Fenders Patents (Class 114/219)
  • Patent number: 11873066
    Abstract: A portable marine anchoring device maximizes holding capacity while anchored into the bottom of a body of water and a portable and foldable fender capable of being securely fastened to a vessel to prevent it from being dislodged over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Radu Oboroc, Andrew Vishnevsky, Natalia Oboroc, Victor Vishnevsky
  • Patent number: 11851145
    Abstract: Described are ships and docking systems comprising a fender for mounting on a bow of a ship, comprising an elastically deformable body portion, and a concave engagement surface defined by the body portion, wherein the concave engagement surface extends perpendicular to a center line of the ship, such that portions of the fender distal to the center line extend further forward in a direction parallel to the center line than a portion of the fender central to the center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Mikkel Haugaard Windolf, Poul Hagelskjær Vestergaard
  • Patent number: 11760447
    Abstract: Vessel (60), comprising a transverse bow (62) with an elongated bow fender (10) protruding with respect to the bow (62), which bow fender (10) is designed to be pushed against a stationary object (50), said vessel 60) further comprises at least two engagement arms (20) with telescopic parts (22,24), said engagements arms (20) are mounted in a position above the bow fender (10) and facing each other, and each engagement arm (20) is pivotable against each other for engagement with the stationary object (50) from opposite directions. Each engagement arm (20) comprises a tiltable engagement pad (26) with a contacting surface (26a) creating stabilizing contact between the contacting surfaces (26a) of the engagement pads (26) and at least a part of the stationary object (50), said engagement pads (26) being tiltable about an axis running in same longitudinal direction as the engagement arms (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: OFFSHORE WINDSERVICE A/S
    Inventor: Billy Thøger Kristensen
  • Patent number: 11760448
    Abstract: A protective fender for a watercraft includes a plurality of attachment mechanisms configured to secure the protective fender to an exterior portion of the watercraft. The protective fender further includes a fender body, wherein a first surface of the fender body that contacts the exterior portion of the watercraft comprises a smooth surface. The protective fender also includes a plurality of adjustable-length straps. A first adjustable-length strap secures an upper-left quadrant of the fender body upwards to a first attachment mechanism of the plurality of attachment mechanisms, and a second adjustable-length strap secures an upper-right quadrant of the fender body upwards to a second attachment mechanism of the plurality of attachment mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Okoboji Coast, LLC
    Inventor: Carlie Long
  • Patent number: 11738833
    Abstract: A fender system for a watercraf includes: a fender body defining an insertion recess in a peripheral surface of the fender body; a first connecting feature disposed at least in part in the insertion recess of the fender body; and a connecting base configured to be connected to the watercraft. The connecting base includes a second connecting feature. The first connecting feature is configured to engage the second connecting feature for stowing the fender body on the watercraft. It is also contemplated that a fender system for a watercraft includes: a fender body defining an insertion recess in a peripheral surface of the fender body; and a first connecting feature disposed at least in part in the insertion recess of the fender body. The first connecting feature is configured to engage a second connecting feature disposed on a part of the watercraft for stowing the fender body on the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alexandre Morin-Savard, Mathieu Mercier, Bart Van Den Bogaard, Mohammad Moeini, Karl Dery St-Cyr
  • Patent number: 11738834
    Abstract: A marine fender can stick to, and conform to, the hull of a boat and protect the hull from abrasions and impacts. It can remain attached to the side of the boat despite motion of the boat and hard impacts or friction with neighboring objects. The marine fender can be rapidly and straightforwardly applied to, and/or removed from, the side of the boat hull. A boat can be protected by a number of individual fenders, and the group of fenders can be dissembled from each other when desired, and stowed in a relatively small area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Auctoritas, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Norling
  • Patent number: 11524753
    Abstract: An impact absorbing device includes a waterproof outer sleeve and a core assembly disposed within the outer sleeve. The core assembly includes a bendable structural element encased in foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Impact CBS Inc.
