Positioning apparatus

Abstract

A positioning apparatus is disclosed having a track, wherein the track is disposed horizontally on an aquatic vessel; one or more optional pulley means, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track; a cable, having a first end and a second end; one or more optional eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets; an optional cable fastening means; one or more optional mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track to the aquatic vessel; an attachment site means, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means; and an optional one or more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track.

Description

FIELD

The embodiments of this invention relate to positioning an aquatic vessel in a current.

BACKGROUND

Boating is a popular sport and a commercial industry. In a strong current, boats drift unless anchored or acted upon by a force. In some applications, boats need to be held in a particular position, like sport fishing.

Maintaining a particular position is important to many fishermen. Fishermen position their boats near where they think the fish are. The fish like to swim next to obstacles. The obstacles provide the fish with cover so bigger fish will have difficulty catching them. The bigger fish swim next to the obstacles in hopes of catching smaller fish that leave the safety of the obstacles.

Fishermen are usually fishing in areas having obstacles to catch the fish swimming in or near the obstacles. Fishing around obstacles takes skill and practice. Some common obstacles for fishermen are trees, submerged logs, rock, docks, and algae. Sometimes being able to fish a particular spot is determined by being able to position your boat in a current and maintaining a particular boat angle with the current so that the fishing line avoids the obstacles when casting the fishing line.

An anchoring system will keep your boat from drifting. An anchoring system will not always keep your boat from moving in a current due to a change in wind direction or speed. Anchoring systems usually do nothing to keep your boat at a particular angle in the current or wind.

The applicant realized the need for a positioning apparatus that would allow the boat operator to hold their boat steady in a current and maintain their boat at a particular angle. The applicant looked for an anchoring or positioning apparatus that would fulfill his fishing needs. No adequate apparatus was available so the applicant invented his boat positioning apparatus. The applicant's positioning apparatus works very well at holding a boat steady in a current and maintaining a particular boat angle.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a positioning apparatus for positioning an aquatic vessel in a current. The positioning apparatus has a track, having a first end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed horizontally on an aquatic vessel; one or more optional pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track; a cable, having a first end and a second end, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley means; one or more optional eyelets, wherein the eyelets are disposed near the length of the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets; an optional cable fastening means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably fastens the cable to a particular position; one or more optional mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track to the aquatic vessel; an attachment site means, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means, wherein the attachment site means moves along the track; and an optional one or more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track, wherein the track is attached to or manufactured into an aquatic vessel.

The track and the attachment site means provide the positioning apparatus with structural strength and the ability to maintain a particular boat angle with the current. The track is a structural course upon which the attachment site means moves along the track. The attachment site means is a structure or device that serves as an attachment site or fixation site for an anchoring line. The cable has two ends with the first end being attached to the attachment site means and the second end being attached to the attachment site means. The cable forms a loop and this loop of cable occupies the pulley means, eyelets, and, possibly, the track. Some embodiments of the invention lack pulley means and eyelets.

The pulley means, eyelets, and, possibly, the track, depending upon the particular embodiment, of the positioning apparatus form a structural course within which the cable moves or travels when not fastened by the cable fastening means. The boat angle is adjusted by pulling on the cable which adjusts the position of the attachment site means and the angle of attachment to the anchoring line. The cable fastening means fastens the cable in a particular position and prevents movement of the cable within the course that the cable travels. Thus, to set a particular boat angle, the operator of the aquatic vessel moves the cable and attachment site means to the desired position relative to the anchoring line and the operator fastens the cable to the cable fastening means at the desired position. The cable fastening means prevents movement of the cable and attachment site means. The desired boat angle is maintained until the cable is repositioned or another force acts on the aquatic vessel, such as the wind changing direction or speed.

The positioning apparatus can be attached to either side or both sides of an aquatic vessel. Some embodiments have a track that encircles an aquatic vessel. The track can be bowed.

The pulley means changes the direction of the cable and allows for movement of the cable within the course of the cable. When two pulley means are used on an embodiment, each pulley means is usually positioned near the ends of the track and the pulley means are aligned with the track.

