Boats, Boat Component, Or Attachment Patents (Class 114/343)
  • Patent number: 7527012
    Abstract: A paddle clip for a human powered watercraft, comprising a first flexible resilient portion with an opening to fit around the gunwale or cockpit rim of the watercraft. A second portion of the paddle clip includes a flexible portion for removably receiving a cylindrical shaft of an oar or a paddle used for propelling the watercraft. The paddle clip may further comprise at least one accessory clip for receiving an additional cylindrical shaft or an accessory. The paddle clip is configured to be quickly installed, repositioned or removed from the watercraft without tools or hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah Kutny Splaine
  • Patent number: 7520236
    Abstract: An elevated tow device comprised of: first and second substantially vertical support members, each slidably and pivotally engaging a boat support structure on a lower end and forming an apex on an upper end, the height and width of which can be adjusted; a tether attachment point at the apex adapted to mechanically engage a tether for connecting to a towed object; at least one forestay connecting the device to a bow of the boat; and at least one rear stay connecting the device to the boat support structure, the forestay and rear stay providing stability to the device. Because of the way that the device is connected to the boat support structure, the device is adjustable in height and width and is also collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Seipel, John Seipel, Deen LaVeil
  • Publication number: 20090090822
    Abstract: A mounting device including a base, a movable body, a supporting mechanism disposed therebetween, and a controller for controlling the mechanism. The mechanism applies supporting force to the movable body from a plurality of positions of the base to support the movable body on the base and determines a center of oscillation of the movable body with respect to the center of oscillation which is higher than the center of gravity of the movable body. The controller controls the mechanism to shift the center of oscillation, by changing directions support forces, at least in a horizontal direction according to a change of the center of the oscillation so that a change in an inclination of the mounting device due to a load transfer to the movable body can be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Teruo Maeda
  • Patent number: 7513207
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Clamcleats Limited
    Inventors: Sarah L. Walker, Julian R. Emery
  • Patent number: 7513210
    Abstract: A modular sponson for a small boat has discrete sections disposed in a series from the bow and along both sides to the stern. Each section has an axially extending length of tubing defining a longitudinal opening and a plurality of elongate pieces of closed cell foam material secured to the outside of the tubing for the length of each section. Flotation structure outwardly disposed from and in contact with the elongate pieces is covered by a protective covering that reaches inwardly to opposite ends of each length of tubing. A bonding agent is provided on the tubing, elongate pieces, and flotation structure to hold them together in each discrete section of the modular sponson. An elongate cable extends through the longitudinal openings of the series of sections and exerts a tensile force to hold the sections adjacent one another in compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Salit, Robert Peebles
  • Publication number: 20090084297
    Abstract: The Self-Sustaining Data Center makes use of a site that is inherently immune to catastrophic events and incorporates features to facilitate the substantially continuous availability of data stored therein. The architecture of the Self-Sustaining Data Center makes use of multiple data communication links to sites that are remote from the data center to enable the uninterrupted communication access of customers' computer systems to the mass storage systems operational at the Self-Sustaining Data Center. The Self-Sustaining Data Center also includes facilities that include at least one of: power generation, housing and food for data center staff, and voice communications facilities, thereby to enable the Self-Sustaining Data Center to continue its operation for an extended period of time in the absence of municipal utility services and the possible inability of the data center staff to access outside sources of food and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: KAR LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Choi, Anna Falche, Richard Naughton
  • Patent number: 7509920
    Abstract: An inflatable fender system for protecting a watercraft from damaging contact with a permanent object, such as a dock, wharf, piling and rafted watercraft. Two elongated flexible substantially airtight tubular fenders are provided having a generally flat cross section when uninflated, rolled into a coil and stored at the stern of the watercraft. Each of the tubular fenders is independently extendable along a substantial portion of the length of the watercraft. A controlled air supply or AC or DC compressor on the watercraft is operably connected to each of the tubular fenders for independently selectively inflating and expanding the tubular fenders from the flat cross section during deployment. A hanger system, preferably including a plurality of hangers connectable in spaced relation between the watercraft and each of the tubular fenders support the tubular fenders during deployment to protect the side and gunnels of the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 7506602
    Abstract: At least one actuator for actuating a guest lap bar locking assembly for releasably positioning a lap bar includes a rotatable actuator hub, a telegraph rod interconnected with the rotatable actuator hub, an operator arm also extending from the actuator hub and a toggle latching assembly interconnected with the actuator hub. The toggle latching assembly provides for rotation of the telegraph rod to actuate the lap bar locking assembly to prevent movement of the lap bar in at least one particular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLLP
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, David Winslow, Tim Kelley, Robert Scott Blucher
  • Patent number: 7506605
    Abstract: A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Marshall Duffield
  • Patent number: 7503275
    Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a flexible enclosure to a boat windshield frame includes a frame trim piece with a longitudinally and transversely extending groove retaining a resilient insert. The insert has a pair of legs extending from one end of a shank and touching to conceal the groove. A screw snap stud can be inserted at any selected position along the groove to self-tap into the walls of the groove and releasably retain a cooperating fastener on the flexible enclosure. If the stud is removed, the insert legs return to the original position. Alternatively, the insert is not used or the insert does not include the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ameritex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Daniels, Stuart A. Tyson
  • Publication number: 20090064915
    Abstract: A watercraft (1) comprising a hull (2) and retention means (7, 10, 20, 20a, 20b) to connect a sea scooter (8) and said hull (2) together in such a manner that said sea scooter can at least contribute to the propulsion of said watercraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Hi Tech International S.R.L.
