Mooring device

Abstract

A mooring device including: a strut with a first end and a second end; a first head; a pivot mount; a first suction cup; a rotating mount; a second head; a second suction cup; a rod; and a flotation cover sleeve. The pivot mount allows the first head to pivot about a first head axis and therefore to rotate relative to the strut. The rotating mount allows the suction cup to rotate about a second axis relative to the strut. The flotation cover sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.

Claims

1. A mooring device for coupling between objects, the mooring device comprising: a strut having a first end and a second end; a first head pivotally coupled to the first end of the strut by a mount, the first head movable about a first head axis an angle relative to the strut; a first suction cup coupled to the first head by a first cup mount; a second head coupled to the second end of the strut; and a second suction cup rotatably coupled to the second head by a second coup mount, a first rod extending through the first head, the first rod coupled with the first suction cup, wherein at least one of the first suction cup and the second suction cup comprise a respective base.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising a third suction cup coupled to the first head opposite the first suction cup and able to rotate relative to the first attachment end.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first head and the second head are each elongated members extending orthogonal to the strut.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strut is a hollow tube having a mount socketed thereto at the first end, the mount including a first head axis pin and functionally coupled to the first head.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second head is T-shaped.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first head has paired tabs extending outwardly therefrom and pivotally coupled to the strut.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a flotation sleeve coupled about the strut, the flotation sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flotation sleeve coupled about the strut, the flotation sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is coupled between a first object that is a boat, and a second object that is not a boat.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is coupled between two boats.

11. An apparatus for mooring a first boat to another object, the apparatus comprising: a strut having a first end and a second end; a first head pivotally coupled to the first end of the strut by a pivot mount, the pivot mount configured to move about a first head axis relative to the strut; a first suction cup coupled to the first head by a cup mount movable relative to both the strut and the first head axis; a second head coupled to the second end of the strut; a second suction cup coupled to the second head by a respective cup mount; a first rod extending through the first head, the first rod coupled with the first suction cup; and a first bushing disposed around the first rod.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, the apparatus further comprising a third suction cup coupled to the first head opposite the first suction cup and able to rotate.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the strut is a hollow tube having a mount socketed thereto at the first end, the mount including a first head axis pin and functionally coupled to the first head.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second head is T-shaped.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first head has paired tabs extending outwardly therefrom and pivotally coupled to the strut.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a flotation sleeve coupled about the strut, the flotation sleeve having a buoyancy sufficient to render the entire apparatus positively buoyant in water.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the another object is a second boat.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the another object is not another boat.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the another object is a second boat.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the another object is not another boat.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an assembled suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled suction cup mooring device in an installed position, according to one embodiment of the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an assembled suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a connector of a suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

(8) Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

(9) Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

(10) As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

(11) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a mooring device 100 including a strut 102 pivotally coupled on a first end 110 to a first head 104 and rigidly coupled on a second end 112 to a second head 106.

(12) The illustrated strut 102 includes a hollow tube 108 rigidly coupled on a first end 110 to a mount 114. As illustrated, the strut 102 and the mount 114 have one or more holes, upon which being lined up, dowels 116 can be pressed into to secure them to each other. In other embodiments, there may be more than one strut 102 or hollow tube 108, the hollow tube 108 or strut 102 may be selectably extendable though telescoping or having a hinge, ball joint, or other rotating or pivoting connection, and/or the hollow tube 108 may be a solid piece, a tube filled with a buoyant material, and the like and combinations thereof.

(13) The illustrated hollow tube 108 is enclosed within a flotation sleeve 118, which includes an integrated cover sleeve for protection and aesthetics, however in other embodiments, the cover sleeve may be separated from the flotation sleeve 118. The flotation sleeve 118 and/or the cover sleeve may be slit down one or more sides to enable easy install, replacement, and upgrade. The flotation sleeve 118 and the cover sleeve may be fitted with hook and loop fasteners, straps, buttons, clips, and the like and combinations thereof in order to securely remain in place once installed over or around the flotation sleeve 118 and the hollow tube 108.