    Inventors: Courtney Gates, Brian Slaughter
  • Patent number: 11433976
    Abstract: A deflector for a mooring buoy of the type having a raised shackle includes a mounting plate that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one peripheral edge. A shackle aperture traverses a center portion of the mounting plate and is adapted for receiving the shackle therethrough. A cage projects upwardly from the at least one peripheral edge of the mounting plate and terminates at an upper rim. The cage has a plurality of apertures therethrough and two or more tie apertures adjacent the shackle aperture. In use, the shackle of the buoy is inserted into the shackle aperture and the cage is rotated 90-degrees to secure the deflector to the buoy. Ties are then fastened through the tie apertures and the through the shackle to further secure the deflector to the mooring buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph M. O'Malley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11364978
    Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an underwater ship attachment that is used to divert air, debris, and pressure fluctuations. More specifically, the present invention discloses an anti-cavitation device (such as a diverter device) for flat-bottom boats. The air diverter has been developed to regain, enhance, and protect the operational function of propulsive and steering equipment among displacement and semi displacement hulls. As with protect items such as bottom mounted depth sounder transducers, intakes for engine or general cooling, sea chests, keel coolers, zincs, and all other underwater mounted items susceptible to air ingestion, air disturbance malfunction or debris impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Jordan Wesley Reid
  • Patent number: 11299243
    Abstract: A cord angle of reinforcing layers having a bias structure constituting a body portion is set to 25° or more and 45° or less in a neutral state of a body. Reinforcing layers are bonded with a bonding member interposed between the reinforcing layers, the bonding member disposed in a space between the reinforcing layers facing in the cylinder axial direction of the body portion and a hemispherical portion. The layered bonding members have the same bias structure as the reinforcing layers of the body portion. A cord angle of the bonding member is set to ±10° of the cord angle of the reinforcing layers of the body portion. The spaces have a plurality of different sizes. One set of ends of the spaces are set to a plurality of different positions, and the other set of ends are also set to a plurality of different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouko Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 11208778
    Abstract: An illuminated dock board system comprises a plurality of dock board components that each include one or more channels, each channel having a chamber beneath it. A channel cover component may be separably received into the open top of the channel to cover the channel and may be constructed from a low-opacity material to allow light to emanate. An electrical lighting subsystem comprising a light generating component (e.g., an LED strip) at least partially resides in a channel of a dock board component. And fasteners inserted through the channel and the chamber of a given dock board component operate to mechanically fix the given dock board component to a support structure (pylons, joists, stringers, etc.) such that a head of the fastener resides within the channel in contact with the bottom channel surface and a shank portion of the fastener resides within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventors: Robert T. Ellingson, Dennis L. Harms, Jr., Robert A. Whitley
  • Patent number: 11104409
    Abstract: A system for manoeuvring a boat with fenders is described. A plurality of water nozzles is provided on the boat. Further, a plurality of pumps is operated by an artificial intelligence module and/or control unit and powered by the power source 130 of the boat. The plurality of pumps is primed continuously to reduce response time to control the plurality of pumps and each of the plurality of pumps is connected to one water nozzle. A plurality of sensors is configured to monitor the state of motion of the boat. Further, an artificial intelligence module is in communication with the plurality of water nozzles, the plurality of pumps, and the plurality of sensors. The artificial intelligence module is configured to keep the boat in a stationary standstill or on a chosen course of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: G-Boats Oy
    Inventors: Paavo Pietola, Markku Ihonen
  • Patent number: 11091236
    Abstract: Fender arrangement for docking a marine vessel (1) with a boat landing (2) of a marine offshore structure (3) such as a wind power plant, including at least one fender unit (12, 13) composed of elastically deformable material and provided with a receiving recess (18) for a docking rail (5) of said boat landing (2). The fender arrangement is especially characterized in that fender unit (12, 13) exhibits an internal deformation control cavity (20) positioned at a distance from the receiving recess (18) within the fender unit (12, 13) and extending at least along the width of said receiving recess (18), controlling deformation of the fender unit (12, 13) into forming a gripping hold of a docking rail (5) by compression of the internal deformation control cavity (20) when the fender unit (12, 13) is pressed against the docking rail (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: NORTHERN OFFSHORE SERVICES AB
    Inventors: Markus Olofsson, Johannes Ahlstrom, Ronny Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 11072402
