Abstract: A line retrieve-release system is provided for mounting on the hull of a boat. First and second jaw mechanisms coupled to the hull face substantially forward and aft, respectively, relative to the boat's bow. Each jaw mechanism is capable of movement between a partially open position and a fully open position. First and second latches are coupled to the first and second jaw mechanisms, respectively. Each latch is biased to cooperate with its respective jaw mechanism in the partially open position thereof to thereby define a corresponding enclosed region. Each latch permits one-way entry to its associated enclosed region when a force is applied thereto from outside of the enclosed region. Each jaw mechanisms' partially open position defines a “ready-to-retrieve” and “line capture” position of the system, while each jaw mechanisms' fully open position defines a “line release” position of the system.

Abstract: A line retrieve-release system is provided for mounting on the hull of a boat. Jaws are coupled to the hull of the boat and face substantially aft relative to the boat's bow. The jaws are capable of movement between a partially open position defining the system's “line retrieve” position and a fully open position defining the system's “line release” position. A latch coupled to the jaws is biased to cooperate therewith in the partially open position to thereby define a first enclosed region bounded by the jaws and latch. The latch permits one-way entry into the first enclosed region when a force is applied to the latch from outside of the first enclosed region. Line catch means are coupled to the hull of the boat aft of the jaws. The line catch means combines with the jaws in their partially open position to define a second enclosed region adjacent to the first enclosed region.

Abstract: An apparatus for docking and/or mooring vehicles, particularly water craft and for restraining loads in truck beds or trailers. The apparatus utilizes ropes or cables in housing unit that provides for the extension and retraction of the rope or cables preferably without the need of electrical or manual cranks. The housings are adaptable to be mounted on the vehicle or at an attachment or docking location and are biased to retract but may contain stops or cleats for manually tying off and thus stopping the extension or retraction of the rope or cable. The housings may be further adapted to be flush mounted in relation to surrounding surfaces.

Abstract: A fixing group of a watercraft appliance for the attachment thereof to an outer side of a deck wall of a boat comprises a base of the watercraft appliance and at least one seat formed in the base and suitable for receiving a respective threaded fastening element, so that said element has a free end projecting from the base for insertion into a respective through hole formed in the deck wall, so as to be accessible from the inner side of such a deck wall for fixing the watercraft appliance to it. The at least one seat comprises an access at a peripheral surface of the base and a retaining portion suitable for cooperating through shape coupling with said threaded fastening element to prevent the rotation and axial sliding thereof with respect to the base. The invention also refers to a method for attaching a watercraft appliance comprising said fixing group to a deck wall of a boat by means of threaded fastening elements.

Abstract: A table has a planar top panel. The table has downwardly extending legs. Each leg has an upper end. The upper end of each leg is attached to the top panel. Support hardware is attached to the upper surface of the top panel. A locking assembly is provided. The locking assembly attaches and releases the table with the support hardware to a cleat of a boat.

Abstract: A whip-style boat mooring apparatus, removably attachable to a standard dock cleat. The apparatus may include a second cleat, such that the apparatus provides both whip-style and standard cleat mooring from a single dock point. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a clam-shell type housing, with a profile substantially resembling the dock cleat, such that the apparatus can be clamped to the dock cleat and prevent rotational movement. The housing may include two opposing pieces, attachable to respective sides of the dock cleat. The housing may include a rotatably adjustable means for attaching a whip socket onto the housing.

Abstract: An automatically and remotely operable retractable mooring cleat. The retractable cleat is mountable in a surface, such as the deck (80), of a marine vessel. A source of motive energy forms part of an actuation mechanism energisable by a user to extend or retract cleat members (1,2) from the surface. The cleat members (1,2) each travel along diverging paths as they extend and travel along the same respective paths as they are retracted. The cleat is thereby able to extricate itself from an attached mooring line as it retracts. Multiple retractable cleats may be positioned about a marine vessel, each of which is operable remotely to extend or retract. Single-handed launching of a moored vessel is therefore possible.

Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly for attaching spill boom to an otherwise featureless coated steel surface comprises a flexible plate having a front side and a back side, at least one magnet mounted to the plate to assert a magnetic field over the back side of the plate, and a connector for the boom mounted to the front side of the plate. The at least one magnet is sized to retain the magnetic connector assembly in a fixed position on a vertically positioned ferromagnetic wall with a force requiring at least 5 pounds to break.

