WATERCRAFT MOORING AND DOCKING SYSTEM

Abstract

A system, method, and device for docking and mooring a watercraft are disclosed. The exemplary device may have a ferrous material or an electromagnetic generator coupled to the watercraft, including a ferrous-hulled watercraft. The device may also have an electromagnetic generator coupled to the dock for selectively generating a magnetic field to attract or oppose a magnetic force field created by the on-board electromagnetic generator. A control device may be used to activate the electromagnetic generators. A communication device may be used to communicate with the control device to activate the electromagnetic generator.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/727,295 filed Oct. 17, 2005 entitled “Watercraft Mooring and Docking System”, which is incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to mooring and docking systems for watercraft and more particularly, relates to mooring and docking systems using magnetic couplings for watercraft.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

To load and unload watercraft the vessels may need to be positioned alongside a dock. In addition, when not in use watercraft may need to be stored in a stationary location alongside a dock or other stationary mooring faculty. Many watercrafts have limited maneuverability. When in open water the reduced maneuverability does not present a problem. However, when a watercraft is preparing to dock alongside a dock, the limited maneuverability may make it difficult for the captain of the watercraft to position the watercraft next to the dock. The captain may not position the watercraft close enough to the dock, preventing the watercraft from being able to dock. The captain may steer the watercraft too close to the dock causing the watercraft to hit the dock, which may result in damage to either the watercraft or the dock.

When the watercraft is docked, wind, waves and tides may cause the watercraft to rub against and hit the dock. Bumpers are often used to reduce damage caused by the motion of the boat hitting against the dock. This continuous rubbing or hitting often causes damage to the hull of the watercraft. Even when bumpers are properly placed between the watercraft and dock, the contact may still rub the paint and outer surface of the hull of the watercraft.

Docking and mooring facilities may also need a system for activation of the docking system. The facility may need an automated system for determining when a watercraft is docking. The system may need to provide the captain with a method of communicating to the docking facility and activating the docking system without placing additional burdens on the facility personnel. The system may also need to keep records of who is using the docking facilities. The records may be used to determine if the watercraft is an authorized user or may be used to debit an account associated with the watercraft for use of the docking system.

Accordingly, a need exists for a device, method, and system for docking and mooring a watercraft. The attributes may need to provide a docking and mooring system that prevents damage due to contact between the dock and watercraft during storage of the watercraft alongside the dock. The attributes also may need to provide docking facilities with the ability to account for docking facility use and prevent unauthorized use without placing additional demands on facility personnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top view illustrative diagram of an exemplary docking system embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top view illustrative diagram of an exemplary mooring system embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view illustrative diagram of an exemplary adjustable docking and mooring system embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary docking process embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary mooring process embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary docking activation process embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a top view illustrative diagram of an second exemplary docking system embodiment in a docking position according to the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a top view illustrative diagram of the second exemplary docking system embodiment in a mooring position according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary docking assisting device embodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, the docking facility 100 may have a dock 102 with at least one side abutting the water. The side abutting the water provides adequate space for a watercraft 104 to be positioned adjacent to the dock 102. The dock 102 has one or more electromagnetic generators 106 positioned along the side of the dock 102 abutting the water.

The electromagnetic generators 106 may be constructed in a variety of manners. One exemplary method of construction has a ferrous core with multiple coils of wire surrounding the core. When power is supplied to the wire, a magnetic field is generated from the core. When power is not supplied to the wire, little to no magnetic field is generated. The electromagnetic generators 106 may be covered with a protective shell or coating to prevent damage to the watercraft hull or penetration of water and other environmental contaminates into the electromagnetic generators 106. The electromagnetic generators may also be an integral part of dockside mounted docking pads.

A controller (not shown) is used to selectively provide power to the electromagnetic generators 106. The controller may provide power by activating a relay switch or using a combination of other communication devices to cause the controller to activate and provide power. The controller may also adjust the strength of the magnetic field as the watercraft approaches the dock 102. For example, the magnetic field generated may be decreased as a sensor (not shown) determines the approach of the watercraft. Greater detail regarding various methods and devices used to activate the controller will be described later herein.

A second magnetic device 108 is coupled to the watercraft 104. The magnetic device 108 may be a ferrous material. The ferrous material may be the hull of the watercraft 104 or located within the hull of the watercraft 104. In another exemplary method of construction the ferrous material may also be coupled to the outside of the watercraft 104. In yet another exemplary method of construction the magnetic device 108 may also be an electromagnetic generator.