    Abstract: A fender positioning system that enables a boat operator to safely and conveniently deploy boat fenders when needed at reduced cost, comprising a boat fender, one or two motors, and lines connecting the boat, fender, and motor(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Shmuel Sam Arditi
  • Patent number: 11035090
    Abstract: A floating object securement system configured to provide limited movement between a floating dock and a support structure while not squeaking or making other obnoxious noises is disclosed. The floating object securement system may include a slidable base configured to slide along a track that confines the slidable base to only lateral movement generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the track. The floating object securement system may include a primary movement control member coupled to the slidable base and extending outwardly from the slidable base. The primary movement control member provides limited movement and rotation of the bracket relative to the slidable base about X, Y and Z axes while not squeaking or making other obnoxious noises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Moran
  • Patent number: 11008678
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a textile structure of varying thickness including using a loom to weave a fiber texture in the form of a strip extending lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and widthwise along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and causing the texture to be wound under tension onto a mandrel. The texture includes a portion presenting extra thickness. During the winding of the texture, a spacer element is interposed between adjacent turns of the fiber texture onto the mandrel. Each spacer element extends in the width direction of the texture over a portion thereof situated outside the portion of extra thickness and presenting, over the portion of the texture situated outside the portion of extra thickness, a thickness that corresponds at least to the difference between thicknesses of the portion of extra thickness and of the portion of the texture situated outside the portion of extra thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignees: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, SAFRAN
    Inventors: Jérémy Hellot, Dominique Marie Christian Coupe, Hubert Jean Marie Fabre
  • Patent number: 10648144
    Abstract: A dock and boat protection system includes a flexible sheet, fasteners, and a plurality of colinearly aligned marine fenders. The sheet has an envelope portion sized to at-least-partially surround fenders when conformed there-around, and an edge portion extending from the envelope portion and configured to engage a dock, wherein the edge portion is secured to the dock by the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen Jon Dean, Robert Eric Baker, William Terry Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10640184
    Abstract: An inflatable boat fender that has an internal DC powered reversible air pump. The reversible pump shall have a battery compartment wherein standard DC batteries can, be placed to power the reversible air pump. The inflatable boat fender can either be cylindrical or tear drop shaped. The air pump can be controlled manually or wirelessly. The air pump shall have an air pressure gauge that will alarm a user when the pressure is below a desired pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Danny Acosta
  • Patent number: 10618611
    Abstract: A fender for boats consisting of a base made of plastic material, able to be fixed to a hull of a boat, and an insert able to be coupled by a lock joint to said base. The insert is composed of a profile made of metal material and a core made of plastic material and is removably coupled by the lock joint to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: TESSILMARE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Margherita Rezzonico, Ranieri Rezzonico
  • Patent number: 10618615
    Abstract: A device for capturing underwater vehicles. The device comprises a cap member connected to a first rib member and a first plate member connected to the first rib member. The device further comprises a bell member with a first bell hole formed therethrough. The first bell member also has a first bell slot formed therethrough. A damper and a shim are slidably received in the first bell slot. The first rib member is slidably received in the first bell hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brandon J. Wiedemeier, Nathan T. Miller
  • Patent number: 10533684
    Abstract: A clamping arrangement 10 of a buoyancy clamp assembly. The arrangement 10 includes three identical arcuate members 12 engageable together to define a ring. Each of the arcuate members 12 has three discrete resilient members 14 engageable on for instance a pipe 68. Engagement members 42 are provided extendable between adjacent pair of arcuate members 12 to prevent relative twisting of adjacent arcuate members 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ADVANCED INSULATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Martin Steven Harrop, Radcliffe Lewis, Stewart Ian Morley
  • Patent number: 10501037
    Abstract: A pedestrian protection device for a motor vehicle, for example for a motor vehicle front end or a motor vehicle rear end, has a bumper crossmember with a deformation element arranged on the outer side thereof, i.e. the side directed towards the front. In particular, the deformation element is arranged between a bumper skin and the bumper crossmember. The deformation element has a first element and a second element which are displaceable relative to one another in the event of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oeztzan Akif, Gerhard Fichtinger, Wilhelm Riedl