The cable occupies the eyes of the eyelets. The eyelets are usually linearly arranged near and above the track. The eyelets form a partial course for the cable. The cable fastening means may be positioned in many different places on the aquatic vessel. The preferred position of the cable fastening means is near the track and near the position of the operator of the aquatic vessel. The cable fastening means is usually positioned on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track.

The mounting brackets are positioned on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track. The mounting brackets are usually positioned in a linear or curvilinear arrangement near where the track is positioned on the aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets attach the track to the aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets may have eyelets. The barrier means is any structure that prevents the attachment site means from exiting or escaping the track.

The positioning apparatus maintains the position and boat angle of the aquatic vessel in a current. This ability makes the positioning apparatus useful for fishing. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts embodiment 100 of the positioning apparatus in a perspective view.

FIG. 1B depicts the back half of embodiment 100 of the positioning apparatus in a perspective view.

DESCRIPTION

A positioning apparatus is disclosed having a track, having a first end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed horizontally on an aquatic vessel; one or more optional pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track; a cable, having a first end and a second end, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley means; one or more optional eyelets, wherein the eyelets are disposed near the length of the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets; an optional cable fastening means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably fastens the cable in a particular position; one or more optional mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track to the aquatic vessel; an attachment site means, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means, wherein the attachment site means moves along the track; and an optional one or more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track, wherein the track is attached to or manufactured into an aquatic vessel. The invention does not require all the advantageous features and all of the advantages to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

The track is a channel, a conduit, a groove, a furrow, a conduit track, a structural course along which something moves, or a partially enclosed opening that is continuous for a finite length in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the opening. The term “slit” is an orifice that is continuous for a finite length in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the opening of the orifice. The term “track” expressly includes a conduit with a slit along the length of the conduit. The term “track” expressly includes a partially enclosed opening that is continuous for a finite length in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the opening.

The pulley means is any device that allows a cable to slide freely through the device when the cable turns an angle or corner at or within the device. The term “pulley means” expressly includes a pulley, a loop, a hook, a genoa slide, a pad eye, an eye bolt, a carabiner, a cable pulley, a ring, or an eyelet. The pulley means can be a fixed pulley, a movable pulley, or a combined pulley.

The cable is a rope, a lanyard, a string, a cord, a strap, or a chain. The eyelets are loops, hooks, pad eyes, eyelet mounting brackets, deck pipes, eye bolts, mooring eyes, conduits, or orifices in a structure.

The cable fastening means is any means of fastening a cable to prevent movement of the cable. The term “cable fastening means” expressly includes a clamp, a cleat, a fairlead, a chock, a clip, a hook, a bracket, a knot, a fastening means, a fastener, or a vise.

The mounting brackets are any brackets that can affix the track to the side of an aquatic vessel. The term “mounting brackets” expressly includes brackets with orifices, clips, hooks, screws, eyelet mounting brackets, or other fasteners for engaging the track. The term “mounting brackets” expressly includes brackets with flat surfaces, concave surfaces, curved surfaces, or waterproof seals.

The attachment site means is any means of attaching a line, an anchoring line, a drift sock, or cable to the cable of the positioning apparatus. The term “attachment site means” expressly includes a loop created in a cable, sliding fixation device, a ring attached to a cable, a clamp attached to a cable, a hook attached to a cable, a knot in the cable, a loop, a ring, a clamp, a hook, or a fastener attached to the cable. The term “attachment site means” expressly includes a cylindrical portion that slides in a conduit type of track and a lateral portion that protrudes away from the track, wherein the lateral portion has a fixation site; clips that slide along a track and a ring that is attached to the clips, wherein the ring is disposed parallel to the length of the track and the ring protrudes laterally from the track, wherein the ring serves as a fixation site; and a device having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is a male fixture that occupies a track having a female shaped orifice to accommodate the male fixture, wherein the male fixture slides along the track within the female shaped orifice of the track and the second end of the attachment site means has a fixation site.