The watercraft 104 pulls up along side the dock 102 under the power of the watercraft's engines. The watercraft 104 is positioned a safe distance from the dock 102 allowing the captain adequate maneuverability of the watercraft 104 without jeopardizing hitting the watercraft 104 against the dock 102. The captain communicates to the docking facility 100 to activate the docking system, as will be described later in greater detail herein. The controller supplies power to the electromagnetic generators 106 coupled to the dock 102.

The electromagnetic generators 106 produce a magnetic field that attracts the magnetic device 108 coupled to the watercraft 104. The magnetic device 108 and watercraft 104 are pulled towards the dock 102. The controller may regulate the magnetic field produced by the magnetic device 108. For example, as the watercraft 104 approaches the dock 102 the electromagnetic generator 106 or the magnetic device 108 may reduce the strength of the field to reduce the impact of the watercraft 104 from hitting the dock 102. Additional proximity sensors may be used to allow the controller to determine distances of separation between the watercraft 104 and the dock 102. The controller may then adjust the strength of the magnetic field or reverse the polarity based on the proximity of the watercraft 104. Once the watercraft 104 reaches the dock 102, the electromagnetic generators 106 may maintain the magnetic field to maintain the watercraft's position. The watercraft 104 may also be coupled to the dock 102 using convention mechanical couplings, for example, ropes, elastic cords, or other coupling devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, once the watercraft 104 is coupled to the dock 102 with conventional coupling devices the electromagnetic generator 106 may be deactivated.

The docking facility 100 provides a docking system that reduces the demands of the captain to precisely position the watercraft 104 next to the dock 102. This reduces the risk of hitting the watercraft 104 against the dock 102 and causing damage to the dock 102, watercraft 104, or passengers and cargo onboard the watercraft 104.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the docking facility 100b may also be used to provide mooring of a watercraft 104b. The docking facility 100b has a dock 102b with at least one side abutting the water. The side abutting water provides adequate space for a watercraft 104b to be positioned adjacent to the dock 102b. The dock 102b has one or more electromagnetic generators 106b positioned along the side of the dock 102b similar to those previously described. The watercraft 104b has a magnetic device 108b coupled to the hull of the watercraft 104b. Once the watercraft 104b is positioned next to the dock 102b, mechanical couplings are put in place securing the watercraft 104b to the dock 102b.

The electromagnetic generators 106b are activated to produce a repulsive force pushing the magnetic device 108b coupled to the watercraft 104b away from the electromagnetic generators 106b of the dock 102b. The mechanical couplings hold the watercraft 104b near the dock 102b and prevent the watercraft 104b from being completely pushed away from the dock 102b. The repulsive forces prevent the wind, waves, and tidal flows from causing the watercraft 104b to hit and rub against the dock 102b.

The electromagnetic generators on the watercraft in conjunction with the electromagnetic generators or electromagnetic docking pads on the dock can be activated in any combination of strengths and polarities. For instance, the watercraft electromagnet may be polarized in a positive field while the dock electromagnets are activated in a negative field or vise versa to attract the two devices. In another instance both the watercraft electromagnet and the dock electromagnet can be activated in like fields to repel one another. Both the dock electromagnet and the watercraft electromagnet may be activated at maximum or minimum attractive or repulsive field modes or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary adjustable docking and mooring system 200 allows the electromagnetic generator 206 to be positioned near the magnetic device 208 of the watercraft 204. A track 212 coupled to a dock 202 allows the electromagnetic generator 208 to move in a vertical direction, as shown by the arrow. The docking and mooring system may use a variety of systems to position the electromagnetic generator 210. For example, the pull of the electromagnetic generator 210 to the watercraft 204 may also be used to position the electromagnetic generator 210 in a vertical direction along the track 212. Another system may use a ballast system or motors and sensors to maintain the electromagnetic generator 206 in a vertical direction. The vertical position may also be maintained using a floating device to keep the electromagnetic generator 206 a fixed distance above the surface of the water.

In addition to positioning the electromagnetic generator 206 in a vertical direction, the electromagnetic generator 206 may pivot about a pivot axis 210 to allow the electromagnetic generator 206 to be positioned in the direction of the magnetic device 208 of the watercraft 204. Similarly, the pull of the electromagnetic generator 206 to the watercraft 204 may also be used to position the electromagnetic generator 206 in a direction of the watercraft 204 about the pivot axis 210. Another system may also use a ballast system or motors and sensors to maintain the electromagnetic generator 206 about the pivot axis 210.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart of an exemplary docking process is provided for the docking and mooring system. The docking process is initiated when the watercraft approaches the dock (block 302). The captain positions the watercraft a predetermined distance from the dock (block 304). This predetermined distance may be defined by the strength of the electromagnetic system as well as the size of the watercraft. The predetermined distance may be a safe distance from the dock and provides the captain with a range of distances from the dock. The captain communicates to the system and activates the system (block 306). The system and process of communicating and activating the system will be described in greater detail later herein. The electromagnetic generator generates the electromagnetic field (block 308). The magnetic device may also be an electromagnetic generator, which will also be activated to generate an electromagnetic field. The watercraft is pulled next to the dock by the attractive forces of the electromagnetic field.