  • Patent number: 10485215
    Abstract: Shock-absorbing bumpers that are adapted and configured to be attached to an interior wall of an animal hauling slant load trailer and positioned to contact the shoulder of an equine when the equine is driven forward by a deceleration or braking of the trailer. The bumper(s) are positioned to contact and restrain the equine shoulder allowing it to lean into it, thereby preventing the unnecessary extension of and stress on the animal's right front leg and hoof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Monty L. Ruetenik
  • Patent number: 10391912
    Abstract: A bladder unit includes upper and lower sheets defining opposed portions of a first bladder. The bladder unit further includes a first extruded element having upper and lower faces respectively coupled with the upper sheet and the lower sheet at a portion of a first boundary of the first bladder. A first capillary extends through the element and across the portion of the first boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alan George Dry
  • Patent number: 10364001
    Abstract: A spacing component comprising a longitudinal axis wherein the structural spacing component may be configured to provide a boundary between a first object and a second object along its longitudinal axis is described. The structural spacing component may further comprise a restrictive layer enclosing an interior region wherein the restrictive layer may comprise a first length along the longitudinal axis and at least one second length transverse to the longitudinal axis. In examples, the restrictive layer may be formed of a plurality of braided strands. Additionally, the restrictive layer may define at least a partially enclosed interior region and may have flexural stiffness to maintain the first length as greater than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: A&P Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Head, Pamela M Schneider
  • Patent number: 10359093
    Abstract: The invention is a system for controlling the relative movement of a load P, comprising at least one main damper having a longitudinal action of stroke C and two ends with one end being connected to a frame and the other being connected to the load. A compensation device is included having at least one secondary damper of longitudinal action with two ends with one end being secured to the frame and the other end is connected to the end of the main damper connected to the load The secondary damper is arranged so that, at one point of stroke C, the secondary damper has an action orthogonal in direction to the direction of the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventor: Benoît Amaudric Du Chaffaut
  • Patent number: 10351218
    Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The boat fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A smart phone app may be employed to remind users to deploy boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the boat fenders automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Shmuel Sam Arditi
  • Patent number: 10293901
    Abstract: A boat fender system comprising a boat fender including a first portion that absorbs kinetic energy to prevent damaging a surface of a boat. The first portion having a first surface facing out away from the surface of the boat. The boat fender including a second portion arranged with the first portion. The second portion having a second surface facing toward the surface of the boat. The boat fender including an adhesive arranged on the second surface of the second portion of the boat fender. The adhesive arranged on the second surface of the second portion of the boat fender adherable to the surface of the boat to make the boat fender immobile on the surface of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Sitton
  • Patent number: 10288571
    Abstract: The longitudinal relaxation times (T1) of water and hydrocarbon inside porous media, such as rock from subsurface formations, behave differently when external magnetic fields vary. A Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation Dispersion (NMRD) profile from Fast Field Cycling Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (FFC-NMR) technique differentiates the type of fluids filling the pores. Different types of pores in a rock sample are filled with different fluids, water and hydrocarbon, and the absolute porosity and the pore size of each type of pores is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hyung T. Kwak, Ali A. Al-Yousif, Salah H. Al-Saleh
  • Patent number: 10286274
    Abstract: The hockey goal comprises left and right vertical goalposts, a front crossbar, left and right elbows, a lower rear frame, an upper rear frame, a crinkle bar, a second crinkle bar, a net, a bumper cushion, and a wear plate. The left vertical goalpost, right vertical goalpost, front crossbar, left elbow, and right elbow comprise a goal opening at the front of the hockey goal. The lower rear frame and upper rear frame are fabricated from square tubing and comprise a semi-elliptical support for the net on the rear side of the goal opening. The wear plate supports the lower rear frame. The bumper cushion absorbs the impact of a puck entering the hockey goal and couples to the hockey goal via twine that is laced through the crinkle bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Graziano Carretta
  • Patent number: 10271591