Abstract: A cleat-rod apparatus includes a unitary cylindrical rod member which extends and morphs into a cleat member, wherein the cylindrical rod member and cleat member have no parting-line, and wherein the cylindrical rod member is shaped for being snugly received within a fishing rod holder extending generally downward through a boat hull which may be at an angle and into an interior hull space, and further is configured to avoid damaging contact with hull surfaces when the installed cleat-rod apparatus is rotated in the holder.

Abstract: A cleat assembly comprising two wall-defining members 12, 14 between which an elongate element to be gripped can be inserted and a gate 40, 42. Each wall-defining member defines at least one ridge 30, 32 for gripping an elongate element. The gate 40, 42 controls entry of elongate element between the ridges. The gate is movable to a condition in which an elongate element is permitted to enter between the ridges by a pressing force applied via the elongate element.

Abstract: Free-standing anchoring devices are provided for use with lines such as cords and ropes. The anchoring devices include various combinations of clam and boat cleats in unitary parts. One exemplary embodiment includes a boat cleat, a clam cleat, and a post proximate to the clam cleat. Another includes two clam cleats between two posts. A variation of this embodiment adds a boat cleat to the underside of the part.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a towline guide clip, an apparatus that can hold a towline in place as it is dragged behind a large host marine vessel attempting to recover a small marine vessel. The towline guide clip is designed to gradually release the towline when a small marine vessel grabs hold of the line. The additional dragging force of the small marine vessel pulls the towline out of the towline guide clip so that the towline can then be reeled in by a winch.

Abstract: This collapsible rope storage and cleat apparatus having a folding cleat shaft for easy removal of stored cordage provides a method of storing or tying off a rope to mount surface in a manner that is both simple in its construction and operation and which eliminates the problems associated with the use of standard tie off cleats.

Abstract: A whip-style boat mooring apparatus, removably attachable to a standard dock cleat. The apparatus may include a second cleat, such that the apparatus provides both whip-style and standard cleat mooring from a single dock point. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a clam-shell type housing, with a profile substantially resembling the dock cleat, such that the apparatus can be clamped to the dock cleat and prevent rotational movement. The housing may include two opposing pieces, attachable to respective sides of the dock cleat. The housing may include a rotatably adjustable means for attaching a whip socket onto the housing.

Abstract: A lift-up cleat for use with water craft wherein the vertical movement of the lift-up cleat is retarded by means of a friction sleeve which allows water to pass therethrough and reduces rattles.

Abstract: Device for a tow pin to lead a cable, such as a chain, wire, hawser, etc., onboard a vessel, comprising a number of cylinders that can be hoisted and lowered, where each of the cylinders comprises a rotary stopping element, facing each other, to prevent that the cable runs out of the tow pin. Said stopping element can be turned outwards with the help of a piston arrangement arranged in the cylinder, and that the stopping element can be turned outwards in the whole of the working area of the tow pin.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method of use that involves a movable cleat on a boat. The movable cleat includes a base neck supporting two cleat arms above two cleat channels on both sides of the base neck, a base tunnel and two base apertures. One aspect of the invention involves use of the apparatus with a boat having a slotted toe rail around the periphery of the deck, from which is desired to be hung bumpers using the movable cleat and a bumper line at any desired point. The movable cleat may also be used elsewhere on a boat, especially a sailboat. Several such applications are to tie up the mainsail along the boom such as, but not limited to, when reefing, typing up a lowered head said to the life line, and tying up a lowered head sail to the toe rail.

Abstract: A rope cleat including at least rope abutment and at least one cam mounted on a flat base surface. The cam is spring biased to rotate toward an abutment surface. A cover is positionable over the cam and abutment such that, in one position, the rope is restrained from inadvertent withdrawal from between the cam and abutment and in another position permits quick engagement and withdrawal of the rope from between the cam and abutment. One version of the invention is a sliding cover. Another version of the invention is a cover that is rotatable between the retain and withdrawal positions. Yet another version is a flip up cover. In one embodiment, a single cam-abutment-cover assembly is mounted on the base surface. In another embodiment, a cam-abutment-cover pair is mounted on the base surface. In another embodiment, a cam-cam-cover is mounted on a base surface where the cams rotate toward each other to secure the rope.