    Inventors: Matteo Passoni, Matteo Manghi
  • Patent number: 7500451
    Abstract: A bird deterrent apparatus for preventing birds from landing near a location to be protected, such as, but not limited to, a boat. The bird deterrent apparatus is easy to install and remove, and does not interfere with the normal use of the location. The bird deterrent apparatus comprises a line retractor, a retractable barrier line, and associated hardware and barrier line guides to secure the line retractor and the barrier line to structural elements in proximity to the location to be protected from perching birds and their associated debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Ingraham, Lynn T. Ingraham
  • Patent number: 7500443
    Abstract: A lighted holder for holding a container having therein an individual serving of a liquid, such as a beverage. In one application, the cup holder is installed in a hull of a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Terry Allen
  • Patent number: 7490574
    Abstract: A convertible boat top provides a covered area to protect the occupants from environmental concerns such as sun, rain, etc. The convertible top is easily deployed and can be unobtrusively tucked away into a storage area. The top can be provided as original equipment or may be embodied as a kit to adapt an existing boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Shearer, Kevin Stancil
  • Patent number: 7487734
    Abstract: A multipurpose recreational assembly comprises a first module having a top side and a bottom side, a first pair of channel members each having a first side and a second side, a first pair of guide members, and a second module having a top side and a bottom side. The first pair of channel members is mounted to and extends longitudinally along the top side of the first module. The first pair of guide members is attached to the bottom side of the second module, and couples with the first pair of channel members. A plurality of rollers may be positioned between the first side and the second side of the first pair of channel members to allow the first pair of guide members to roll along a longitudinal length of the first pair of channel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Terrance G. Davis
  • Publication number: 20090035109
    Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching a vessel to a trailer. A system for attaching a vessel to a trailer having a winch tower includes an attachment device coupled to the vessel. A release mechanism configured to suspend the attachment device in a stand-by position. When activated, operable to release the attachment device, such that it engages the winch tower on the trailer, the result is the attachment device being in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ronnie J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7484471
    Abstract: A ski closet for use on a watercraft having a first portion and a second portion formed in the deck of the watercraft. The ski closet receives and retains water-skis and includes a moveable cover used to conceal the interior portion of the ski closet. When the cover is closed, the cover is arranged flush with the deck of the watercraft. The ski closet further includes a surface configured to retain the water-ski in a set position within the closet. In addition, the closet includes a drain formed in the floor in order allow water that adheres to the surface of the water-ski to drain from the closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bennington Marine LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Kalil
  • Publication number: 20080314306
    Abstract: The present invention is a water misting device built in to a boat's bimini framework. The water for the device is taken from a lake, river, ocean or any other water body or source, and pumped through a screening or filtration system for endless misting opportunity. As the device is concealed within the framework, it is aesthetically pleasing to the boat owner and fellow boaters. The device can also be completely removed and reattached at the owner's discretion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Santa Cruz, Robert Santa Cruz
  • Patent number: 7468681
    Abstract: A warning light assembly for a watercraft or land vehicle includes a selectively activatable light for mounting to the watercraft or vehicle such that the light is clearly visible to nearby operators/drivers. There is a power source for being carried by the watercraft/vehicle. The light is operatively connected to the power source through a switch that is alternatable between open and closed states. At least one mechanism is provided for sensing when the watercraft/vehicle is decelerating. A control device is responsive to the sensing mechanism for closing the switch only when the watercraft/vehicle decelerates in a longitudinal direction and simultaneously there is no change in acceleration in a transverse direction. This causes the light to activate so that a deceleration warning is provided to nearby persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: PWC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Bootes
  • Patent number: 7458334
    Abstract: A safety device including a support that may be stowed within an enclosure and easily extended for use. One embodiment comprises a primary strap having a handle on one end and a step on the other end. The primary strap passes through two rings, which allow it to slide through the rings when pulled in one direction, but resist movement when pulled in the other. The rings are coupled to a keeper, preferably by a secondary strap, and the keeper includes a pouch closable by a flap to form an enclosure. The keeper may be attached to a vessel or other object via a connector, such as a loop, on its rear side. The straps are gathered inside the keeper, with a portion of the primary strap hanging outside the keeper and fixed in position by the closed flap, such when the portion of the primary strap is pulled, the flap will open and the handle and step extend, to allow a user to use the handle and step for support to gain entry to a vessel from the water or such other purpose as may be necessary or desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen J. Baker
