation. The latitudinal adjustment assembly 123, comprised of a locking post 273, a locking post slide plate 272, and two base plates 253A and 253B that clamp to the latitudinal slide surface 443 of the longitudinal adjustment assembly 122, using fasteners 257, allowing the latitudinal adjustment assembly 123, to be correctly latitudinally adjusted during installation, aligning the positioning of the post interlocking engagement surface 440 of the post 273 directly under the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442 of the piling mount receiver bracket assembly 121.
[0072] As shown in the figure, on dockside 800, a locking pin 260 secures the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 inside the clevis attachment point 422. The locking pin 260 comprises a hole 374 perpendicular to its shaft diameter adapted to accept at least one of a padlock and a like locking device to prevent theft of the boat during long-term storage. The locking pin 260 further includes a locking clip 261, which clasps around the locking pin 260.
[0073] The apparatus further comprises, on the dockside 800, a positioning indicator assembly 103 comprising a lift indicator 263 mounted into the clevis 255 of the piling mounting bracket assembly 101. An activator bracket 264 (shown in FIGS. 3-7) is mounted on the first end 420 of the turnbuckle 100. The turnbuckle 100 is deployed by manually rotating in a downward direction along the pivot point. The attachment operation is explained in further detail in the description of FIG. 3 to FIG. 7). Upon deployment of turnbuckle 100, the activator bracket 264 engages with the lift indicator 263 and forces the lift indicator 263 to raise from a normal resting position against a top surface of the clevis 255 of the piling mounting bracket assembly 101. This creates a visual gap indicating a safe and correct height of the lowering/raising platform 601 to an operator for attachment of the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 with the lowering/raising platform 601.
[0074] As shown in the FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A, disposed on the outer side 802 at the end of the post interlocking engagement surface 440 of the locking post 273 is a post locking knob 441, with a post taper locking surface 380. The receiver interlocking engagement surface 442 of the locking post receiver plate 274 has a receiver taper locking surface 381. When these two tapered engagement surfaces, 380, and 381, are engaged at the target position 509 using the adjustment in the turnbuckle 100 on the dockside 800, they will link the piling mount receiver bracket assembly 121 with the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, coupling the piling 600 and the lowering/lifting platform 601. (This operation will be explained in further detail in the description of FIG. 4 to FIG. 7H),
[0075] In an embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a strap attachment bracket assembly 104 and a securing strap 708 (not shown in the figure, but shown in FIGS. 8-10 as 104 and 708) for connecting together the lowering/raising platform 601,706, 704, and the contents of the lift. (the boat) and lowering/raising platform 601.
[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus, in accordance with the present invention. All the components disclosed in FIG. 1 are shown here in greater detail. As can be seen in the figure, the first end 420 of the turnbuckle 100 includes a pivot hole 370, which pivots the turnbuckle 100 to the clevis 255 of the piling mounting bracket assembly 101 using a permanent locked screw 256. Washers 256a are inserted into the permanent locked screw 256 on either side of the clevis 255, and the permanent locked screw 256 is inserted into the clevis 255 connecting the first end 420 of the turnbuckle 100. A lock nut 256b is fastened on the permanent locked screw 256. Adding washers 256a prevents the permanent locked screw 256 from loosening and distributes the load from a head of the permanent locked screw 256 and the lock nut 256b over a larger area.
[0077] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus in the target position 509, in accordance with the present invention. All the components disclosed in FIG. 1A are shown here in greater detail. As can be seen in the Figure, the post interlocking engagement surface 440 is fully engaged with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442, ready to lock the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124 into the piling mount receiver bracket assembly 121 to complete the linking of the lowering/raising platform 601 the piling 600.
[0078] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more fasteners 257 may be used for clamping the top plate 252 and the base plate 253A uses washers 257A on the outer surfaces of the top plate 252 and the base plate 253A before fastening the lock nut 257B. Similarly, fasteners 259 may be used for clamping the head plate 251 over the top plate 252, and the base plate 253B, using washers 259A on the outer surfaces of the head plate 251 and the top plate 253B before fastening the lock nut 259B respectively. Fastener 258 may be used to clamp head plate 251 over the top plate 252, using a washer 258A on the outer surface of the head plate 251, threading into the top plate 252 mating threaded holes.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 2A, one or more fasteners 257 may be used for clamping the main lift slide arm 271. The base plate 253A uses washers 257A on the outer surfaces of the main lift slide arm 271 and the base plate 253A before fastening the lock nut 257B. Similarly, fasteners 259 may be used for clamping the locking post 273 to the locking post slide plate 272, using washers 259A on the outer surface of the locking post 273, and threading fastener 259 into threaded locking post slide plate 272, mating threaded holes.