The term “aquatic vessel” is any vessel for moving on or through the water. The term “aquatic vessel” expressly includes boats, kayaks, canoes, and rafts. The term “fixation site” is any site for fastening another object to the applicable component. The term “fixation site” expressly includes fasteners, an orifice, a loop, a clamp, a clevis and pin, an eyelet, a hook, and a ring. The anchoring line is any line attached to an anchor, pier, dock, tree, piling, rock, drift sock, or any other stationary object. The term “anchoring line” expressly includes an anchor, pier, dock, tree, piling, rock, drift sock, or any other stationary object.

The barrier means is any structure that prevents the attachment site means from exiting or escaping the track. The term “barrier means” expressly includes hose clamps, plastic ties, plugs, end caps, washers transversely attached to the ends of the tracks, tracks crimped at the ends, tracks closed at the ends, bolts or screws positioned to obstruct the ends of the track, clamps or clips that attach to the ends of the track to obstruct the ends of the track, and end caps with an orifice extending completely through the end cap, wherein the cable is capable of moving within the orifice of the end cap and the attachment site means is incapable of moving through the orifice of the end cap.

The term “horizontally” expressly includes horizontally, nearly horizontally, or longitudinally. The term “horizontally” expressly includes a horizontal placement, longitudinal placement, or nearly a horizontal placement. The term “horizontal” expressly includes horizontal, longitudinal, or nearly horizontal. The term “boat angle” is the angle of the aquatic vessel in relation to the current.

A “fastener” or a “fastening means” can be any fastener or fastening system, including a clip, a pin, snaps, a latching mechanism, stitching, a clamp, an orifice with a clamp, hook and eye tape, a slot with a clip, a clevis and pin, opposing magnets within the components, a zipper, or a button and buttonhole. The term “attached” expressly includes embedded, manufactured, or molded into an aquatic vessel.

The track is usually disposed horizontally along the side of an aquatic vessel. The track can have a bow in the track. The bow of the track can be vertical bow, a horizontal bow, or a combination thereof. The track can bend with the side of the aquatic vessel. The track can be made of metal, polymer, or composite.

The track can be attached to the aquatic vessel by rivets, bolts and nuts, screws, adhesives, mounting brackets, stitching, or embedding or manufacturing the track into the aquatic vessel. The track may have a barrier or barrier means at both ends to prevent the attachment site means from leaving the ends of the track. The track can be attached to either side or both sides of an aquatic vessel.

The slit in the track is an opening, orifice, or groove in the side of the track that is continuous for a finite length in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the opening of the orifice. The slit is usually directed away from the side of the aquatic vessel. The attachment site means moves along the slit in the track when the cable is pulled or moved.

The pulley means are usually positioned at the ends of the track and aligned with the track. The cable forms a loop or circuitous route. The pulley means receives the cable and the cable loops around part of the pulley means. The pulley means changes the direction and point of application of a pulling force.

The pulley means can be made with less friction by lining the portion of the pulley means that is encountered by the cable with tetrafluoroethane, polymer, copper, brass, resin, or smooth metal. The pulley means can be made of metal, polymer, composite, or glass.

The cable is a flexible material that forms a loop or circuitous route. The route of the cable proceeds through the eyelets, pulley means, and may partially occupy the orifice of the track. The cable can be made of polymer, plant fibers, leather, metal, or any combination thereof. The cable may partially occupy the track. The cable partially occupies the pulley means and eyelets.

Eyelets are positioned near the length of the track. The eyelets can be positioned above or below the track. The eyelets can be made of metal, plant fibers, composite, or polymer. The eyelets are placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track. The cable partially occupies the eyelets.

The cable fastening means can be a ring attached to the aquatic vessel, an eye bolt, a clamp, a hook, a cleat, or a fairlead. The cable fastening means can be positioned along the length of the track. The cable fastening means can be positioned above or below the track. The cable fastening means is preferably positioned near the operator of the aquatic vessel, such as near the seat of the operator. The cable fastening means can be made of metal, plant fibers, composite, or polymer. The cable fastening means is placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track.

The mounting brackets are brackets for affixing the track to the side of an aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets have a flat or nearly flat surface for attaching to the side of an aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets are positioned on the aquatic vessel to align horizontally or to align with the positioning of the track. The mounting brackets can have clips, loops, clamps, rings, or other fasteners to engage and attach the track to the aquatic vessel. The mounting brackets are placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track.