Abstract: A deck mounted for installation on the surface of a vessel deck having one or more bolt holes. The apparatus includes one or more base portions, each having a recess region defined by a perimeter wall bounding the perimeter of the base portion. The perimeter walls each have an underside rim. One or more threaded members are provided for insertion through the bolt holes in the vessel deck, and complementary threaded female members are provided, one each to receive and tighten onto a threaded rod. A resilient gasket is disposed in the recess region within the confines of the perimeter wall. The threaded rod passes through the gasket hole, such that when the threaded rods are inserted through the vessel deck, and received by and tightened into the respective threaded female members, the gaskets are displaced and deformed so as to protrude between the underside rims of the perimeter walls and the upper surface of the vessel deck.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching fenders and the like to boats includes a post having a lower end configured to be inserted into the well of a fishing rod holder, the post having one or more arms suitable for securing a line connected to a boat fender.

Abstract: An improved sailboat swivel base consisting of a rotating arm that supports both a guide pulley on one end and a rope securing cleat on the opposite end. The arm swivels about a center bearing, housed in a base which is fastened to a fixed structure such as the deck of a boat. A sail control rope, passing through the guide pulley and secured by the cleat, is tensioned by the force of the sail. The tension force of the line pulls the guide pulley end of the rotating arm toward the sail and sends the securing cleat away from the sail. This rotation aligns the cleat with the direction of pull for easy operation. When the sailboat changes tacks and the sails reverse position the rotating arm will follow the sail to the new side and self-tack the swivel base.

Abstract: An anchoring system for securing hardware having an aperture to a deck using a fastener, the anchoring system including a tie-down, an attachment lug configured to engage the tie-down, and a stud extending outwardly from the attachment lug. The tie-down includes a plate with a recess formed therein, and at least two arms traversing the recess. The attachment lug includes a base with a stud receiving aperture formed therein, and a cylindrical sidewall extending outwardly from the base. The cylindrical sidewall of the attachment lug has at least two notches extending partially therearound adapted to receive the at least two arms of the tie-down. The stud is insertable through the aperture in the hardware so that the fastener can be received on the stud to effectively clamp the hardware to the deck.

Abstract: A boat fender mounting device having a planar member with a slot defined therein for receipt and retention of a rail/cable and at least one rope aperture for receipt and retention of the first end of a rope for supporting a boat fender at its second end at a desired height against the hull of a boat.

Abstract: A folding boat cleat which is secured to a boat hull includes a base secured to the boat hull, the base including a gap and a cleat head rotatably secured at one end to the base. A spring is secured between the cleat head and the base and operates to bias the cleat head toward an upward or operative position. A slider is secured within the base and includes a latch portion which engages the cleat head when the cleat head is in a folded position within the gap and a thumb portion which allows a user to retract the latch portion and release the cleat head to rotate approximately 90° into an upward or operative position. Preferably, the slider is spring loaded. A torsion coil spring is also preferably used to bias the cleat head towards an upward or operative position. The cleat head preferably includes a plurality of legs.

Abstract: A cleat assembly having a base adapted for mounting on a surface with the base having at least one depending hollow cylindrical guide tube which extends through the mounting surface The cleat assembly includes a cleat member having a head adapted to be received by and seated on the cleat base and at least one cleat post which is received in the base guide tube and reciprocally movable therein. An elastomeric keeper member is attached to the cleat post and frictionally engages the guide tube providing infinitesimal positions of adjustment. The elastomeric keeper member in one embodiment has a faceted surface with longitudinally extending grooves to allow passage of liquids and debris. The keeper elements may be secured to the cleat posts by fasteners which serve to radially expand the elastomeric keepers. Additonal areas of cushioned frictional contact are provided between the post and guide tube to dampen rattling.

Abstract: This invention was developed to provide a temporary and portable device for tying up a boat at a convenient and safe point of attachment on a dock structure, where no permanent point of attachment currently exists. It primarily comprises a strong, flexible strap that can be wrapped around a dock piling or other structure of similar circumference and held tightly in place by means of a cam-lock buckle and Velcro. A conventional dock cleat is bolted to this strap as a secure point of attachment for a boat docking line.