Once the unloading and loading of the watercraft is complete, the captain of the watercraft may disembark from the dock. The captain communicates to the system and deactivates the system (block 310). The watercraft may move away from the dock under the vessel's own propulsion system. The electromagnetic generator may also be used to generate repulsive forces to push the watercraft away from the dock to aid in the disembarking of the watercraft. The watercraft is safely removed from the docking facility (block 312) and the docking process is complete (Block 314).

Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart of an exemplary mooring process 400 is shown. The mooring process is initiated (block 402). The captain positions the watercraft next to the dock and activates the device (block 404). The watercraft may be positioned using an electromagnetic field to pull the watercraft into a position adjacent to the dock (block 406). Mechanically fastens may be used to couple the watercraft to the dock (block 408). The captain communicates to the system and activates the mooring system (block 410). The electromagnetic generator generates the electromagnetic field that repels the magnetic device of the watercraft (block 412). The mechanical fasteners prevent the watercraft from floating away from the docking or mooring facility. The repulsive forces prevent the wind, waves, and tidal flows from causing the watercraft to hit and rub against the dock. The captain may communicate to the system and may activate the system to pull the vessel against the electromagnetic docking pads (block 414). The mechanical fasteners are removed from the watercraft (block 416). The captain communicates to the system and either deactivates the system to manually depart from the dockside or reverses the electromagnetic field to repel the vessel from the dock (block 418). The watercraft disembarks from the docking facility (block 420) and the mooring process is complete (Block 422).

Referring to FIG. 5, a flow chart of an exemplary docking activation process 500 is shown. The docking activation process is initiated when the watercraft approaches the dock (block 502). The captain positions the watercraft a predetermined distance from the dock (block 504). The captain places a cell phone call to an automated answering system of the docking facility (block 506). A single telephone number may be used to access all available docking spaces of the docking facility. The captain enters an identification number specific to a desired docking location (block 508). The identification number may be posted next to the dock or determined by the captain using other methods. An account associated with the vessel or captain is debited or authorized for the use of the docking space (block 510). For example, the captain may be a member of the club and authorized to use any of the club's available spaces. In another example, the captain may pay a specified amount for each use of the docking facility or the amount of time used at the docking facility. The docking system is activated and docking or mooring procedures are followed as previously discussed herein (block 512). The docking activation process is completed (block 514).

The activation process is not limited to the above process. Other devices and systems may be used to activate the docking process. For example, a Radio Frequency Identification tag (RFID) may be used to initiate and activate the docking/mooring process. In this example, the RFID tag may be used to identify the account and an additional radio frequency may be used to activate and deactivate the docking/mooring system. The captain may transmit the additional radio frequency by pressing a keypad on the watercraft. Other wireless communication devices in addition to radio frequency may also be used to activate and deactivate the docking/mooring process.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the docking facility 600 may have a dock 602 with at least one side abutting the water. The side abutting the water provides adequate space for a watercraft 604 to be positioned adjacent to the dock 602. The dock 602 has one or more electromagnetic generators 606 positioned along the side of the dock 602 abutting the water.

The electromagnetic generators 606 may be constructed in a variety of manners as previously discussed with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. The electromagnetic generators may be an integral part of docking pads that are removably coupled to the dock 602. The electromagnetic generators 106 may be coupled to the dock 602 via extensions that allow the electromagnetic generators 606 to be moved from a retrieving position shown in FIG. 6A to a docking position shown in FIG. 6B. The extensions may be, for example, a cable 612 and a spring 614. The spring pushes the electromagnetic generators 606 into a retrieving position. Once the electromagnetic generators 606 and a second magnetic device 108 of the watercraft 604 are coupled, a positioning device 616 retracts the cable 612 pulling the watercraft 604 to a docking position.

The extension is not limited to the cable 612 and the spring 614. The extension may be a variety of other devices that may position the electromagnetic generators 606 next to the second magnet 608 of the watercraft 604. For example, the extension may be a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod may be hinged and have a position system in a controller (not shown) that automatically locates the second magnet 608 and moves the electromagnetic generators 606 next to the second magnet 608. The extension may also incorporate floating or ballasting devices that may be used to position the electromagnetic generators 606 within the water.