  • Patent number: 7444953
    Abstract: Transom lights for boats are easily attached before the boat is towed on a trailer. Each light includes a housing attached to a post, a major lens and a minor lens. The transom light circuitry is connected to the electrical circuitry of the towing vehicle. The housing is rigidly affixed to the post and in an alternate form the housing is pivotable to better conform to the shape of the transom. A socket can be readily attached to the transom for slidably receiving the post. Before the boat is placed in the water the transom lights are disconnected and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Michael D. Player
  • Publication number: 20080264324
    Abstract: A motorboat, in particular a yacht, with a cabin which merges on a rear side into a cockpit which is delimited laterally by side sections. To improve the wind comfort in the cockpit, a respective side guiding element for guiding the flow is disposed on each side of the boat. The side guiding element extends generally vertically upward and generally in the longitudinal direction of the boat from a rear end section of the respective side section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Michael Preiss
  • Patent number: 7434532
    Abstract: A small planning boat includes a filler opening for a fuel tank and an opening section that are formed on the deck of the boat body. The filler opening and the opening section are covered with a hatch cover when the hatch cover is closed. A fuel-receiving concave section is formed around the filler opening, so that the filler opening is positioned at the bottom surface section of a fuel-receiving concave section. A guide groove that declines downward from the bottom surface section on an outer side of the boat body can be formed as one piece with the fuel-receiving concave section. A storage section can also be formed inside the opening section. In addition, the filler opening can be positioned on the starboard side rearward from the opening section, and the guide groove can be formed in a section on an outer side of the opening section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20080216734
    Abstract: The marine grab bar of the present invention is intended for use on a boat wherein a passenger needs a gripping post when standing. The grab bar assembly includes a base mounted to a wall or upright surface in the boat, and a telescoping bar moveable between a lower retracted storage position and a raised extended gripping position. A lock is provided in the assembly for retaining the bar in the raised position relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: R & D SHED, LLC
    Inventor: JOHN CZIPRI
  • Patent number: 7421970
    Abstract: Equipment for entering and exiting boats is addressed. Generally, the equipment is in the form of “divers' doors” for inflatable or similar boats. However, unlike existing inflatable doors, the doors discussed herein need not necessarily inflate. Instead, they may be formed as flaps moveable between closed and open positions. Ramped rub strakes or other aspects of the boats may assist in diverting water away from any gaps present when the flaps are closed but the boats are travelling at significant speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Zodiac Hurricane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Levesque
  • Patent number: 7422351
    Abstract: A pole light electrical interface is described that allows the connection of electrical devices in lieu of standard pole lights that are used as running lights on boats. Several configurations are described including a connection in place of a running light, a side connector, and a pole light electrical interface with a voltage converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Alexander R. Villani
  • Patent number: 7419076
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a float tube carrier comprised of a support member and one or more pairs of arms extending from said support member and capable of securing one or more float tubes. Alternatively, the support member comprises a mount arm capable of securing to a vehicle, and a rotatable and removable support member connecting to said mount arm through a locking swivel. The support member may also comprise a generally 1-shaped mount arm capable of securing to a hitch, and having a locking swivel for removably connecting to the mount arm or, a generally I-shaped support member with a locking swivel for removably connecting to the mount arm. The carrier further comprises a first and second pair of arm members with a locking pivot operatively engaging a support member and, a first and second locking bar for securing one or more float tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Ulrich Grothues
  • Patent number: 7415938
