Watercraft docking system

Abstract

A watercraft docking system for use with watercraft facilitates unassisted docking of the watercraft by preventing the watercraft from engaging the dock at either approach or departure. A simple reconfiguration of the watercraft docking system allows the watercraft to remain affixed to the dock while still reacting to external forces, such as wind, waves, and other phenomena. Accordingly, an individual can fully operate a recreational watercraft without the aid of another individual while reducing or eliminating the risk of potential damage resulting from contact between the watercraft and the dock.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to a provisional application no. 60/399598 filed on Jul. 30, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to docking devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to watercraft docking systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Watercraft are frequently stored on the water attached to docks, often referred to as slips. A typical watercraft dock includes a structure having one or more open slips, each with parallel sidewalls. Each slip has an open end into which the watercraft enters and from which the watercraft exits. Walkways are typically provided around the slip sidewalls.

[0004] Docking a watercraft presents a number of challenges. For instance, steering a watercraft is difficult because changing the direction of travel of the front of the watercraft is accomplished indirectly, i.e., by changing the relative orientation of the back of the watercraft. By contrast, changing the direction of travel of the front of a wheeled vehicle is accomplished via the front wheels and is therefore easier. Further, it is difficult to make immediate changes in the direction of travel of a watercraft at low speeds. Certain adverse conditions, such as wind, rough water, slower watercraft speed, and operator inexperience can make the docking process even more difficult. In any event, docking a watercraft is difficult, and if the watercraft contacts a dock structure, the damage potential is significant.

[0005] Accordingly, individuals who operate watercraft often find it extremely difficult to launch and dock their watercraft without the assistance of other individuals positioned on the dock, on various areas of the watercraft itself, or both. When an individual attempts to launch or dock their watercraft without assistance, the watercraft may engage with the dock. If not performed properly, this engagement may damage both the watercraft and the dock. Launching of the watercraft is completed when the watercraft is free from both sides of the watercraft slip. Docking is completed only when the watercraft and dock are protected from potential impact between the watercraft and dock attributable to waves or wind creating relative movement between the watercraft and dock. Accordingly, a need continues to exist for a docking system that allows an individual to completely launch and dock their watercrafts without assistance and without damaging the dock or watercraft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a docking apparatus having an axle arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position. A bumper is rotatably mounted on the axle and arranged to rotate to a horizontal position when the axle is rotated to the first position and to rotate to a vertical position when the axle is rotated to the second position.

[0007] In another example embodiment, a docking system includes multiple docking arrangements. Each docking arrangement has an axle arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position and a bumper rotatably mounted on the axle and arranged to rotate to a horizontal position when the axle is rotated to the first position and to rotate to a vertical position when the axle is rotated to the second position. A linkage operatively couples the docking arrangements together. A lever coupled to the linkage and arranged to cause the axles of the docking arrangements to rotate between the first and second positions.

[0008] Still another example embodiment is directed to a method for docking a watercraft. The watercraft is caused to enter a dock and is then secured to the dock. At least one bumper is then rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention may provide certain advantages. For instance, various embodiments facilitate docking watercraft without assistance by preventing the watercraft from engaging the dock at either approach or departure. As a result, an individual can more easily guide and affix a watercraft to a dock without damage to either the watercraft or the dock. In addition, a simple reconfiguration allows the watercraft to remain affixed to the dock while still reacting to external forces, such as wind, waves, and other phenomena.

[0010] Additional objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the claims that follow, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating an example docking arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an example configuration of a docking system according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates another example configuration of the docking system illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a docking technique according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention facilitate docking watercraft without assistance. Accordingly, an individual can more easily guide and affix a watercraft to a dock without damage to either the watercraft or the dock. In one embodiment, a watercraft docking system arranged for use with recreation watercraft prevents the watercraft from engaging the dock at either approach or departure. The watercraft docking system converts with a single movement to allow the watercraft to remain affixed to the dock while still reacting to external forces, such as wind, waves, and other phenomena.

[0017] The following description of various embodiments directed to a watercraft docking system is to be construed by way of illustration rather than limitation. This description is not intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses. While various embodiments of the invention are described as being implemented in a docking system for recreational watercraft, the principles of the invention are generally applicable to other systems and apparatuses that protect vehicles and other structures from undesirable impacts. For example, the example embodiments described herein may be adapted for use with any recreational or commercial watercraft, regardless of size, in a variety of situations.