The controller is used to selectively provide power to the electromagnetic generators 606 as previously discussed with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. The watercraft 604 pulls up along side the dock 602 under the power of the watercraft's engines. The watercraft 604 is positioned a safe distance from the dock 602 allowing the captain adequate maneuverability of the watercraft 604 without jeopardizing hitting the watercraft 604 against the dock 602. The captain communicates to the docking facility 600 to activate the docking system. The controller supplies power to the electromagnetic generators 606 coupled to the dock 602.

The controller retracts the extension from a receiving position to a docking position. The magnetic device 608 and watercraft 604 are pulled towards the dock 602. Additional proximity sensors may be used to allow the controller to determine distances of separation or location of the watercraft 604. The controller may then adjust the extension to position the electromagnetic generators 606 next to the watercraft 604. Once the watercraft 604 reaches the dock 602, the electromagnetic generators 606 may maintain the magnetic field to maintain the watercraft's position. The watercraft 604 may also be coupled to the dock 602 using conventional mechanical couplings, for example, ropes, elastic cords, or other coupling devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, once the watercraft 604 is coupled to the dock 602 with conventional coupling devices the electromagnetic generator 606 may be deactivated.

The docking facility 600 provides a docking system that reduces the demands of the captain to precisely position the watercraft 604 next to the dock 602. This reduces the risk of hitting the watercraft 104 against the dock 602 and causing damage to the dock 602, watercraft 604, or passengers and cargo onboard the watercraft 604. The docking facility 600 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, for example, the electromagnetic generators may be coupled to the watercraft 604 and the second magnet 608 may be coupled to the dock 602. In another example, the extensions couple the second magnet 608 to the watercraft 604. In this example, the extension may be used to position the second magnet 608 next to the electromagnetic generators 606 coupled directly to the dock 602.

Referring to FIG. 7, a dock stick 700 may be used to position the electromagnetic generators 606 next to the second magnet 608. The dock stick may have a handle 702 and a strap 704 producing a loop 706. The user positions the loop 706 over or around a portion of the electromagnetic generator 606 and rotates the handle 702, thus coiling the strap 704 and reducing the size of the loop 706. Once positioned, the handle may be rotated in the opposite direction to open the loop 706 and release the electromagnetic generator 606. The dock stick 700 may also be used to grab cleats or portions of a dock or a mooring. The handle 702 may be sized to allow a user to grab items located away from the watercraft and position the watercraft.

Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for docking a watercraft comprising:

a ferrous material coupled to the watercraft for generating a magnetic field;

an electromagnet coupled to a dock for selectively generating a magnetic field to attract the ferrous material;

a control device for activating the electromagnet; and

a communication device on the watercraft for communicating with the control device to activate the electromagnet.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

extensions coupling the ferrous material to the watercraft wherein the extension move from a retrieving position for magnetically coupling the ferrous material to the electromagnet to a docking position for watercraft.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

extensions coupling the electromagnet to the dock wherein the extension move from a retrieving position for magnetically coupling the ferrous material to the electromagnet to a docking position for watercraft.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ferrous material is the hull of the watercraft.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the extension comprises a telescoping pole on a hinged joint.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the extension comprises a spring and a cable coupling the electromagnet to the dock.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a docking stick wherein the docking stick comprises a handle and a loop sized to grip a the electromagnet and move it next to the ferrous material.

8. An apparatus for docking a watercraft comprising:

a electromagnet coupled to the watercraft for selectively generating a magnetic field;

a ferrous material coupled to a dock for generating a magnetic field to attract or repel the electromagnet;

a control device for activating the electromagnet; and

a communication device on the watercraft for communicating with the control device to activate the electromagnet.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

extensions coupling the electromagnet to the watercraft wherein the extension move from a retrieving position for magnetically coupling the ferrous material to the electromagnet to a docking position for watercraft.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

extensions coupling the ferrous material to the dock wherein the extension move from retrieving position for magnetically coupling the ferrous material to the electromagnet to a docking position for watercraft.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ferrous material is part of a dock pad.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the extension comprises a telescoping pole on a hinged joint.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extension comprises a spring and a cable coupling the ferrous material to the dock.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a docking stick wherein the docking stick comprises a handle and a loop sized to grip the ferrous material and move it next to the electromagnet.

15. A method for docking a watercraft comprising the action of:

positioning the watercraft a predetermined distance from a docking facility;

communicating activation of an electromagnet from the watercraft to a controller of the electromagnet;

activating the electromagnet; and

docking the watercraft.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the action of:

extending the electromagnet to a watercraft retrieving position.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the action of:

retracting the electromagnet to a docking position.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the action of:

extending the electromagnet to a watercraft mooring position.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the action of:

communicating deactivation of the electromagnet from the watercraft to the controller;

deactivating the electromagnet; and

removing the watercraft from the dock

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the action of:

manually positioning the electromagnet against a magnetic material coupled to the watercraft.