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems for automatically protecting an individual from injuries using one or more sensors, one or more rigid members, and one or more inflatable members associated therewith, and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Mahalaxmi Gita Bangera, Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10245453
    Abstract: A safety airbag device for cushioning the free fall of a person or object from an elevated height. The airbag device includes an inflatable base bag capable of sustaining an air pressure and an inflatable structure coupled to the base bag, where the inflatable structure is in air communication with the base bag. A net is coupled to a top portion of the inflatable structure for decelerating and supporting the individual from free fall. A top cover is coupled to the base bag that substantially encloses the inflatable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen Gray
  • Patent number: 10206517
    Abstract: A cellular cushioning system includes cells or support units arranged in one or more stacked arrays. The cells are hollow chambers that resist deflection due to compressive forces, similar to compression springs. The arrays are attached to one or more intermedial binding layers. The intermedial binding layer(s) links the cells together while allowing the cells to deform independently of one another. An external load compresses one of the void cells within an independent compression range without significantly compressing at least one void cell adjacent the compressed void cell. The independent compression range is the displacement range of the compressed void cell that does not significantly affect the compression of adjacent void cells. If the void cell is compressed beyond the independent compression range, the intermedial binding layers may be deflected and/or the void cells adjacent the compressed void cell may be compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Skydex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Sugano, Collin Metzer, Peter M. Foley, Eric T. DiFelice, Bryant R. Hadden
  • Patent number: 10112685
    Abstract: A buoyant structure having a hull, a main deck, an upper cylindrical side section extending downwardly from the main deck, an upper frustoconical side section, a cylindrical neck, a lower ellipsoidal section that extends from the cylindrical neck, an ellipsoidal keel and a fin-shaped appendage secured to a lower and an outer portion of the exterior of the ellipsoid keel. The upper frustoconical side section located below the upper cylindrical side section and maintained to be above a water line for a transport depth and partially below the water line for an operational depth of the buoyant structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Jurong Shipyard PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Nicolaas Johannes Vandenworm
  • Patent number: 10106225
    Abstract: A hull for a watercraft and a watercraft disclosed, the hull including a hull body having a first recess surface defining a first recess, and a second recess surface defining a second recess; a first hull panel disposed in the first recess, a front portion of the first hull panel being movable between a first and second position; a second hull panel disposed in the second recess, a front portion of the second hull panel being movable between a third and fourth position; a first biasing member biasing the front portion of the first hull panel toward the first position; a second biasing member biasing the front portion of the second hull panel toward the third position; a first stopper for the first hull panel; a second stopper for the second hull panel; and a stabilizing bar for transferring motion between the first hull panel and the second hull panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Lonnie Lieb, Keith Allen Spade
  • Patent number: 10093255
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper includes: a bumper beam, a bumper face, covering a vehicle body front surface of the bumper beam, and a buffer component, provided between the bumper beam and the bumper face. The buffer component includes a platelike component configured to be folded upon collision load. The buffer component includes a folded part, and two surface parts that are connected through the folded part and are opposite to each other with a gap therebetween in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. A pressure pipe configured to be deformed by being clamped between the two surface parts so as to detect impact is provided in the gap. A lower space part that avoids interference between the bumper beam and a setting part for the pressure pipe in the buffer component is provided below the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruaki Aizawa, Tatsuya Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 10060696
    Abstract: A bumper for limiting a string displacement on a projectile accelerating apparatus is described for absorbing vibrations thereof, the bumper comprising an hollowed body including an opening portion at a first end of the body, an expansion portion inside the hollowed body and adjacent to the opening portion, a damper portion adjacent to the expansion portion inside the hollowed body, the damper portion including a volume of air that is compressible when the opening portion is closed, and a string-contacting portion disposed on an exterior surface of a second end of the body, the distal wall and the string-contacting portion being moveable toward the opening portion to compress the volume of air in the damper portion in consequence of a string contact on the string-contacting portion. A projectile accelerating apparatus including same and a method of using same are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: PLACEMENTS GASTON HOULE INC.