Abstract: Cleat with gasket comprising a rigid horizontally disposed elongate bar and a plurality of vertically disposed support members. The upper portion of the support member is attached to the bar. The mid portion of the support structure poses a horizontally disposed flat plate, the underside of which is recessed to receive a resilient gasket. A threaded post extends down from the underside of the recess so that it can penetrate the deck of a boat. The gasket protrudes slightly from the recessed area and is compressed in a controlled way when a nut on the treaded post is tightened forcing the flat plate down onto the deck of a boat thereby eliminating the chance of leakage through the deck.

Abstract: A cleat for securing a rope includes a main component and a secondary component. The main component has an aperture formed therein and a pair of cleat horns. The secondary component has an aperture that is alignable with the main component aperture. Each of the main component and secondary component has a connectable surface and a mountable surface. The connectable surfaces are adapted to cooperate such that the secondary component is engageable with the main component. The mountable surfaces are adapted to cooperate such that the mountable surfaces secure the cleat to a support when assembled. A rope is secured to the cleat by first securing the cleat to a support, then threading the rope through the aperture, and then tying the rope around the cleat horns.

Abstract: A bow eye for marine use including a U-shaped bolt having two threaded legs. Two metal plates are located respectively on either side of a watercraft hull. A first pair of nuts are threaded onto the legs with one plate being positioned adjacent the nuts. A second pair of nuts is used to secure the bow eye to the hull. A sealing gasket is located on the side of the outside plate that is between the outside plate and the hull. The sealing gasket has apertures that are smaller than apertures located in the hull. The gasket apertures are smaller than the diameter of the legs causing the gasket to pucker around the legs when mounted on the legs. When the bow eye legs are inserted into the hull, the puckered portion of the gasket partially fills the hull apertures. The bow eye nuts are tightened, forcing the gasket further into the hull apertures to seal the bow eye in the hull.

Abstract: Mooring cleats are mounted on the decks of watercraft and piers adjacent to the water for tying watercraft to piers and to other watercraft. Illumination is provided by forming an elongated groove in the top of the cleat bar center portion or in the cleat housing of a cleat that is pivotally attached to the cleat housing. An illumination member is mounted in the groove. The illumination member can include a tube of trinium gas or a plurality of light emitting diodes. Both light sources provide a visable line that can be seen during periods of reduced visibility. The viable line indicates the location of water and the direction of a safe movement.

Abstract: The cable support apparatus includes a cleat mountable to support structure for having one end of a cable laced thereto and mechanism for supporting a load. The cleat includes a longitudinal elongated base having transversely opening jam lugs, hook lugs with the jam lugs longitudinally intermediate thereof and end lugs joined thereto. The jam lug longitudinally intermediate the longitudinally adjacent jam lugs in combination with the base forms generally V-shaped notches that open outwardly in transversely opposite directions. With the cleat mounted to have the lugs vertically above one another, the top hook lug opens transversely opposite the opening of the adjacent jam lug whereby, with the cable extending diagonally upwardly from the last mentioned jam lug to the hook lug, the cable is then bent to extend through the transverse aperture in the top end lug.

Abstract: A rope-fastening device used in docking a boat or other watercraft. The device comprises two adjustable locking rings, both of which can close around a rope or mooring line. Each locking ring has a plurality of gripping members on the inner surface to prevent the rope or mooring line from slipping through the locking ring.

Abstract: One embodiment of a retractable marine fitting includes a housing positioned within a marine hull, the housing adapted to receive a fitting therein, and a fitting including an elongate body movable between an extended position substantially outwardly of the housing and a retracted position substantially inwardly of the housing.

Abstract: A retractable horn cleat device with a seat body having a receiving cavity inside, a retractable handle provided in the seat body and slidingly displaceable upward and downward by the biasing action of two springs, and a coupling member connected to the retractable handle and coupled to a track on a driving plate inside the receiving cavity. The coupling member serves to guide the retractable handle along the track thereby allowing a user to selectively lock the retractable handle in either a retracted configuration or an unretracted configuration similar to a conventional horn cleat.