Each mounting bracket can have a horizontal orifice, wherein the track can occupy the horizontal orifices of the mounting brackets. The eyelets can be incorporated into the mounting brackets to create mounting brackets with eyelets. The eyelets of the mounting brackets can be used instead of the eyelets. The cable partially occupies the eyelets of the mounting brackets. The mounting brackets can be made of can be made of metal, plant fibers, composite, or polymer.

The attachment site means can be a loop or ring attached to the cable. The attachment site means can be a loop or knot in the cable, wherein the knot may form a loop. The attachment site means can be a carabiner attached to the cable. The attachment site means can be a hook attached to the cable. The attachment site means can be an eyelet in the cable. The attachment site means can be a loop or eyelet spliced into the cable. The attachment site means is placed on the same side of the aquatic vessel as the track.

Where a conduit with a slit is used as the track, the attachment site means can be a cylindrical portion and a lateral portion, wherein the cylindrical portion slides within the inner diameter of the conduit, the lateral portion protrudes outwardly through the slit of the track, the ends of the cable are attached to the cylindrical portion, the lateral portion of the attachment site means has a fixation site, and the anchor line is attached to the lateral portion of the attachment site means. Hose clamps or plastic ties can be used as barrier means to physically obstruct the lateral portion of the attachment site means. The attachment site means can be made of metal, plant fibers, composite, or polymer.

The barrier means can be any structure that prevents the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track. The barrier means can be a plastic tie wrap or hose clamp that encircles the track that forms a physical obstruction to part of the attachment site means. The barrier means can be a plug or end cap that obstructs the end of the track to prevent the attachment site means from leaving the end of the track.

The barrier means can be a planar component with an outside perimeter that is circular and an orifice in the center of the planar component. This barrier means resembles a washer. The cable partially occupies the central orifice of this barrier means. The central orifice of this barrier means allows the cable to pass through the orifice unobstructed, the attachment site means is manufactured to be incapable of passing through the central orifice of this barrier means, and this barrier means is transversely attached to the end of the track to obstruct further movement of the attachment site means, especially where the track is a conduit.

The barrier means can be a crimped or closed off track to form a barrier for the attachment site means. A clamp or clip can be attached to the ends of the track to form a barrier means. A bolt or screw can be positioned near the ends of the track so that the head of the bolt or screw obstructs the ends of the track to prevent the attachment site means from leaving the ends of the track. The track can be manufactured with closed ends where the closed ends are a barrier means. The barrier means can be made of metal, polymer, wood, or composite.

The components of the positioning apparatus can be affixed to the side of an aquatic vessel using adhesives, screws, bolts, clips, rivets, or stitching. Any means of attaching the components of the positioning apparatus to the aquatic vessel should be performed in a waterproof manner. Gasket material, silicone, rubber, or waterproof adhesives should be used to waterproof any holes in the aquatic vessel.

The track and the attachment site means provide the positioning apparatus with structural strength and the ability to maintain a particular boat angle with the current. The cable has two ends with the first end being attached to the attachment site means and the second end being attached to the attachment site means. The cable forms a loop and this loop of cable occupies the pulley means, eyelets, and possibly the track.

The pulley means, eyelets, and possibly the track, depending upon the particular embodiment, of the positioning apparatus form a course within which the cable moves or travels when not fastened by the cable fastening means. The boat angle is adjusted by pulling on the cable which adjusts the position of the attachment site means and the angle of attachment to the anchoring line. The cable fastening means fastens the cable in a particular position and prevents movement of the cable within the course that the cable travels. Thus, to set a particular boat angle, the operator of the aquatic vessel moves the cable and attachment site means to the desired position relative to the anchoring line and the operator fastens the cable to the cable fastening means at the desired position. The cable fastening means prevents movement of the cable and attachment site means and the desired boat angle is maintained until the cable is repositioned or another force acts on the aquatic vessel, such as the wind changing direction or speed.