    Inventor: Gaston Houle
  • Patent number: 10053828
    Abstract: An assembly and process for forming a two stage extrusion of an elongated marine dock from a plasticized material, such as including but act limited to extruding a first generally “L” shaped bracket from a first more rigid thermoplastic, following which a cross head die arrangement is utilized in order to extrude a secondary arcuate and flexible material in extending fashion from a lower side of the “L” bracket. The secondary/flexible elastomer is extracted in an open flexed position relative to the first extruded bracket, and further such that, following completion, can be flexed into a closed engagement with an upper perpendicularly extending side of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: U.S. Farathane Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Baxter, Timothy John Brown, Tobin Joseph Fauser, Zachary Taylor
  • Patent number: 10005528
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pontoon shields. The pontoon shields disclosed herein may, for example, protect pontoons from damage and/or enhance the aesthetic appearance of pontoons. The shields may be fashioned from one or more segments of resilient material configured to attach along a longitudinal aspect of a pontoon. The shields may be fashioned from a single segment, or from one or more segments configured to mate with one another. The shields may be attached to a pontoon, for example, via an adhesive, weld, and/or one or more brackets, or other mechanical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: David Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9987570
    Abstract: In a filter element, plates are provided in a manner of covering ends of an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder. A packing having a substantially hollow annular plate shape is provided on the plate. A filtering material is provided between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The packing is abutted against a surface of the case in parallel with the plate and a cylindrical outflow portion having a surface parallel to the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: YAMASHIN-FILTER CORP.
    Inventors: Meiho Taku, Hideo Nakaoka
  • Patent number: 9986831
    Abstract: The protector is generally elongate and includes a mouth that is able to open to accommodate the structure. The mouth is biased towards a closed position so that the mouth grips the structure to hold it in place. The mouth is provided by a pair of opposed jaws and an inner plate provided to act as a stop for the mouth. A bumper is provided that extends spaced from the inner plate. The protector further includes at least one angled linear web that extends between the inner plate and bumper at a front of the protector. Advantageously, it has been found that as the bumper crushes, the angled linear web and the side connection of the bumper combine to cause the bumper to spread outwardly and around the structure thereby acting to deflect the force of the impact around the structure. Such deflection reduces the damage to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: A-FAX LIMITED
    Inventor: Luke Smith
  • Patent number: 9975507
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly may include a fascia, a bumper beam arranged inside of the fascia including an upper portion and a lower portion, and a reinforcement block arranged only on the upper portion of the bumper beam and configured to absorb energy and to eliminate contact of the upper portion with the fascia during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajarathinam Jayachandran, Erika Kristin Low, Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi
  • Patent number: 9969466
    Abstract: A method for operating floating vessel wherein the floating vessel comprises a hull having: a bottom surface, a top deck surface, at least two connected sections engaging between the bottom surface and the top deck surface, and at least one fin extending from the hull with an upper fin surface sloping towards the bottom surface and secured to and extending from the hull, the at least one fin configured to provide hydrodynamic performance. The at least two connected sections extend downwardly from the top deck surface toward the bottom surface. The at least two connected sections contain at least two of: an upper portion in section view with a sloping side extending from the top deck section, a cylindrical neck section in profile view, and a lower conical section in profile view with a sloping side extending from the cylindrical neck section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Jurong Shipyard PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicolaas Johannes Vandenworm, John William Beck, III
  • Patent number: 9963208
    Abstract: Outboard stabilizing members (110, 210, 310, 410) include a foam core (120, 220, 320, 420) and a bladder (134, 234, 334, 434) configured to be inflated to a design pressure and configured to cover at least a portion of the associated foam core. The bladders are configured to be non-compressive to the foam core. A plurality of joining members (135, 235, 335, 435) connect an inner wall of the bladder with an outer wall of the bladder, such that when the bladder is inflated to the design pressure the outer wall and joining members prevent the inner wall from compressing the foam core. The joining members are preferably inelastic, and may be one-dimensional linear members such as strings or rods, two-dimensional panels, or other webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: William M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9925908