Abstract: A hidden cable fixed device comprises a seat body, a movable handle provided in the seat body and sliding upward and downward with two springs, and a coupling member lodged in the inner wall of the seat body and coupled to a longitudinal track at the side wall of the movable handle. The longitudinal track has two substantially V-shaped parts as a positioning section and a guiding section. The coupling member is adapted to guide movement of the track of the movable handle and to selectively lock the movable handle between the extended operative position and the received non-operative position.

Abstract: A cam cleat has at least one cam mounted on a base. The cam has a fairlead projection that is spaced from the base and that rotates with the cam. When the cam is in its idle position with no line gripped by a jaw of the cam, the fairlead projection is rotated out of alignment with a gripping path that a line to be gripped by the cam cleat occupies. When a line is gripped by the cam, the cam rotates into a gripping position where the fairlead projection is rotated into alignment with the gripping path. The fairlead projection is aligned with the gripping path when the line is gripped in the cam's jaw. When so aligned, the fairlead projection resists tension in the line directed upward from the cam cleat that might otherwise cause the line to slip from the grip of the cam's jaw.

Abstract: A terminus (8) for a bungee cord (15) has a hook (9) with a transverse axis (17) which is within a given distance of the longitudinal axis (16) of a bore (13) within the stem (10) of the terminus. A cleat (24) opens into a cord passage (20) leading to the bore (13) to permit pulling a cord (15) into the cleat (24) thereby locking the terminus in position on the cord (15). The relative axial alignment of the load in the cord (15) with the transverse axis (17) of the hook (9) prevents the load (15) from rotating the hook substantially. A land (27) adjusts the thickness of the cleat.

Abstract: A cleat is adjustably mountable on a support by an attachment strap and a clasp. Alternately, or in combination with the strap, the cleat has a full hand grip surface. Alternately, the cleat can function as an portable article carrier.

Abstract: A cam cleat has at least one cam mounted on a base. The cam has a fairlead projection that is spaced from the base and that rotates with the cam. When the cam is in its idle position with no line gripped by a jaw of the cam, the fairlead projection is rotated out of alignment with a gripping path that a line to be gripped by the cam cleat occupies. When a line is gripped by the cam, the cam rotates into a gripping position where the fairlead projection is rotated into alignment with the gripping path. The fairlead projection is aligned with the gripping path when the line is gripped in the cam's jaw. When so aligned, the fairlead projection resists tension in the line directed upward from the cam cleat that might otherwise cause the line to slip from the grip of the cam's jaw.

Abstract: A small, no-tools-required device, for example constructed of weather and UV resistant glass-filled nylon, that is inserted into the gaps between the deck boards of any conventionally constructed outdoor deck, then turned 90° like a key and released. Once tension is applied to the device through an attachment, for example using an elastic strap, a locking tab engages against the underside of the deck boards and the stabilizer tab at the opposite end of the device from the attachment prevents the device from twisting. The device can then be used to secure any items on the surface of the deck and prevent unexpected shifting or moving due to wind, weather, or any other unforeseen force. It is installed or removed in seconds and causes no damage to the deck itself.

Abstract: A cleat that can be clamped onto a bow rail or spring rail of a boat, using a cylindrical C-clamp. The cleat has two horns that bend inward toward the bow rail at their ends. A middle section joins the clamp and the horns. In the preferred embodiment, the C-clamp has a fixed lower semi-cylindrical member and a pivoting upper semi-cylindrical member. The upper member can be raised to place the clamp around a rail, or to remove it from a rail. Flanges extend from the upper and lower members opposite the side at which the members are pivotally connected and attached to the middle section. Holes pass through the flanges, so that the flanges may be bolted together to secure the clamp on the rail. Rope can be wound around the cleat to keep the rope clean and out of the way when the rope is not being used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleat device for a flexible line and methods for cleating a flexible line. In an example embodiment of the invention, a cleat device for a flexible line is provided. The cleat device includes a base adapted for mounting on a surface. A plurality of spaced apart jam cleats are arranged on the base. Each jam cleat may have at least one open end forming an acute angle. A projection may extend from each end of the base outside of the plurality of jam cleats. A portion of at least one of the projections may extend above the jam cleats and may have a bore therethrough. A cleating method for use with the inventive cleating device is also provided.