In FIG. 1A, embodiment 100 of the invention is depicted on the side of a kayak 102. The invention can be disposed on many different kinds of aquatic vessels. This embodiment comprises a conduit track 106, cable pulleys (a front cable pulley 104A, a back cable pulley 104B, collectively 104), eyelet mounting brackets (a first eyelet mounting bracket 108A, a second eyelet mounting bracket 108B, a third eyelet mounting bracket 108C, a fourth eyelet mounting bracket 108D, a fifth eyelet mounting bracket 108E, a sixth eyelet mounting bracket 108F, a seventh eyelet mounting bracket 108G, an eighth eyelet mounting bracket 108H, a ninth eyelet mounting bracket 108I, a tenth eyelet mounting bracket 108J, and an eleventh eyelet mounting bracket 108K, collectively 108), a positioning cable 110, a fastening means 112, a sliding fixation device 114, and barrier means (a front barrier means 116A, a back barrier means 116B, collectively 116).

The conduit track 106 is a flexible circular conduit that is horizontally disposed along the side of a kayak 102. The conduit track 106 has a horizontal slot that extends along the entire length of the conduit. The horizontal slot of the conduit track 106 is on the side of the conduit that is away from the kayak. The conduit track 106 has a front end and a back end. The conduit track 106 has longitudinal orifice extending completely through the center of the conduit track. The conduit track 106 bends with the surface of the side of the kayak 102.

The cable pulleys 104 are pulleys that are attached to the side of the kayak 102. The front cable pulley 104A is positioned in front of the front end of the conduit track 106. The back cable pulley 104A is positioned in back of the back end of the conduit track 106. The pulleys of the cable pulleys 104 rotate on a horizontal axis of rotation.

The eyelet mounting brackets 108 are brackets that are attached to the side of the kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 are disposed in a longitudinal alignment along the side of the kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 have large longitudinal orifices that extend completely through the eyelet mounting bracket.

The conduit track 106 partially occupies the large longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 have small longitudinal orifices that extend completely through the eyelet mounting brackets. The small longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are positioned above the conduit track 106. The small longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are the eyelets of the eyelet mounting brackets. The eyelets of the eyelet mounting brackets are positioned above the conduit track 106 and the positioning cable 110 runs through the eyelets of the eyelet mounting brackets 108.

The positioning cable 110 is a cable having a first end and a second end. The positioning cable 110 is predominantly disposed longitudinally. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The lower sides of the cable pulleys 104 are aligned with the longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the pulleys of the cable pulleys 104.

The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the small longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108.

The fastening means 112 is a cable fastener that has four longitudinally aligned and separated protuberances with two opposing longitudinal grooves in the base of the protuberances of the fastening means 112, wherein the first longitudinal groove is in the upper side of the protuberances and the second longitudinal groove is in the lower side of the protuberances. The fastening means 112 creates a tortuous path for the cable as the cable is disposed between opposing longitudinal grooves of the protuberances of the fastening means 112. When the cable is properly disposed in the fastening means 112 for fastening the cable, the path of the cable resembles a zigzag pattern. The fastening means 112 is attached to the middle kayak 102 on the side of the kayak having the conduit track 106. The tortuous path of the fastening means 112 prevents a cable from slipping through the fastening means. The fastening means 112 is positioned away from the conduit track 106 to be out of alignment with the positioning cable 110.

This offset position of the fastening means 112 aids the functioning of this particular fastening means. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the fastening means 112. The fastening means 112 revocably fastens the positioning cable 110 by threading the positioning cable through the tortuous pathway of the fastening means 112.

The sliding fixation device 114 has a sliding portion and a lateral portion. The sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a cylinder that is disposed longitudinally within the longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a front end and a back end. The front end of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a front vertical orifice. The back end of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a back vertical orifice.

The first end of the positioning cable 110 is affixed to the front vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The second end of the positioning cable 110 is affixed to the back vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The positioning cable 110 and the sliding fixation device 114 forms a closed loop. This closed loop allows the operator of the kayak to move the sliding fixation device 114 by pulling the positioning cable 110 in the desired direction once the positioning cable 110 is removed from the fastening means 112. The sliding fixation device 114 moves longitudinally along the conduit track 106.

The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a planar or angled flat member that is disposed longitudinally. The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes away from the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes laterally from the side of the kayak 102. The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a vertical orifice extending completely through the lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114. This vertical orifice of the lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a point of attachment for an anchoring line that holds the aquatic vessel in place.