[0018] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

[0019] In one embodiment, a watercraft docking system includes mounting brackets that can be attached to a dock. The mounting brackets secure circular bumpers that can be rotated in response to a force applied by a positioning lever and one or more linkages. When the circular bumpers are arranged in a horizontal position, the bumpers gently guide the watercraft alongside the dock and avoid contact between the watercraft and the dock. When the watercraft is secured to the dock, the positioning lever may be actuated to reconfigure the bumpers in a vertical position. When the bumpers are in the vertical position, the watercraft is free to rise and fall with the water level while reacting to outside forces, such as wind and waves, without contacting the dock.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating an example docking arrangement 100. The docking arrangement 100 includes a mounting assembly 102 that is attachable to a dock using a standard nut and bolt. Alternatively, another fastener can attach the docking arrangement 100 to the dock, such as glue, a nail, or a screw. As another alternative, the mounting assembly 102 can be permanently attached to the dock by welding, molding, or other adhesion techniques.

[0021] The mounting assembly 102 may include a mounting bracket 104, a receiver 106, and an axle 108, preferably all formed from the same material. The mounting bracket 104, receiver 106, and axle 108 may all be formed from any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, composite nylon, angle iron, extruded aluminum, extruded PVC or other plastic material, injection mold, or die cast metal.

[0022] The mounting bracket 104 is preferably formed with two perpendicular surfaces 110 and 112 that conform to perpendicular surfaces of the edge of the dock. Both surfaces 110 and 112 are fastened or attached to the dock. With the mounting bracket 104 secured to two surfaces of the dock, the fastening or attachment between the mounting bracket 104 and the dock is secure.

[0023] The axle 108 is rotatably mounted in the receiver 106, which may be formed from any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to: composite nylon, angle iron, extruded aluminum, extruded PVC or other plastic material, injection mold, or die cast metal. While not required, the receiver 106 may incorporate a friction-reducing material, such as a nylon bushing, grease, or a ball bearing, on its inside surface to reduce friction with the axle 108.

[0024] The receiver 106 is preferably formed from the same material as the mounting bracket 104 and the axle 108 and may be attached to the mounting bracket 104 using any of a variety of fastening techniques, such as welding, solid bonding, or sonic welding. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other similar fastening techniques may provide certain advantages in certain manufacturing processes. As another alternative, the receiver 106 and the mounting bracket 104 can be combined as a single injection-molded or die cast component or integrated using other one-piece construction techniques. The use of such fastening and one-piece construction processes is within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The axle 108 is preferably formed from the same material as the mounting bracket 104 and the receiver 106, for example, composite nylon, angle iron, extruded aluminum, extruded PVC or other plastic material, injection mold, or die cast metal. As described above, the axle 108 is rotatably mounted in the receiver 106. More particularly, the axle 108 may be attached to the receiver 106 using a slide-in pin 114. Alternatively, the axle 108 may be held within the receiver 106 using friction, a screw, or another fastening agent. The axle 108 may be rotated between two positions: one position for docking a watercraft and another position for protecting the watercraft once it has been docked.

[0026] A circular bumper 116 is rotatably mounted on the axle 108. The circumference and width of the circular bumper 116 may be selected as a function of the size of the watercraft. The circular bumper 116 is preferably formed from a non-marking, pliable, energy absorbing material. In one embodiment, the circular bumper 116 includes an inner rim 118 and an outer rim 120. In another embodiment, the circular bumper 116 is formed as a single piece using a blow-mold, injection mold, or any rubber-like material. As another alternative, the circular bumper 116 may be implemented using a conventional bumper or fender of a type commonly used in the marine industry for watercraft docking.

[0027] The inner rim 118 can be formed from any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to: composite nylon, angle iron, extruded aluminum, extruded PVC or other plastic material, injection mold, or die cast metal. In addition, the inner rim 118 may incorporate a friction-reducing material, such as a nylon bushing, grease, or a ball bearing, on its inside surface to reduce friction with the axle 108.

[0028] The outer rim 120 can be formed as a solid, skinned surface. Alternatively, the outer rim 120 may be formed as any non-marking, pliable, energy absorbing material, such as a hollow piece, a blow-mold, a self-skinning foam, or an injection mold.