(14) The flotation sleeve 118 may also be another buoyant object, such as a buoy or one or more flotation rings encircling or otherwise connected to the strut 102. The volume of the flotation sleeve 118 is selected to counter any negative buoyancy of the mooring device 100 and to result in a net positive buoyancy for the entire device. This volume may be determined by progressively attaching larger sleeves until positive buoyancy is achieved or may be determined by weighing the mooring device 100 while submerged in water to determine total negative buoyancy and then selecting a sleeve size that has greater positive buoyancy than the determined negative buoyancy.

(15) The illustrated first head 104 includes a detent pin 120 and a tabbed pipe 122, which has a hole sized similarly to one in the mount 114 through which the detent pin 120 may be inserted, rotatably coupling the first head 104 to the strut 102. The tabbed pipe 122 also has bushings 124 inserted into each opposing end. A rod 126 is inserted through the bushings 124 and tabbed pipe 122, may rotate therein, and has an end on each side protruding from the tabbed pipe 122. The rod 126 may be selectably extendable, such as being telescopic, so as to allow the user additional flexibility with mounting locations.

(16) Suction cups 128 are rigidly coupled to the protruding ends of the rod 126 and may rotate in conjunction with the rod 126. The suction cups 128 and rod 126 have one or more holes, upon which being lined up, dowels 116 can be pressed into to secure them to each other.

(17) The illustrated suction cups 128 include a base 130, a pad 132, and a lever 134. The base 130 provides a stable mounting point for the pad 132 and the lever 134 as well as allows pressure to be evenly and accurately applied to the suction cups 128 to enable easy mounting. The base 130 also has a through hole where it mounts to the pad 132 and to the lever 134.

(18) The illustrated pad 132 is mounted to one side of the base 130 and is concave in shape in order to create a pressurized sealed area when pressed against a boat hull, however, may also be flat in shape. The pad 132 is made of a flexible material in order to create a good seal when pressed against a boat hull as well as account for any imperfections or surface differences on the boat hull. Such materials may include, but are not limited to rubber, silicone, soft plastics, and the like and combinations thereof. The pad 132 may also be coated with substances to assist in creating a seal or to protect the pad 132 from the elements, such as oils, petroleum jellies, UV protectants, and the like and combinations thereof. The pad 132 may have a through hole where it mounts to the base 130.

(19) The illustrated lever 134 is mounted to the side of the base 130 opposite the pad 132, however in other embodiments may be mounted elsewhere on the base 130. The lever 134 may be configured to pull up on the suction cups 128 to create a pressure differential and/or open and close the hole in the base 130 and the pad 132, thereby allowing the suction cups 128 to maintain a negative pressure differential compared to the outside pressure, enabling it to cling to the boat hull or other mounted surface. The lever 134 may also be spring loaded or otherwise biased open or shut to assist the user in using the lever 134 or to prevent the lever 134 from continuously moving back and forth when not in use.

(20) The illustrated second head 106 includes a tee 136, which has a hole through which a dowel may be inserted, coupling the second head 106 to the strut 102. The tee 136 also has bushings 124 inserted into each opposing end. A rod 126 is inserted through the bushings 124 and the tee 136, may rotate therein, and has an end on each side protruding from the tee 136. Suction cups 128 are rigidly coupled to the protruding ends of the rod 126 and may rotate in conjunction with the rod 126.

(21) Although the illustrated embodiment is shown with four suction cups, various numbers of suction cups may be used depending on the desired use, such as singular suction cups, arrays of suction cups, and the suction cups may be arranged so as to add or reduce the rigidity of the mounting, such as triangular arrangements to promote strength in all directions, or linearly to allow the suction cups to break free if there is too much stress in one direction.

(22) In other embodiments, one or more of the dowel-in-hole connections of the mooring device 100 may be configured to receive other fastening mechanisms such as pins, rivets, ball detents, screws, set screws, and the like and combinations thereof. Other embodiments may instead have one or more of the connections create via threading together, adhesives, epoxies, press fitting, latching, and the like and combinations thereof.

