Abstract: A tie-down device for use with trucks, boats or other vehicles is provided. The tie-down is a single-piece dual-hook device having a pedestal base and an upper attachment section. The base has a threaded hole in the bottom for receiving a bolt or threaded device to a vehicle. The upper attachment section is formed in the general shape of an isosceles having an apex with legs extending downward at an approximate angle of 45.degree. below the horizontal. The outer surface of apex is rounded to avoid snagging. The attachment section has a large bore hole centered under the apex and a pair of hooks in each leg. The tie-down device allows a variety of tie-downs including threading of a line through the bore hole, attaching to the leg hooks, and cleating by winding between hooks, while providing a non-snagging outer form.

Abstract: A mounting block by which a fender can be mounted to a stanchion of a railing of a boat. The mounting block has a horizontal access slot, and two laterally extending upper and lower slots which extend in opposite directions. One end of a rope is attached to the fender and another end of the rope extends through two passageways in the mounting block. The mounting block is mounted to the stanchion by moving an access slot of the block into engagement with, after which the block is rotated 90.degree. so that the stanchion extends vertically through the base sections of the upper and lower slots.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a flotation device to a wall or other smooth stationary object. The present invention consists of a tether, a means for attaching the tether to the flotation device, an anchoring means, and a means for adjusting the length of the tether. The anchoring means comprises a handle, a face having a plurality of small suction cups, and a hole for passage of the tether in adjustable engagement.

Abstract: A low profile retractable lifting eye assembly with a "U" shaped lifting eye pivotally mounted in a housing having a "U" shaped depression for receiving the eye in its depressed position. A pin extends transversely through the legs of the lifting eye and through the housing. A coupling member external of the housing has its upper end received in the middle of the depression in the housing and the upper end of the coupling members has an opening receiving the center of the pin. A set screw in the coupling member engages an annular groove in the pin to prevent transverse movement of the pin relative to the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: A mooring line receptacle apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated mooring line receptacle for each mooring line, wherein each mooring line receptacle is connected with the hull of the watercraft at the gunwale thereof; and further includes an abutment member connected with each mooring line at a distal end thereof. The mooring line receptacle has an interior hollow defined by a sidewall composed of a durable, resilient material having a slot therein along its entire length. The sidewall opposite the slot is attached to the hull of a selected watercraft via threaded fasteners. One mooring line receptacle is located at the port bow, another at the starboard bow, another at the port stern and another at the starboard stern. Preferably, each of the sets of port and starboard mooring line receptacles end near each other at a generally amidship location on the gunwale where the skipper and crew/passengers enter and leave the watercraft.

Abstract: A device to fix a floating boat to a dock or pier that will allow the boat to move up and down freely in the waves and yet prevent the boat from hitting the dock or pier or rub the piles supporting the dock or pier. The device is comprised of two elongated arms that are fixed to a cleat fixture on a boat wherein the elongated arms extend to the dock forming a triangle with a V bar or a T bar, a swivel and a pinion fixed to the dock or pier, thereby allowing the boat to move up and down within limits but not to strike or rub the dock, pier or piles.

Abstract: A boat docking device comprising a base plate, a cleat attached to the base plate, two openings disposed at opposite ends of the base plate through which two bolts extend, and two nuts. Each bolt includes an engaging end portion around which a nut engages, and a stop end portion through which a bar is perpendicularly situated for engaging the underside of a plank dock. The bolts along with their respective bars are capable of being placed through a gap between two dock planks. The bolts may thereafter be axially rotated so that the bars are perpendicular to the gap. Subsequently, the nuts may be tightened so as to pull the bars securely against the underside of the dock planks.

Abstract: A cleat assembly with a cleat portion received in a housing which can be flush mounted on a boat. The lower portion of the housing is completely sealed and the cleat portion is received for vertical movement in the housing. The cleat portion has an upper exposed position and a depressed or flush position. Spring loaded poppits within the housing engage the cleat to maintain it in its upper and depressed positions.

Abstract: The invention provides an anchor cover for encasing or covering the stock and enlarged top portion of an anchor. This device is for use specifically when an anchor is mounted at the bow of a boat, in order to prevent the anchor from causing damage to other nearby boats and objects when the boat upon which the anchor is mounted is attempting to enter or exit a boat docking area. The anchor cover can be formed of only one piece that is fitted to encase both ends of the stock as well as the enlarged top portion within its hollow body cavity. The anchor cover can also be formed of three separate pieces, two stock-enclosing portions and one top-enclosing portion, for encasing those parts of the anchor.