The barrier means 116 are circular rings that encircle the outside of the conduit track 106. The front barrier means 116A is positioned near the front end of the conduit track 106 and behind the first eyelet mounting bracket 108A. The back barrier means 116B is positioned near the back end of the conduit track 106 and in front of the eleventh eyelet mounting bracket 108K. The barrier means 116 prevent the sliding fixation device 114 from leaving the conduit track 106 by halting movement of the sliding fixation device 114.

In FIG. 1B, the back half of embodiment 100 of the invention is depicted on the side of a kayak 102. This embodiment comprises a conduit track 106, cable pulleys (a front cable pulley 104A (not visible and not labeled), a back cable pulley 104B, collectively 104), eyelet mounting brackets (a first eyelet mounting bracket 108A (not visible and not labeled), a second eyelet mounting bracket 108B (not visible and not labeled), a third eyelet mounting bracket 108C (not visible and not labeled), a fourth eyelet mounting bracket 108D (not visible and not labeled), a fifth eyelet mounting bracket 108E (not visible and not labeled), a sixth eyelet mounting bracket 108F, a seventh eyelet mounting bracket 108G, an eighth eyelet mounting bracket 108H, a ninth eyelet mounting bracket 108I, a tenth eyelet mounting bracket 108J, and an eleventh eyelet mounting bracket 108K, collectively 108), a positioning cable 110, a fastening means 112, a sliding fixation device 114, and barrier means (a front barrier means 116A (not visible and not labeled), a back barrier means 116B, collectively 116).

The conduit track 106 is a flexible circular conduit that is horizontally disposed along the side of a kayak 102. The conduit track 106 has a horizontal slot that extends along the entire length of the conduit. The horizontal slot of the conduit track 106 is on the side of the conduit that is away from the kayak. The conduit track 106 has a front end and a back end. The conduit track 106 has longitudinal orifice extending completely through the center of the conduit track. The conduit track 106 bends with the surface of the side of the kayak 102.

The cable pulleys 104 are pulleys that are attached to the side of the kayak 102. The front cable pulley 104A is positioned in front of the front end of the conduit track 106. The back cable pulley 104A is positioned in back of the back end of the conduit track 106. The pulleys of the cable pulleys 104 rotate on a horizontal axis of rotation.

The eyelet mounting brackets 108 are brackets that are attached to the side of the kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 are disposed in a longitudinal alignment along the side of the kayak 102. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 have large longitudinal orifices that extend completely through the eyelet mounting bracket.

The conduit track 106 partially occupies the large longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108. The eyelet mounting brackets 108 have small longitudinal orifices that extend completely through the eyelet mounting brackets. The small longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are positioned above the conduit track 106. The small longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108 are the eyelets of the eyelet mounting brackets. The eyelets of the eyelet mounting brackets are positioned above the conduit track 106 and the positioning cable 110 runs through the eyelets of the eyelet mounting brackets 108. In this embodiment of the invention, there are eleven eyelet mounting brackets.

The positioning cable 110 is a cable having a first end and a second end. The positioning cable 110 is predominantly disposed longitudinally. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The lower sides of the cable pulleys 104 are aligned with the longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the pulleys of the cable pulleys 104. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the small longitudinal orifices of the eyelet mounting brackets 108.

The fastening means 112 is a cable fastener that has four longitudinally aligned and separated protuberances with two opposing longitudinal grooves in the base of the protuberances of the fastening means 112, wherein the first longitudinal groove is in the upper side of the protuberances and the second longitudinal groove is in the lower side of the protuberances. The fastening means 112 creates a tortuous path for the cable as the cable is disposed between opposing longitudinal grooves of the protuberances of the fastening means 112. When the cable is properly disposed in the fastening means 112 for fastening the cable, the path of the cable resembles a zigzag pattern. The fastening means 112 is attached to the middle kayak 102 on the side of the kayak having the conduit track 106. The tortuous path of the fastening means 112 prevents a cable from slipping through the fastening means. The fastening means 112 is positioned away from the conduit track 106 to be out of alignment with the positioning cable 110.