    Abstract: A cabin enclosure of a boat which is substantially water proof is provided. The cabin enclosure comprises a top, frame with joists attached to joist covers, plurality of windows, flashing and track which are layered upon each other to cascade water down the top, onto the windows and onto the track and into the river, bay or ocean. The plurality of windows may surround the passenger area of the boat and also prevents water from entering the boat. In particular, the plurality of windows are zippered onto adjacent joist covers so as to form a substantially water proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the boat. The flashing may be attached to the interior of the window with hooks and loops which run horizontally across the window and prevent water that splashes under the window from entering into the passenger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Marshall Duffield
  • Patent number: 7404371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floating leisure platform with a heating device (A) for food and a seating facility (14) for one or several people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Sebastian Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20080173228
    Abstract: A boat construction is provided. The boat includes a boat hull and top. The top is provided with a selectively stowable enclosure device that includes a curtain member that may be unfolded after release from a storage chamber for suspension from the top to form a tubular enclosure area for a person to use as a privacy area for activity such as changing clothes. After use, the enclosure device may be restowed in its storage chamber attached to or integral with the top. The top may be a fixed top or a collapsible top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Ken Burroughs
  • Patent number: 7395772
    Abstract: The present invention is an accessory ready assembly that mounts to a support structure on a marine vessel. The assembly includes a male spline fitting having an end face that is configured to mount onto the support structure. A female spline connector is removably disposed on the male spline fitting. An accessory is disposed on an end of the female spline connector. A clamp is disposed on the female spline connector. The clamp securely fastens the female spline connector and the accessory to the male spline fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen O. Slatter
  • Patent number: 7396268
    Abstract: An improved safety signaling apparatus intended to be used with watercraft to increase the visibility of the watercraft to others, incorporating a mast-supported signaling device, a base member for attachment to the watercraft, and a retention member removably attaching the mast assembly to the base member. The retention member is suitably adapted to maintain the mast assembly in a fixed orientation in relation to the base member under certain conditions, namely ordinary operation of the watercraft, and to permit independent movement of the mast relative to the base member under different conditions, namely when the mast is in danger of damage or for independent use or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Jan P. Hyjek
  • Publication number: 20080156248
    Abstract: The present invention is an elevated boat tower that provides a vessel for the storage of compressed air therein. The device provides easy access and use of the compressed air within elongated and substantially hollow tube members connected at each end thereof to either the boat or other tube members. At least one air valve allows for compressed air to be selectively introduced into or released from within the boat tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: John D. Clemmons, Michael John Murphy
  • Publication number: 20080156247
    Abstract: A hidden marine windshield mounting system and method, utilizing a cooperative pair of elongated base members, longitudinally extending around the front of and fastened to a marine vessel deck. The two elongated base members cooperatively interlock with one another to form a single windshield mounting base unit, having a substantially vertically erect windshield receiving area for adhesion of most usually, curved windshield tempered glass. Mounted onto the top of the curved windshield glass is an elongated trim member, which may come into contact at its ends, with the ends of the base member pair. The base member pair can be forcibly separable from one another after stretch forming for assembly, installation and for glass replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Darren Ashley Bach
  • Publication number: 20080149017
    Abstract: At least one actuator for actuating a guest lap bar locking assembly for releasably positioning a lap bar includes a rotatable actuator hub, a telegraph rod interconnected with the rotatable actuator hub, an operator arm also extending from the actuator hub and a toggle latching assembly interconnected with the actuator hub. The toggle latching assembly provides for rotation of the telegraph rod to actuate the lap bar locking assembly to prevent movement of the lap bar in at least one particular direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, David Winslow, Tim Kelley, Robert Scott Blucher
  • Publication number: 20080141924
    Abstract: A wake boarding or other water sports power boat having retractable rear facing speakers for transmitting an audio signal to a water sports participant towed behind the boat. The power boat has storage compartments on the sides of the boat at the rear of the cockpit. The storage compartments have at least one generally horizontal cover panel having a rear portion that is raisable. The rear facing speakers are mounted under the raisable rear portion, such that the speakers are extended from the compartments when the rear portion is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel J. Adams
  • Patent number: 7383786