[0080] As shown here, the clevis attachment point 422 is configured to receive therein the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100, such that a hole 371 of the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 is concentric to a hole 373 of the clevis attachment point 422. The locking pin 260 passes through the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 and the clevis attachment point 422 through holes 371 and 373, and securely couples the two mechanisms together. The locking clip 261, which clasps around locking pin 260, is shown in a disengaged position in FIG. 2. After securing the turnbuckle 100 with the lift beam bracket assembly 102, locking clip 261 gets engaged to avoid accidental removal of the locking pin 260.
[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates a planer view of the apparatus with the turnbuckle 100 in an upright stored position 506, in accordance with the present invention. As shown, a locking snap 262 is attached to the piling 600 at a distance away from the piling mounting bracket assembly 101. The locking snap 262 is configured for detachably snap fitting the turnbuckle 100 when it is not in use, i.e., the turnbuckle 100 is kept in the upright stored position 506. In said position, an adjustment handle 211 of the turnbuckle 100 in a rest position lying longitudinal to the turnbuckle 100 is snapped into the locking snap 262. Further, the lift indicator 263 of the positioning indicator assembly 103 is mounted into the clevis 255 of the piling mounting bracket assembly 101, and the activator bracket 264 is mounted on the first end 420 of the turnbuckle 100. In operation, the positioning indicator assembly 103 creates an indication for a safe and correct height of the lowering/raising platform 601 to the operator for attachment of the turnbuckle 100 with the lowering/raising platform 601.
[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates a planer view of the apparatus on the dockside 800, with the turnbuckle 100 in a primed position 507, in accordance with the present invention. In order to engage the apparatus from the upright stored position 506, the turnbuckle 100 is first unsnapped from the arm storage bracket 265, thereby, releasing the turnbuckle 100 from the upright stored position 506, and manually moving the turnbuckle 100 in a downward direction 505 (as shown in FIGS. 3-4) to the primed position 507. As shown in FIG. 4A, a sectional top view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 is illustrated, depicting that the turnbuckle 100 is aligned at a correct primed position 507 when moved in the downward direction 505, i.e., the midpoint of the lateral outward rotation 510 and the lateral inward rotation 511, where the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 coincides with the clevis attachment point 422. The primed position 506 activates the positioning indicator assembly 103, as can be seen in FIG. 4, where the activator bracket 264 comes in contact with the lift indicator 263, thereby forcing the lift indicator 263 to rise from its normal position against the top surface of the clevis 255 of the piling mounting bracket assembly 101, creating a visual gap between the surfaces. Simultaneously, the lowering/raising platform 601 comprising the lift beam bracket assembly 102 actuated by the operator is raised in an upward direction 502. The lifting of the lowering/raising platform 601 can be actuated using any of the means of the electric powered winches.
[0083] FIG. 4B illustrates a back-end view of the apparatus on the outer side 802, showing the alignment of the locking post 273 of the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, in vertical alignment with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442, of the locking post receiver plate 274. In addition, the lateral alignment tapered surface 382 will guide the post interlocking engagement surface 440 of the locking post 274 into the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442 of the locking post receiver plate 274. FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the apparatus showing horizontally, the alignment positions of the locking post 273 of the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, in longitudinal alignment with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442, of the locking post receiver plate 274. in addition, showing the post taper locking surface 380, on the locking post 273, with the receiver taper locking surface 381 of the locking post receiver plate 274 as the lift is raised towards the final vertical target position 509.
[0084] FIG. 5 illustrates a planer view of the apparatus with the turnbuckle 100 in an engagement position 508 and the lowering/raising platform 601 raised in an upward direction 502, in accordance with the present invention. As the lowering/raising platform 601 approaches the engagement position 508, the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 comes in contact with the lift beam bracket assembly 102 and the turnbuckle 100 begins to start an upward rotation 503 towards the engagement position 508. With the upward rotation 503 of the turnbuckle 100, the lift indicator 263 begins to fall, which decreases the visual gap between the lift indicator 263 and the clevis 255 top surfaces. Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the turnbuckle 100 still coincides with the clevis attachment point 422, while the lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the lowering/raising platform 601 is being raised in the upward direction 502.