Abstract: A mooring device for boats comprising an elongate arm having first and second ends. The arm has a transverse slot therein adjacent the first end, and dimensioned to received a cleat. The slot is in effect a fixed hook which opens to the side of the arm. A rotatable is mounted to the second end of the arm for rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The hook is rotatable between a closed position in which its free leg opposes the second end of the arm and an open position in which its free leg is spaced from the second end. In the closed position, the hook lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the slot. The hook is dimensioned to engage a cleat. A locking mechanism such as a sliding bolt is provided for locking a cleat in the slot. The arm can be telescopic, or provided with hinges which are pivotable in opposite directions, so that it can be adjusted for boarding and deboarding.

Abstract: A resilient stand up device for a pulley or block includes a hollow rigid fitting between the block and a support. The fitting has open jaws at each end, with one set of jaws disposed at right angles to the other, with attachment pins extending between the jaws. A compressible elastomer member is disposed in the fitting under compression. The fitting enables the block to be tilted in two directions, with the elastomer member providing a restoring force.

Abstract: A device used in conjuction with a standard dock cleat (20) which provides protection from the horizontally protruding horns of the dock cleat and also provides an additional surface for guiding a rope or docking line. The protection is provided by a smooth sloping surface (13) aligned in front of and parrallel to the protruding horn so that a person's foot moving towards the end of the horn is deflected away. The additional guiding surface (12) is positioned opposite the dock cleat's guiding surface so that a person can guide the boat from either direction without removing the rope. On a typical dock cleat, if the boat moves past the cleat it is neccessary to remove the line from the cleat and place it back on the cleat at the other end. Normal installation would require two safety adaptors for each dock cleat, placed on opposite sides of the cleat to provide protection from each horn.

Abstract: A device to secure a boat to a dock with a rope in a conventional manner, using two horizontally protruding horns (14) extending in opposite directions and two smooth curved surfaces (12) below each of the horns to guide the rope. Another protruding horn with a smooth guiding surface below it faces each of the other two horns and guiding surfaces, which allows a person to guide the rope from either direction without removing the rope from the device and moving it to the other end as is required with a conventional cleat. Two sloping surfaces (13) on the ends of the device are parallel to the direction a person would normally be walking on a dock and are designed to deflect a moving foot away from the protruding horns of the device, reducing the liklihood of injury caused by striking the device.

Abstract: A furling line tensioning device is provided to control the line coiling action of a roller-reefing drum, comprising a cam-type cleat having a sailboat mounting base, first and second cam members on the base and having opposed cam walls receiving a furling line therebetween, at least one cam member being movable and spring-biased toward a closed position to maintain a tensioning force on a furling line during its movement in one direction.

Abstract: A non-turbulent, retractable pull-down eye assembly for use in hauling a yant test vehicle down to a release depth. The assembly is contained within the tail housing of the vehicle and is extended from the tail housing when the vehicle is to be hauled down. A hook and cable is attached through an eye in the extended portion of the assembly and the cable is winched to pull the vehicle below the surface. When the buoyant test vehicle reaches the prescribed depth, an acoustic signal is used to release the hook. The assembly is spring loaded within the tail housing such that, upon release from the hook, the extended portion retracts back into the tail housing as the vehicle rises to the surface. The exposed surface of the assembly when in the retracted position is shaped to conform to the shape of the buoyant test vehicle tail housing. The pull-down eye assembly thus retracted does not contribute to any turbulence around the tail housing during vehicle ascent.

Abstract: A cargo tiedown permanently installable to the bed or floor of the cargo area of a pickup truck, trailer, or other vehicle, provides security for relatively thin, flat or narrow articles (e.g., sheet material, pipe, elongate extrusions, etc.) carried on the bed or floor. The tiedowns are preferably installed in pairs, on opposite sides of the floor or bed. The tiedown is monolithically formed of a series of base portions with tiedown loops or bridges extending therebetween. Each of the base portions include at least one fastener passage providing for securing the tiedown to the vehicle cargo floor. Each tiedown may include two or more tiedown loops or bridges, providing for the securing of a rope or other retainer laterally across the floor or bed. The base portions may be hollow, in order to save weight and material, and may include bosses extending through the hollow base portions for greater strength.