    Abstract: A device for elevating a platform over a boat deck. This type of device can include a platform, a drive, and at least one driven lift which is in communication with the drive. This driven lift can be coupled at a first end to the platform and at a second end to the boat deck. There can also be at least one controller in communication with the drive. In this case, the controller can be for controlling a height of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: John Giannasca
  • Patent number: 7377223
    Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a bin, and hood. The hood is operatively connected to the deck and is movable between an open position providing access to the storage bin and a closed position preventing access to the storage bin. An opening having a contour is provided in the deck forwardly of the watercraft's steering handles. The storage bin is disposed in the opening. The storage bin has a container disposed in the opening and a lid operatively connected to the container. The lid is movable between an open position providing access to an interior of the container and a closed position preventing access to the interior of the container. A storage bin to be used in combination with a personal watercraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Pascal Toupin, Martin Bernier
  • Publication number: 20080115716
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water craft comprising a kite-type element, which is connected to said water craft by means of a traction cable. Said water craft is characterized in that the kite-type element is equipped with adjusting devices, which are supplied with energy from the water craft, said energy being transmitted in the traction cable or by an element on the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Stephan Wrage
  • Patent number: 7367279
    Abstract: A system for supporting a user in a shock absorbing manner over a base floor comprising at least one base platform selectively secured the base floor. There is at least one additional platform wherein this platform can be stacked on top of the base platform. This additional platform can comprise the following elements: a flexible elastic shock absorbing element which may be in the form of any shock absorbing material such as rubber; and a substantially rigid housing disposed around the flexible element. This substantially rigid housing may be in the form of any substantially rigid material and may for example be a polyurethane foam or a blow molded plastic. At least a portion of the shock absorbing element can fit inside of this substantially rigid housing in a recessed region. There is also an additional layer of rigid material which is secured to this shock absorbing element in the form of a flexible layer. This additional layer of rigid material may also be in the form of rigid foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: John Giannasca
  • Publication number: 20080087210
    Abstract: A device support for the passenger area of a recreational boat having a deck and interior side walls extending up from the deck, including a clamping plate and a support arm. The clamping plate has an open top slot and is secured to the boat side wall so as to define an open top space between the clamping plate and the boat side wall. The support arm has a base plate on one end and an attachment end on the other end, with the base plate removably received in the defined open top space with the support arm one end extending through the open top slot of the clamping plate. The supported device is secured to the attachment end of the support arm, and the support arm is non-linear, with one end extending generally horizontally and the other end extending generally vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Zsido
  • Patent number: 7343870
    Abstract: The invention comprises a boat hawse pipe and accessory tray combined in a single-piece unit for mounting on a boat's gunnel boards to provide a means for holding beverage cups, bottles, or personal and marine accessories, and for receiving the dock lines or cables to be tied to cleats on the sidewalls of a boat while preventing damage to the fiberglass body of the boat through frictional contact with those dock lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Lenn M. Scholz, Harry Wood
  • Patent number: 7341016
    Abstract: A folding platform for mounting to an outer surface of a watercraft includes a platform, a hinge base attached to the outer surface of the watercraft, and a hinge arm pivotally coupled to both the hinge base and the platform. The hinge arm operates to position the platform in a deployed position and a stowed position. A top side of the platform in the deployed position faces away from the outer surface of the watercraft in the stowed position. Where the outer surface of the watercraft is curved, one of a plurality of hinge bases may be pivotally attached to the surface, such that a corresponding plurality of hinge arms move in substantially parallel planes. The hinge arm may be adjustably coupled to the platform such that the position of the hinge arm is capable of being adjusted along the axis of rotation of the pivotal coupling of the hinge arm to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: TXS Industrial Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Terleski, Staci A. Mininger, Mark Megarity, Scott L. Relyea
  • Patent number: 7341017