[0085] FIG. 5B illustrates a back-end view of the apparatus on the outer side 802, showing the alignment of the locking post 273 of the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124 in vertical alignment and engaging with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442, guided by the lateral alignment tapered surfaces 382, of the locking post receiver plate 274. In addition, FIG. 5B shows the lateral alignment tapered surface 382, having guided the post interlocking engagement surface 440 of the locking post 273 into the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442 of the locking post receiver plate 274. FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the apparatus showing horizontally, the alignment positions of the locking post 273 of the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, in longitudinal alignment with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442, of the locking post receiver plate 274. In addition, FIG. 5C shows the post taper locking surface 380 on the locking post 273, with the receiver taper locking surface 381 on the locking post receiver plate 274, as the lift is raised towards the final vertical target position 509.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 6, a planer view of the apparatus is shown with the turnbuckle 100 in a target position and the lowering/raising platform 601 also in the target position, in accordance with the present invention. The target position 509 is successfully achieved when the lowering/raising platform 601 being raised in the upward direction 502 provides the upward rotation 503 to the turnbuckle 100 such that the gap between the lift indicator 263 and the clevis 255 top surfaces completely closes, and head of the lift indicator 263 rests on the surface of the clevis 255 of the piling mounting bracket assembly 101. As shown in the figure, lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the lowering/raising platform 601 is at the target position 509, where the operator halts any further movement of the lowering/raising platform upward direction 502. As shown in FIG. 6A, a sectional top view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 is illustrated, depicting that the turnbuckle 100 still coinciding with the clevis attachment point 422, while the lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the lowering/raising platform 601 is raised to the target position 509.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 6B, there is illustrated a back-end view of the apparatus on the outer side 802, showing the alignment of the locking post 273 of the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, in vertical alignment, complete and finial engagement target position 509, with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442, of the locking post receiver plate 274. FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the apparatus showing the horizontal alignment, complete and finial engagement target positions 509, of the locking post 273, of the lift beam locking post mount assembly 124, in longitudinal alignment with the receiver interlocking engagement surface 442, of the locking post receiver plate 274. The Figure additionally shows post taper locking surface 380 on locking post 273, with the receiver taper locking surface 381 of the locking post receiver plate 274 in position to engage when activated. FIG. 6D illustrates a sectional top view to show in greater detail the post taper locking surface 380 on the locking post 273, with the receiver taper locking surface 381 of the locking post receiver plate 274 in position to engage when activated.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 7, a planer view of the apparatus is shown with the turnbuckle 100 in the engagement position 508 and lowering/raising platform 601 in the target position 509, in accordance with the present invention. Initially, as shown in FIG. 6, the turnbuckle 100 was in the target position 507. Now, in order to engage the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 with the lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the lowering/raising platform 601, as shown in FIG. 7A, the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 is first manually provided lateral outward rotation 510, thereby freeing the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 from contact with the lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the lowering/raising platform 601. The operator then manually provides the downward rotation 505 to the turnbuckle 100, as shown in FIG. 7. Finally, as shown in FIG. 7A, the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 is manually provided lateral inward rotation 511, thereby inserting the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100 inside the lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the lowering/raising platform 601. This completes the engagement of the turnbuckle 100 with the lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the lowering/raising platform 601, and the turnbuckle 100 is ready to be unlocked and set.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 7B, there is shown the dockside 800 with the turnbuckle 100 unlocked and ready to activate. Rotating the body of the turnbuckle 100 in a clockwise rotation 502 causes a decrease in length 520, of the turnbuckle 100, pulling the lowering/raising platform 601, towards the dockside 800 until, as illustrated in FIGS. 7E and 7F, the post taper locking surface 380, on the locking post 273, contact the receiver taper locking surface 381 of the locking post receiver plate 274, removing any movement in the lowering/raising platform 601.
[0090] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the boat lift incorporating therein the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatuses in the Standard System configuration. Turnbuckle 100 is in an engagement position 508, in accordance with an implementation of the present invention. As shown, one end of each of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatuses, four in total, is attached with a respective piling 600 using the piling mounting bracket assembly 101. A pair of pilings 600 at two opposite ends supports a respective piling beam/winch assembly 700 on top. Cable 702 has one end connected to the piling beam/winch assembly internal winches 700. Another end of cable 702 is connected to the lowering/raising platform 601 for lifting the lowering/raising platform 601 to an appropriate height. As shown in the Figure, a bunk assembly 704 is attached to the lowering/raising platform 601 using bunk brackets 706. The bunk assembly 704 is adapted to support a boat (not shown) to be carried on the lowering/raising platform 601.