Abstract: This invention provides a surface mounted collapsible mooring cleat and a housing that is routed and adapted to contain a fixed pin and a collapsed mooring cleat. The cleat comprises a top portion having generally opposed extending arms, and a bottom portion mounted on the pin and being rotatable about the pin whereby the cleat may be rotated from a non-use position within the housing to a use position extending above the housing.

Abstract: A boat anchoring apparatus according to the invention has an elongate rod with a planar end piece attached at one end thereof for driving vertically into the sand or soil on a beach or waterfront. The rod is driven into the beach using a driving device having a weighted closed end with hollow tube for placement over the rod and having an elongate aperture along the length of the tube with a securing pin for attachment to the rod for pulling the rod out of the soil. Attached to the driving device is a pawl actuating mechanism for securing a line from the boat to said pawl when the rod is vertically in the soil and one end of the driving device is slidingly secured over the vertical rod locking at 90 degrees detaining forward tilt of buried rod and maximizing horizontal direction of vector forces.

Abstract: A marine fastener system in which interchangeable identification tags are secured to the fastener body by use of the very same screws which secure the fastener to the deck or mast. This avoids any need to make additional screw holes and yet permits a ready and permanent way of ascertaining the function of each fastener. It is possible to mark such tags using a luminous paint, so that the tags can easily be read in the dark.

Abstract: An automatic mooring system for vessels utilizing a transmitter, a transmitter controlled connector assembly at the distal end of each mooring line and a transmitter controlled retraction assembly at the near end of each mooring line. The connector assembly includes a clasp equipped with a hinged gate which is normally locked in a closed position, but is openable in automatic response to a predetermined signal from the transmitter. This function is accomplished within the clasp by a solenoid operated release mechanism, a receiver wired to the solenoid, and a battery power pack for operating the aforesaid electronics. The retraction assembly is connected with the hull of the vessel and includes a reel that is springably biased to retract its associated mooring line, and is further regulated by a control mechanism. The control mechanism is operated in automatic response to the transmitter via a receiver, a solenoid wired with the receiver and an electrical supply for powering the aforesaid electronics.

Abstract: An attachment to adapt an elongated member to be used with a female receptacle having cleat receiving means, the attachment comprising at least two mating parts which when assembled fit over a segment of the elongated member forming a cleat when assembled having two ends and having a male portion dispose proximate one end thereof remote said segment, said male portion to be received in said female receptacle.

Abstract: A one piece-torpedo shaped cleat cover having a body with a flat bottom, a central cavity and two end cavities to receive the base of a cleat and lateral arm cavities for receiving the ends of a cleat. The cover can be hooked over one arm of a cleat and the cover can then be stretched to hang over the other arm of the cleat then relaxed to enclose the cleat in a neat appearing safety directed cover.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fastening a line, such as a line supporting a fender on a marine vessel. The apparatus has a body portion defining an aperture for receiving the line, and a lever coupled to the body portion and defining a passageway between the lever and the body portion for receiving the line passed through the aperture. A biasing mechanism normally biases the lever into engagement with the line extending through the passageway to fasten the line to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for fastening a line supporting a fender on a vessel has a body portion defining a first bore extending through the body portion for receiving the line, and a second bore spaced apart from the first bore and extending through the body portion for receiving the line after it is passed through the first bore and wrapped around a rail on the vessel. A handle portion is generally U-shaped for receiving the body portion between opposing sides of the handle portion and is slidable relative to the body portion. A drive arm is pivotally mounted on one end to the body portion, and is coupled on another end to the opposing sides of the handle portion. The drive arm defines a toothed surface and is spring biased for engaging the line extending through the second bore with the toothed surface to lock the line in place. The toothed surface of the drive arm is moved into and out of engagement with the line by moving the handle portion toward and away from the body portion.

Abstract: A compact, cleat-like, device for connecting the ends of a rope together where the rope is in tension. The device is generally planar, with two approximately flat surfaces, two approximately parallel sides and trifurcated ends. A central aperture is provided through the flat surfaces. The channels between the three end fingers are tapered, with the apices extending toward the aperture. In use, rope ends are inserted through the aperture, wrapped around two opposite channels and inserted back through the aperture. The device safely and securely maintains the connection between the rope ends. The rope can be easily removed, even with the rope in tension, by pulling one end of the rope back through the eye and unwrapping it from the channels.

Abstract: A cleat assembly having a base plate for receiving the cleat of the assembly. The base plate has a body portion for receiving the shank of the cleat and a pair of slots for receiving a pin carried by the shank. A single "W" shaped spring engages one of the ends of the pin and is operative to alternately hold the cleat in its exposed operative position or in its depressed inoperative position.