Abstract: By inserting at least one cable connecting two or more electronic devices (communication, audio, display, input/output, or other) into a clip that joins the cable(s) to a log detailing the cable's connections, subsequent maintenance of and changes to that connection are made simpler and more efficient. The preferred approach inserts one end of each connecting cable into a clip having a socket for a detachable log; a second approach connects the clip to an already-attached cable. The detachable log keeps the functional information concerning each cable, and its connections, held by said clip, including the physical characteristics, functional purpose, and details of the other end(s) attachment(s) and target(s). Another function of said clip permits more stable and easily-handled insertion or removal of one or more cable(s) from the device to which it is or they are attached.

Abstract: A pull-up cleat apparatus with a cleat member having downwardly extending posts telescopically received in tubular extensions of a cleat base permitting the cleat member limited movement between an extended and a retracted position and held in position by detent means. The tubular extensions of the cleat base have screw threads on the outside surfaces for threadably mounting clamping elements to secure the cleat base to a boat deck or the like. The cleat member has a cleat head with an arched center and the cleat base includes a flat surfaced depression for receiving the cleat head with side openings in the depression for water drainage around the cleat head in the retracted position. Water is allowed to drain downwardly through the tubular extensions and is channeled to a suitable bilge area.

Abstract: A fairlead and cam cleat assembly for a sailing vessel is provided, in which the fairlead at the entrance of the cam cleat is of inverted U-shape, allowing a line passing through the cam clear to be bent at severe angles relative to center line or normal entrance of the line into the cam cleat.

Abstract: A connection system for Yachts comprising a lightweight rope loop (2) and a body part for connecting sheets, sails and blocks. A tensile connecting device comprises a high strength fiber rope with a first enlarged terminated end that is held captive in a second body part having a shoulder (59a) such that said elongated loop is slipped over said shoulder to form a quickly connected and disconnected tensile joining device.

Abstract: A device for securing a rope or cable that may be easily mounted to an object or supporting structure. The device includes a base having a socket for receiving a plunger. A coil spring is located at the bottom of the socket and exerts an upward bias against the bottom of the plunger. Both the upper portion of the base and the plunger have circular apertures that may be selectively vertically aligned by depressing the plunger to permit horizontal passage of a rope through the aligned apertures. By releasing the plunger, a shearing force is applied to the rope due to the misalignment of the apertures, thereby frictionally securing the rope or cable within the device. A foot operated mechanism may be employed to assist the user in depressing the plunger. The plunger may also be selectively and/or releasably locked in a depressed position to maintain alignment of the apertures, facilitating insertion of the rope without the need for maintaining a downward force on the plunger.

Abstract: A rope hitch (1) to facilitate the tie down and/or tensioning of ropes (11) in various situations is provided with a cam locking system and a rope block (6). Ropes attached to the hitch can be tensioned and shortened with minimal effort.

Abstract: A retractable mooring fitting assembly for a marine vessel includes a mooring fitting that has a first end and a second end. A counterweight is disposed toward the second end of the mooring fitting. An axle is interposed between the counterweight and the first end, and the mooring fitting is pivotable about the axle. At least a first bearing provides a load path from the mooring fitting to the marine vessel.

Abstract: A lift-up cleat assembly includes a base member having an upper plate shaped to abut a mounting surface and at least one normally vertically oriented tube depending from the plate, wherein the tube has a hollow interior, and a retractable cleat member having an upper cleat-shaped head shaped to retain lines thereon, and at least one normally vertically oriented mounting post depending from the head, wherein the post is telescopingly received in the interior of the tube of the base member and is telescopingly movable along a given length of travel.

Abstract: A repeat interval, the number of encoding and the number of excitations are set in a processor by inputting from a keyboard before the start of image acquisition. The image acquisition duration is calculated using these set parameters, and the value corresponding to the image acquisition duration is set in a timer. The timer performs down-counting during image acquisition. A remaining image acquisition duration generated from the timer is displayed on a display and/or is output as voice signals from a voice output unit. Informing the patient of the time remaining until completion of image acquisition reduces the patient's anxiety and thus reduces motion artifacts.