    Abstract: A modular inflatable protection system for protecting an item is provided. The system includes a plurality of inflatable modules, each of the modules having an inflatable body; a gas valve configured to receive a gas to inflate the inflatable body; a first connection portion; and a second connection portion. The first connection portion is configured to removably connect a first one of the modules to the second connection portion of a second one of the modules, the first connection portion can be reused to connect the first one of the modules to the second connection portion of a third one of the modules, and the system is configured to provide a barrier to protect the item from damaging contact by a potentially damaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Raymond Jacob Zwack, III, Stuart I Smith
  • Patent number: 9896169
    Abstract: A landing watercraft boat hull with push knees and side bumper assemblies that include a vertical rigid frame aligned parallel to the hull's longitudinal axis. The rigid frame's front edge extends in front of the bow of the hull. Attached to the rigid frame's top edge and extending over the rigid frame's front edge is an L-shaped front bumper. In one embodiment there are two assemblies located on opposite sides of a landing door. The rigid frames are sufficient in length so the front edges of the two L-shaped bumpers are disposed in front of the bow enabling the hull to safely push against other hulls or objects and protect the landing door. Attached to the outside surface of each rigid frame is a rigid shell cover that extends rearward from the rigid frame. The cover includes a rear opening in which the distal end of a side bumper attached to the side of the hull is inserted to hold and protect the distal end of the side bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Jesse W Munson
  • Patent number: 9879432
    Abstract: An outdoor wall padding apparatus attachable to a vertical structure includes an upper padding section, and a lower drainage section disposed below the upper padding section. The outdoor wall padding apparatus is attachable to the vertical structure with the lower drainage section positionable adjacent to the ground and operable to allow water to pass into and out of the lower drainage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Sportsfield Intellectual, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne P. Oliver, Matthew L. Cross, Joshua A. Hicks
  • Patent number: 9849947
    Abstract: A control system for a suspension system of a multi-hulled vessel, the vessel including a chassis portion, at least two hulls moveable relative to the chassis portion. The suspension system of the vessel provides support of at least a portion of the chassis above the at least two hulls, and includes adjustable supports and at least one motor to enable adjustment of a support force and/or displacement of the adjustable supports. The control system includes a fender friction force input for receiving at least one signal indicative of a friction force on a fender portion between a fixed or floating object and the vessel chassis portion, and in response to the fender friction force input, the control system is to adjust the support force and/or displacement between the chassis portion and the at least two hulls to reduce or minimize the friction force on the fender portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Nauti-Craft Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael James Longman
  • Patent number: 9849362
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for martial arts training that simulates sparring with a live partner and provides a safe tool for body hardening. More specifically, the machine is a vertical alignment of three independently rotatable Alpha Bodies having detachable arms, a weighted base, and bearing interfaces, where each Alpha Body may rotate to initiate strikes via programmable servo motors. The present invention facilitates martial arts offensive strikes and defensive moves, which safely promotes the formation of calcium deposits and scar tissue about key nerve areas to give the body a hardened feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jonathan Cameron Nelson
  • Patent number: 9822836
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a first central implement section. At least one second implement section is positioned on each of two sides of the first implement section. Adjacent implement sections are each displaceable relative to one another about a pivot axis in order to displace the implement between a transport position and a working position. Each implement section comprises mowing mechanisms, conveying mechanisms or both. A hat-like conveying element made from an elastically deformable material is positioned on at least one of the mowing mechanisms, on at least one of the conveying mechanisms or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: CLAAS Saulgau GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Fischer