Abstract: Cleats are provided for securing a boat to a dock or to piling. The cleat includes a cleat plate having at least one slot with a chamfered entry into which a line may be tossed. Cleats intended for mounting on a dock preferably have a plurality of slots aligned to face away from the boat being docked. The cleat may be secured to the dock by a mounting block configured to achieve a cleat angle appropriate for the height of the dock and the size of the boat. The cleat also may be secured to a conventional dock cleat to avoid drilling new holes in the dock. Alternatively, the cleat may be mounted to piling, and may include a diagonally aligned dowel to create a large tapered entry into a small retention notch. The cleat may be used with a line having a knot in the working end sufficiently large to be engaged by the cleat.

Abstract: For securing a heavy wire rope (hawser), usually to the bow or stern of a large vessel but alternatively to an oil rig or jetty, a bollard comprises(a) a base securable to a deck and having an upstanding cylinder around which is an angled skirt or a plurality of angled brackets;(b) an upper portion having a cylinder which fits rotatably within the base, and on top of which is a round plate on which is fixed a fin, usually a pear-shaped base and the upper portion of which extends at an acute angle to the horizontal and terminates in a narrow peak under which is a notch for retaining the rope, and(c) for retaining the two portions in a desired non-rotating position, corresponding lateral holes in the respective cylinders and at least one locking bar which can be inserted through both cylinders.The upper portion can be rotated manually by inserting a bar in a hole beneath the peak of the fin; or by means of a small motor.The two sections may have respective screw threads.

Abstract: A cleat for fastening a rope comprises a head and a stem extending downwardly from the head. The head has four notches demarcating two side projections and two end projections. The side projections extend respectively from opposite sides of the head. The end projections extend respectively from opposite ends of the head. Each notch opens outwardly and is generally V-shaped so that a rope can be wedged in such notch. The rope can be fastened to the cleat by passing the rope upwardly through one notch, pulling the rope along one side projection, passing the rope downwardly through another notch, pulling the rope along one end projection, passing the rope upwardly through another notch, pulling the rope longitudinally along the other side projection, and passing the rope downwardly through the other notch, so that the rope is wedged in each notch and is self-tightening therein.

Abstract: A system of interdependent stoppers for the two tackles which control the position of a mainsail traveler car moving along a trackway, mounted transversally across a sailboat. It comprises two pivoting block cleats, one at each end of the two tackles controlling the car, mechanically interconnected in order to establish an angular one to one correspondence between them. The system is usable either for stoppers mounted on the traveler car or at trackway ends and is responsive to the angular position of the fall to which the power is applied. The two stoppers are always in the same state: either cleated or in free running position.

Abstract: A generally elongate fitting has, at a distal end, a hook for hooking an external object, and, at a proximal end, an eye and a cleat for attaching a rope. An eye hook with an eye at its proximal end, a hook at its distal end, and a connecting shank between the hook and the eye is formed integrally with a modified cleat that has both (i) a pair of projecting arms and (ii) a projecting arm. The pair of projecting arms extends proximally from the region of the eye so as to form a "V" channel between them. The projecting arm extends distally from the region of the eye at an incline to the shank so as to form another "V" channel. Both channels are suitable to compressively engage a rope that is forcibly wedged within such channel. A rope slipped through the eye is pulled taught against the eye, and not against either channel, until, a desired tension in the rope having been achieved, the rope is easily, while still held taut, angled into that channel of the cleat which is formed between the two projecting arms.

Abstract: A device which is a translucent boat or ship cleat constructed of polyurethane. The cleat is molded as one piece and can be either clear or have color added such as international orange. The cleat has a recess in its base in which a light source can be placed. Lighting such as incandescent, neon or LED may be used. The cleat can be powered from an external source either AC or DC. The cleat can also have solar cells placed in its horns which can store energy in storage cells mounted with the cleat at its base for powering LED during non-sunlight hours. The illuminated cleat makes it easy to locate the mooring for a boat in the dark. It also makes the cleat visible for the safety of persons walking on the mooring structure. The polyurethane construction provides for a lighter, more durable, and less abrasive device fo boat moorings.