[0029] As described below in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, multiple docking arrangements 100 may be combined to form a docking system. When multiple docking arrangements 100 are combined in this way, a linkage 122 couples the docking arrangements 100 to one another. The linkage 122 is preferably formed from the same material as the mounting assembly 102 and is attached to a protruding section 124 of each docking arrangement 100, for example, using a pin 126. Alternatively, the linkage 122 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, including, for example, composite nylon, angle iron, extruded aluminum, extruded PVC or other plastic material, injection mold, or die cast metal. Further, the linkage 122 may incorporate a friction-reducing material, such as a nylon bushing, grease, or a ball bearing, to reduce friction with the axle 108.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an example implementation of a docking system 128 in which three docking arrangements 100a, 100b, and 100c, collectively referred to as docking arrangement 100, are combined as described above. While three docking arrangements 100 are depicted, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a greater or lesser number of docking arrangements 100 may be used. The docking arrangements 100 are coupled to each other via the linkage 122. As illustrated in FIG. 2, circular bumpers 116a, 116b, and 116c, collectively referred to as circular bumpers 116, of the docking arrangements 100a, 100b, and 100c are in a horizontal position. With the circular bumpers 116 thus positioned, a watercraft can be guided into the dock while avoiding contact between the watercraft and the dock. As a result, the likelihood of damaging either the watercraft or the dock is significantly reduced.

[0031] Once the watercraft is secured to the dock, a positioning lever 130 can be actuated to rotate the circular bumpers 116 to a vertical position, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The positioning lever 130 is preferably formed from the same material as the mounting assembly 102 and the linkage 122 and is attached to the linkage 122 and to the axle 108 of one of the docking arrangements 100. Altematively, the positioning lever 130 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, including, for example, composite nylon, angle iron, extruded aluminum, extruded PVC or other plastic material, injection mold, or die cast metal. The positioning lever 130 is preferably implemented as a single straight rod, but may be implemented using a wheeled or spring-loaded mechanism.

[0032] When the positioning lever 130 is actuated, it asserts a force on the linkage 122, which in turn asserts a force on axles 108a, 108b, and 108c, collectively referred to as axles 108, of docking arrangements 100a, 100b, and 100c, causing the axles 108 to rotate. The rotation of the axles 108 causes the circular bumpers 116 to rotate to the vertical position. With the circular bumpers 116 thus positioned, the watercraft can rise and fall with the water level while reacting to outside forces and avoiding contact with the dock. Accordingly, the risk of damaging either the dock or the watercraft when the watercraft is secured to the dock is reduced or eliminated.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a docking technique using the docking system 128 of FIGS. 2 and 3. First, the circular bumpers 116 are placed in the horizontal position, if they are not already in this orientation (132). The operator then causes the watercraft to enter the dock (134). Once the watercraft has fully entered the dock, it is secured to the dock (136). The positioning lever 130 is then actuated (138), causing the circular bumpers to rotate to the vertical position to protect the watercraft and dock from damage after the watercraft has been docked.

[0034] As demonstrated by the foregoing discussion, various embodiments of the present invention may offer a convenient and safe way to use watercraft. An individual can fully operate a recreational watercraft without the aid of another individual while reducing or eliminating the risk of potential damage resulting from contact between the watercraft and the dock.

[0035] It will be understood by those who practice the invention and those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. The scope of protection afforded is to be determined solely by the claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.

Claims

1. A docking apparatus comprising:

an axle arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position; and

a bumper rotatably mounted on the axle and arranged to rotate to a horizontal position when the axle is rotated to the first position and to rotate to a vertical position when the axle is rotated to the second position.

2. The docking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a linkage coupled to the axle and arranged to cause the axle to rotate between the first and second positions.

3. The docking apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a lever coupled to the linkage and arranged to cause the axle to rotate between the first and second positions.

4. The docking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mounting assembly.

5. The docking apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a receiver in which the axle is rotatably mounted.

6. The docking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bumper comprises an inner portion and an outer portion formed from an energy absorbing material.

7. A docking system comprising:

a plurality of docking arrangements each comprising

an axle arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position, and

a bumper rotatably mounted on the axle and arranged to rotate to a horizontal position when the axle is rotated to the first position and to rotate to a vertical position when the axle is rotated to the second position;

a linkage operatively coupling the plurality of docking arrangements; and

a lever coupled to the linkage and arranged to cause the axles of the plurality of docking arrangements to rotate between the first and second positions.

8. The docking system of claim 7, wherein at least one docking arrangement comprises a mounting assembly.

9. The docking system of claim 8, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a receiver in which the axle is rotatably mounted.

10. The docking system of claim 7, wherein the bumper of at least one docking arrangement comprises an inner portion and an outer portion formed from an energy absorbing material.

11. A method for docking a watercraft, the method comprising:

causing the watercraft to enter a dock;

securing the watercraft to the dock; and

rotating at least one bumper from a horizontal position to a vertical position.