[0091] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the boat lift incorporating therein the piling mounted boat lift locking apparatuses in the OPLS configuration. Turnbuckle 100 is in an engagement position 508, in accordance with an implementation of the present invention on the dockside 800. As shown, one end of each of the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatuses, two in total on the dockside 800, is attached with a respective piling 600 using the piling mounting bracket assembly 101. On the outer side 802, the lift beam locking post mount assembly is engaged with the piling mount receiver bracket assembly 121 at the vertical target position 509, in accordance with an implementation of the present invention. A pair of pilings 600 at two opposite ends supports a respective piling beam/winch assembly 700 on top. Cable 702 has one end connected to the piling beam/winch assembly internal winches 700 and another to the lowering/raising platform 601 for lifting the lowering/raising platform 601 to an appropriate height. Bunk assembly 704 is attached to the lowering/raising platform 601 using bunk brackets 706. The bunk assembly 704 is adapted to support a boat (not shown) to be carried on the lowering/raising platform 601.
[0092] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the boat lift incorporating therein the piling mounted boat lift locking apparatus in engaged position 508, as shown in FIG. 8. The piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus comprising the piling mounting bracket assembly 101, the turnbuckle 100, and the lift beam bracket assembly 102 is installed on all corners of the boat lift. When installed, the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus not only advantageously prevents swaying of the boat lift due to winds but also supports and strengthens the entire structure during harsh weather conditions.
[0093] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the boat lift having the piling-mounted boat lift locking apparatus in engaged position 508 and securing a boat therein. The Boat 800 rests on and is supported by the bunk assembly 704 attached to the lowering/raising platform 601 using bunk brackets 706. Securing strap 708 is provided for securing boat 800 onto the lowering/raising platform 601, using strap attachment bracket assembly 104, thus providing extra support to boat 800 and preventing prevention of any type of movement, specifically during a tidal surge.
[0094] In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a mechanism of the setting of turnbuckle 100, to facilitate the final attachment and removal of any possible movement between turnbuckle 100 and the lift beam bracket assembly 102. Starting on the far side 801 of the lift, as shown in FIG. 8, the unlocking steps performed on the turnbuckle 100 include rotation of the adjustment handle 211 until perpendicular to the turnbuckle 100 main body and rotating the main body 200 with the adjustment handle 211 for setting the turnbuckle 100. By providing rotation using the adjustment handle 211, a change in length is achieved by means of a threaded coupling and a helical incline, which converts the rotary motion into a linear motion. When the main body of the turnbuckle 100 is rotated clockwise, the left-hand internal thread of the main body is mated with the left-hand external thread of the first end 420 rod, and the right-hand internal thread of the main body is mated with the external right-hand thread of the second end 421 rod to extend or increase the overall length, putting the device in compression. Stop pins on thread and stop pin on thread are configured to prevent turnbuckle 100 from disassembling when setting, and vice versa. When the main body of turnbuckle 100 is rotated counterclockwise 501, the left-hand internal thread of the main body is mated with the left-hand external thread of the first end 420 rod, and the right-hand internal thread of the main body is mated with the external right-hand thread of the second end 421 rod to retract or decrease the overall length, putting the turnbuckle 100 in tension. In an embodiment of the present invention, both the left-handed and right-handed threads have a common pitch, making the same extension and retraction rates.
[0095] Upon reaching the desired length, locking pin 260 is inserted into the concentric holes 373 of attachment clevis 422 on the main lift beam bracket assembly 102 and through the through-hole 371 at the second end 421 of the turnbuckle 100, and the locking clip 261 is clasped around locking pin 260. According to the present invention, the turnbuckle 100 does not require any additional adjustment after successful setting.
[0096] With reference to turnbuckle 100 on the opposite side, (the dockside 800, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A) of the lift beam bracket assembly 102 of the common lowering/raising platform 601, after setting and pinning, the device can and should be further adjusted, preferably retracted putting the lift mechanism in tension, to remove any movement of the boat lift's lowering/raising platform 601 and strengthening this section of the boat lift. This process is performed both on the Standard System configuration and the OPLS configuration. This adjustment completes the linkage of the piling 600 to the boat lift lowering/raising platform 601 at this position. This same process is repeated for multiple locking/strengthening turnbuckles 100 used in the present apparatus. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the turnbuckle 100 can be set and locked in any order as the order of setting is not critical to achieve the benefit of the present invention.
[0097] The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0098] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there within.
[0099] Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art. all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