Abstract: A generally elongate fitting has a distal-end region for affixing an external object, a mid-region eye, and a proximal-end region for attaching a rope. In one embodiment, the distal-end and middle regions are configured as an eye hook having an eye at its proximal end, a hook at its distal end, and a connecting shank between the hook and the eye. In another embodiment, the distal-end region is configured as a base member bolt-mounted to the external object, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the base member, and an arm pivotally mounted to the rotating member, forming thereby a swivel joint. In this embodiment the mid-region's eye is integrally within the arm. In both embodiments the distal- and mid-regions are formed integrally with a proximal-end region defining one or more "V" channels. In one embodiment "V" channels are formed as a modified cleat having both (i) a pair of projecting arms and (ii) one or more additional projecting arms.

Abstract: An adjustable rope lock including a body of material having converging passageways extending therethrough with the passageways terminating at one edge of the body in a joined, merged passageway and terminating at an opposite edge of the body in spaced relation with the rope being threaded through the passageways with the two ends of the rope extending outwardly from the merged passageway at one edge of the body. The merged passageway from which the free ends of the rope extend is generally elliptical in shape although the specific configuration can vary with the ropes being positioned one above the other with one rope supporting a load and forming a taut rope segment. The other rope is the adjustable rope and forms a pull rope segment which may be pulled freely to take up slack, maintain or increase tension.

Abstract: A flexible security loop (A) for a flexible kayak hull (12) is disclosed which includes a flexible vinyl covered strand (16) having enlarged ends (34, 36) which fit through an enlarged center opening (32) of a bracket slot (30) to interlock at slot ends (26, 28), and attach the strand to the hull in the form of flexible loop (A).

Abstract: A float includes a substantially prismatic hollow body, which is made of plastic and which is provided at its side walls, preferably adjacent to its side edges, with connectors for use in assembling a plurality of such floats. In order to reduce the manufacturing costs and to ensure a steady floating behavior, the hollow body is open at its bottom and is formed in its walls with at least one vent hole, which is spaced above the bottom level of the hollow body.

Abstract: The device has a hollow housing adaptable to be mounted in a marine deck and a spring-biased cleat is telescopically vertically movable therein. The cleat has a rotatably mounted cylinder cam which is engaged by one or more pins that function as cam followers and are releasably mounted to the housing. The cleat is selectively movable to its extended operating position by causing the rotation of the cam to position a different portion of the cam path or groove adjacent the follower via temporary downward force on the cleat and is thereafter automatically locked upon the next temporary force thereon to further rotate the cam.

Abstract: A camming cleat for securing a length of line or rope to a boat or other such object, with the camming cleat being designed to simultaneously retain and hold one or a pair of lines in cleated relationship. The device includes a generally conically arranged base plate with a pair of rope receiving slots formed chordally therewithin and having a spring-biased camming plate disposed and received coaxially within the base plate and arranged for rotation relative to the plate. The camming plate is provided with a pair of generally "U" shaped channels each with a profiled depth which decreases as the camming radius increases, and furthermore may be provided with retainer prongs which are curved arcuately in a direction so as to be more generally normal to the axis of the cleated rope.

Abstract: The device has a hollow housing adaptable to be mounted in a marine deck and a spring biased cleat is telescopically vertically movable therein. The cleat has a boss which engages a rotatable pawl for locking the cleat in a retracted position below the deck line. The cleat is selectively movable to its extended operating position by releasing the locking pawl via temporary downward force on the cleat and is thereafter automatically locked upon the next temporary downward force thereon.

Abstract: A device for securing fenders and other objects to the safety rail of a boat includes a tubular portion terminating at one end in a converging configuration that function as a jam cleat when a line is worked through the tubular portion from the opposite end, with the emerging end then pulled laterally into engagement with the convergence. The device preferably continues beyond the converging configuration to form a hook that can be snapped over and resiliently grasp the boat's hand rail. The device is preferably made in a sequence of operations formed on a piece of thermoplastic tubing, involving splitting the tubing along a fraction of its length, and then opening the split portion to form the convergence. This portion is flattened to also form the hook configuration.

Abstract: A flush mount ski tow hook is mounted in a hole in the transom of a boat hull and has a sealing cup projecting inwardly of the hole from an externally mounted flange. The flange carries an inwardly and upwardly projecting tow hook. The sealing cup not only seals the opening in the transom but also seals the edges of the opening to protect the latter from the elements.

Abstract: A ski tow fixture for removably securing a ski tow rope to a boat hull includes a generally elongate base unit supporting two bent portions having a generally common axis of bending and being generally sidewardly spaced along the common axis and generally sidewardly aligned. The bent portions are spaced from an end of the elongate base unit. Each bent portion extends from the base unit to a free end near the above-mentioned end of the base unit.