    Abstract: An apparatus for a hydraulically locked accessory mounting device for attaching accessories to a boat, or vessel. The mounting device includes a base for attaching to the boat and a ball head that is attached to an accessory, which can be moved to a selected position and locked in that position by a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly includes a first piston moved by an operator. The first piston is in hydraulic communication with a second piston, which engages a shoe that locks the ball in position. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system includes a bleed valve connected to the channel between the first and second pistons. In one embodiment, the first piston is operated by a knob with a threaded shaft. In another embodiment, the first piston is operated by a cam on a shaft that is rotated with a lever or knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: J&J Machine & Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080053360
    Abstract: A hardware system for mounting upon a fishing boat includes one or more cylindrical frame members and a plurality of fishing rod holders, each having cylindrical base portion sized for sliding insertion over one of the frame members for linear movement along and 360° rotational movement about the axis thereof. In a first embodiment, first and second frame members are mounted at laterally opposite deck portions of the boat in parallel, vertical orientation with a third frame member extending horizontally between and attached to the vertical members. In a second embodiment, a cylindrical frame member extends horizontally between supports on opposite sides of the upper surface of a hard-top cabin covering; the connecting means permit the use of flat mounting plates with sloping side edges of the hard-top covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony J. Salerno
  • Publication number: 20080047480
    Abstract: A machine and method of operation to get rid of hurricanes. The general idea is to get rid of the low pressure in the center of the hurricane. No low pressure equals no circulation. No circulation equals no hurricane. The machine is a ship consisting of two main parts, an upper part and a lower part. The lower part consists of four submersible torpedo shaped hulls. The upper part is V shaped with three fan tubes stacked vertically on each side of the V. Method of operation. The machine is placed in the hurricane eyewall near the hurricane eye. The machine would mechanically blow air from the eyewall to the eye. The machine would bend the eyewall so that the eyewall would be diverted into the eye. The machine would slow down the air in the eyewall and the low pressure in the eye would suck the air in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Peter Sandler
  • Publication number: 20080042027
    Abstract: A series of adjustable padded support clamps attach to pontoon boat rectangular rails to support the structural frame members of a boat cover. Each two-part support clamp comprises a first padded square C-shaped channel bracket member having an aperture in a top arm thereof, and a second post and plate member. The post protrudes up through the aperture in the top arm of the C-shaped channel bracket to receive a coupling of a frame member of the boat cover. A bottom padded plate of the second member is adjustably secured against a top of the boat rail by turning one or more adjusting screws to draw the padded bottom arm up securely against a bottom of the boat rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick J. LaScala
  • Patent number: 7331304
    Abstract: A windshield assembly includes a windshield frame constructed to support a windshield. A plurality of couplers are secured to the windshield frame, and a tower frame for a wakeboard tow rope or cable attachment, radar arch or the like is connected to the windshield frame via the couplers. In one arrangement, the couplers are connected to the wing sections of the windshield frame, and the tower frame extends between the wing sections and above an area defined between the wing sections. The integrated tower frame and windshield simplifies installation for the boat manufacturer while accommodating many varieties of tower and windshield configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, Robert R. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20080011216
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning dirty waterlines on yachts, being robotic and self powered, capable of floating on its own, employing a rotating soft scrub brush, able to propel itself to the dirty waterline and once in contact supply sufficient force for cleaning, able to apply soap and water, contains various electronics for remote operation, is remote controlled and capable of being fully automatic with the use of a microcontroller, operated and carried by one person. The materials of the cleaner are corrosion resistant so that it can endure the corrosion-infested environments it will be in. The cleaner also has means of adjusting the cleaning brush so it can reach all areas of the waterline with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Feitze Van-Zwol
  • Publication number: 20070283873
    Abstract: An apparatus for a hydraulically locked accessory mounting device for attaching accessories to a boat, or vessel. The mounting device includes a base for attaching to the boat and a ball head that is attached to an accessory, which can be moved to a selected position and locked in that position by a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly includes a first piston moved by an operator. The first piston is in hydraulic communication with a second piston, which engages a shoe that locks the ball in position. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system includes a bleed valve connected to the channel between the first and second pistons. In one embodiment, the first piston is operated by a knob with a threaded shaft. In another embodiment, the first piston is operated by a cam on a shaft that is rotated with a lever or knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: J&J MACHINE & TOOL, INC.
    Inventor: John R. Jackson