(23) The structural pieces of the mooring device 100 may be made of any material with a high strength-to-weight ratio, such as metals, hard plastics, wood, and the like and combinations thereof. These materials may be plated, coated, or painted to assist in preventing exposure damage such as corrosion or UV damage. With respect to flotation sleeve 118, it may be made of any material that provides buoyancy, such as foams, woods or plastics, and the like and combinations thereof. The cover sleeve may be made of fabric or flexible plastic and the like and combinations thereof. The flotation sleeve 118 and cover sleeve may also be coated or impregnated with a chemical solution, oil, or metal to help them be UV, mildew, and/or water resistant.

(24) In operation, the suction cups 128 of the first head 104 are pressed onto the hull of a first boat. Once the suction cups 128 are pressed against the hull, the user presses down the lever 134 on each of the suction cups 128 of the first head 104, which each act as a mechanical vacuum actuator, and rigidly secures suction cups 128 to the hull of the first boat. Thereafter, the user rotates the second head 106 to line up the suction cups 128 of the second head 106 with a second boat. The user then presses the suction cups 128 of the second head 106 against the second boat and then presses down the lever 134 on each of the suction cups 128 of the second head 106, which each act as a mechanical vacuum actuator, and rigidly secures suction cups 128 to the hull of the second boat. It may also be that installation of second end 112 may be done prior to or concurrently with installation of first end 110.

(25) Another method to install the mooring device 100 is to pull the pin which connects the tabbed pipe 122 of the first end 110 to the mount 114 of the strut 102. This separates the first head 104 from the strut 102 and second head 106. The suction cups 128 of the first head 104 are then secured to a first boat by engaging the lever 134 of the first end 110, while the suction cups 128 of the second end 112 are secured to a second boat by engaging the lever 134 of the second end 112. Once the suctions cups of the first end 110 and the second end 112 are secured to the respective boats, the mount 114 is inserted between the flanges of the tabbed pipe 122 and the detent pin 120 is inserted through the tabbed pipe 122 and the mount 114, thereby securing the first head 104 to the strut 102 and second head 106.

(26) Advantageously, the mooring device 100 is a durable and ready-to-use device that is able to rigidly couple two boats to one another, while also maintaining a high level of flexibility. This allows mooring device 100 to have a large amount of holding power while also being able to compensate for movement of the boats without allowing them to make direct contact with one another. The device thereby both keeps the boats separate while also being significantly less likely to disengage from and free the boats or otherwise cause cosmetic damage to the boats.

(27) FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an assembled suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated mooring device 200 is shown with the suction cups 228 able to freely rotate relative to the tabbed pipe 222, the suction cups 228 mounted one on each side close to the tabbed pipe 222 to prevent the tabbed pipe 222 from sliding back and forth between the suction cups 228.

(28) As shown, the mount 214 is inserted into the tabbed pipe 222, with the detent pin 220 inserted through each, thereby attaching the first head 204 to the strut 202. This allows the first head 204 to pivot relative to the strut 202, and when combined with the rotation of the suction cups 228, gives the first head 204 two axes of motion relative to the rest of the mooring device 200.

(29) The illustrated embodiment shows the hollow tube 208 inserted into the tee 236, with a dowel pin 216 inserted, thereby rigidly attaching the second head 206 to the strut 202. This creates a rigid connecting structure that does not allow the second head 206 to pivot relative to the strut 202, preventing the mooring device 200 from collapsing in on itself, however still allows two connected boats to pivot, move forwards or backwards relative to one another, or rise and fall relative to one another without putting excessive stress on the parts of the mooring device 200.

(30) FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled suction cup mooring device in an installed position, according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated mooring device 300 is shown with the suction cups 328 rotated and rigidly attached to two separate surfaces, and the first head 304 pivoted to accommodate the angle between the suction cups 328 of the first head 304 attached to the first surface and the suction cups 328 of the second head 306 attached to the second surface.