Abstract: A collapsible cleat assembly positionable selectively into a stored position defined by a cleat member disposed into the interior of a cavity integrally formed in a mounting base wherein the cleat member is substantially flush with an outer exposed surface of the mounting base so as not to provide any significant protrusion above the surface of the deck or dock in which the cleat assembly is mounted. The cleat member is selectively pivotal substantially 90 degrees out of the cavity into an operative, upstanding position above the deck or dock surface for attachment and retention of a mooring line or the like and further wherein the mounting base including the cavity is set into a formed recess within the deck surface or dock surface on which the cleat assembly is mounted so as to transfer, at least in part, stresses or focuses to the entire mounting base rather than the connecting structure for securing the cleat movably to the mounting base.

Abstract: A retractable boat cleat which moves alternately between extended and retracted positions upon alternate depressions of the cleat. A pivotal latch with notched ends cooperates with a specially spaced recess in the cleat and a pair of compression springs to provide the alternate extension and retraction.

Abstract: Locking apparatus for the tiller arm of a small boat having a line in the stern of the boat passing over the tiller arm. A line lock is mounted on the arm through which the line passes. The line lock consists of a base plate mounted on the arm, a pair of side walls and a lock lever through which the line passes, and a lock member to prevent the lever from being lowered from its upper or raised position. When the lever is in its lowered position the holes in the side panels and the lever are aligned thereby permitting the tiller arm to be moved freely. When the arm is raised the line becomes pinched preventing movement of the tiller arm. There is also provided a lock member to prevent the lock lever from dropping from its raised position. All parts are non resilient in construction.

Abstract: A rope cleat having a base, a rope abutment structure on the base, a cam, and components for mounting the cam on the base so that the cam can rotate about a rotational axis for purposes of gripping a rope between the cam and the rope abutment structure is configured to better grip truck rope such as that fabricated from monofilament polypropylene. Teeth are provided on at least one of the cam and the rope abutment structure to provide edges disposed generally toward the other one of the cam and the rope abutment structure while a groove is provided to enhance the gripping of a rope having a known diameter against movement between the cam and the rope abutment structure along a path that is generally tangential relative to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A return bent clip of substantially rigid but resilient material has a flat back with apertures and a projecting tongue for adjustably securing the suspension cord of a boat fender. The front and back portions of the clip define a first recess sized and shaped to grip rigid tubular railings of a wide range of diameters. The return bent portion of the clip joining the front and back portions forms a separate smaller recess flared in width toward the first recess. The smaller recess is sized to receive smaller diameter lifelines of the type commonly used on sailboats. The clip can be selectively fitted over a large diameter railing or a small diameter lifeline. The snug friction fit of the clip on the railing or lifeline deters longitudinal sliding movement of the clip along the railing or lifeline so that the fender suspended from the clip is reliably positioned.

Abstract: The device of this invention includes a cleat disposed within a cavity formed by an exterior housing in a manner permitting the cleat to be moved between an extended position where the cleat is accessible to receive a boat line and a retracted position where the cleat is retracted into the cavity. The mechanism that allows the movement of the cleat between a retracted and extended position is within the cavity and includes a spring and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes a latching member that pivotally moves within the latching mechanism between a latching position that holds the cleat in the retracted position and a release position where the latch memebr releases the cleat to the extended position under the influence of the spring. The latching mechanism allows for the cleat to be alternated between the extended and retracted position by successive depressions of the cleat into the cavity.

Abstract: An adjustable sheet for a windsurfing harness on a boom of an articulated mast of a windsurfing board comprising an elastic element, one end of which is secured to the boom; a sheet which is attached to the other end of the elastic element; a dual-action clamp through which the sheet is routed; and a quick release element to disengage the dual action clamp such that the sheet is disengaged from the dual-action clamp and the sheet may be elongated or shortened.

Abstract: A removable light and receptacle for use on a boat is disclosed. The light housing (12) which supports fluorescent bulbs (30) (32) is removably attached to the receptacle (38) by means of tapered pin (34) which is rotated and pressed into holes (36) (37) of receptacle (38) which in turn is adapted to be attached to the gunwale of a boat. The mating surfaces of the pin (34) and the receptacle holes (36) (37) are formed of a high strength material such as ABS plastic and are critically dimensioned to utilize the adhesion characteristics of the material to maintain a strong connection between the light housing (12) and its receptacle (38).