(31) As illustrated, the first head 304 is pivoted relative to the strut 302, as well as the suction cups 328 are rotated relative to the first head 304. The two axes of motion of the first head 304 allow the mooring device 300 to compensate for movement of the surfaces in the x-axis and y-axis, as well as allows the boats to pivot around the x-axis and y-axis. In embodiments where the connections on the heads 304, 306 or strut 302 are rotatable, movement in the z-axis could also be achieved. The rigidity of the second head 306 connection to the strut 302 allows the movement between the surfaces without allowing the mooring device 300 to collapse in on itself and thus allowing the surfaces to make direct contact with one another and cause damage.

(32) FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an assembled suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated mooring device 400 is shown with a strut 402 that extends all the way to the suction cups 428, which are able to freely rotate relative to the strut 402, the suction cups 428 mounted one each side close to the strut 402 to prevent the strut 402 from sliding back and forth between the suction cups 428.

(33) The illustrated mooring device 400 allows the connected boats to rise and fall with one another without being able to move forwards or backwards relative to one another or pivot towards or away from one another, preventing contact between them. This also promotes rigidity and strength in the system, as pin or other connections are replace by solid structure and thus allows the user to keep two boats spaced a constant distance from one another.

(34) FIG. 5 illustrates a connector of a suction cup mooring device, according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated connector 500 includes a mounting end 502, a hook 504, and a safety latch 506. In operational context, such as but not limited to in use with the structure shown in FIG. 1, the mounting end 502 on one side may be pivotally connected to the mount 114 of the first end 110 of the strut 102 through a pin connection. The connector 500 may also rigidly couple to the second end of the strut by pressing a dowel through the hole in the second end 112 and the mounting end 502. The mounting end 502 may have a different shape, such as round, oblong, polygonal, and the like in order to securely couple to different shaped mounts 114, first ends 110, or second ends 112.

(35) The illustrated hook 504 is rigidly connected to the mounting end 502 through a weld, however, may also be connected by any number of mechanical fasteners such as bolts, rivets, screws, press fit, and the like and combinations thereof. The hook 504 may also be formed with the mounting end as one piece to negate the need for fastening the pieces together. The hook 504 may have a spine to increase the strength of the hook without drastically increasing the weight.

(36) The illustrated safety latch 506 is pivotally connected to the mounting end 502 through a bolt. The safety latch may pivot relative to the mounting end to open and close access to the hook 504. The safety latch 506 may include a spring or torsion spring to bias the safety latch 506 open or closed and may also include a pin or latch to hold the safety latch 506 open or lock it shut.

(37) To use the illustrated connector 500, the user presses the bottom of the safety latch 506 on an object, such as a cleat, hook, ring, or the like, which biases the safety latch towards the open position and moves the object past interference with the hook 502. Once the object is clear of the hook 502, the user pushes the object forward or the connector 500 backwards until the object is clear of the front of the safety latch 506. Without the user biasing the safety latch 506 open, the torsion spring in the safety latch 506 then biases the safety latch 506 shut, which locks the object within the connector 500.

(38) To remove, the user biases the safety latch 506 open and then pushes the object backwards or the connector 500 forwards until the object is clear of the tip of the hook 502. The user then pushes the object down or the connector 500 up until the object is clear of the bottom of the hook 502.

(39) It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

(40) For example, although the parts are designed to be resistant to conditions seen on or near the water, such as salt, water, wind, and sun, other embodiments may be useful on land or in enclosed structures, wherein connecting structures such as bearings and ball joints may be in place of pin connections and bushings or rods to provide additional movement without the risk of premature degradation.

(41) Additionally, although the figures illustrate suction cups to attach relatively smooth and uniform surfaces to one another, the suction cups or the first or second head may be replaced by rings, hooks, clamps, pins, brackets, clasps, or other fasteners known to a person skilled in the art so that the mooring device may be affixed to cleats, rails, towers, hooks, loops, or other desired structures.

(42) It is also envisioned that the central support need not be a rigid material, so that the mooring device may be used for towing a boat or other object without the directional movement limitations that rigid structure brings.

(43) It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the suction cups are replaced by more permanent structure, such as a threaded connection, pin connection, or clamp which would drastically increase the holding power of the mooring devices as well as enable a user to permanently affix each connection end to commonly used boats or other structure so that the user reduces the number of parts needed to affix the two objects.

(44) Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.