This offset position of the fastening means 112 aids the functioning of this particular fastening means. The positioning cable 110 partially occupies the fastening means 112. The fastening means 112 revocably fastens the positioning cable 110 by threading the positioning cable through the tortuous pathway of the fastening means 112.

The sliding fixation device 114 has a sliding portion and a lateral portion. The sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a cylinder that is disposed longitudinally within the longitudinal orifice of the conduit track 106. The sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a front end and a back end. The front end of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a front vertical orifice. The back end of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a back vertical orifice.

The first end of the positioning cable 110 is affixed to the front vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The second end of the positioning cable 110 is affixed to the back vertical orifice of the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The positioning cable 110 and the sliding fixation device 114 forms a closed loop. This closed loop allows the operator of the kayak to move the sliding fixation device 114 by pulling the positioning cable 110 in the desired direction once the positioning cable 110 is removed from the fastening means 112. The sliding fixation device 114 moves longitudinally along the conduit track 106.

The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a planar or angled flat member that is disposed longitudinally. The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes away from the sliding portion of the sliding fixation device 114. The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 protrudes laterally from the side of the kayak 102. The lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 has a vertical orifice extending completely through the lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114. This vertical orifice of the lateral portion of the sliding fixation device 114 is a point of attachment for an anchoring line that holds the aquatic vessel in place.

The barrier means 116 are circular rings that encircle the outside of the conduit track 106. The front barrier means 116A is positioned near the front end of the conduit track 106 and behind the first eyelet mounting bracket 108A. The back barrier means 116B is positioned near the back end of the conduit track 106 and in front of the eleventh eyelet mounting bracket 108K. The barrier means 116 prevent the sliding fixation device 114 from leaving the conduit track 106 by halting movement of the sliding fixation device 114.

It is advisable to install the positioning apparatus to an aquatic vessel using waterproof installation methods. When the components of the positioning apparatus are installed on the side of an aquatic vessel, the installer uses sealants, rubber or silicone seals or gaskets, silicone adhesives, adhesives, gasket material, and other waterproof installation means between the components and the sides of the aquatic vessel. The positioning apparatus can be installed on inflatable rafts by using adhesives, stitches that are waterproofed, or manufacturing the raft with the components of the positioning apparatus. Epoxy, rubber cement, or silicone adhesives would work well for installing components of the positioning apparatus.

The track of the positioning apparatus can be manufactured into the side of the aquatic vessel. The track of the positioning apparatus can be embedded into the side of the aquatic vessel. The track of the positioning apparatus is not required to be attached to the aquatic vessel after manufacturing. The positioning apparatus can be manufactured into an aquatic vessel.

The positioning apparatus is easy to use. An anchoring line is securely attached on one end to an anchor, tree, dock, or other suitable stationary object. The other end of the anchoring line is attached to the attachment site component of the positioning apparatus. The anchoring line attached to the positioning apparatus holds the aquatic vessel in particular position. The positioning apparatus changes the angle of the aquatic vessel relative to the anchoring line. The aquatic vessel operator attaches the anchoring line to the positioning apparatus in accordance with the operator's individual preferences.

When the aquatic vessel needs to be repositioned, the operator can shorten or lengthen the anchoring line to change the distance from the aquatic vessel to the anchoring object or the operator can change the boat angle relative to the direction of the anchoring line, current, and wind.

When the boat angle needs to be repositioned, the aquatic vessel operator disengages the cable of the positioning apparatus from the cable fastening means, the operator moves the attachment site means to their desired position by pulling the cable in a particular direction. When the cable is pulled, the attachment site means moves relative to the direction of the pulling force being exerted upon the cable. This movement of the attachment site means changes the angle of the aquatic vessel in the current or wind relative to the direction of the anchoring line.

By moving the attachment site means to the back of the aquatic vessel, the front of the aquatic vessel moves to a downwind or down current position depending on the strength and directions of these two forces. By moving the attachment site means to the front of the aquatic vessel, the back of the aquatic vessel moves to a downwind or down current position depending on the strength and directions of these two forces. By moving the attachment site means to the middle of the side of the aquatic vessel, the aquatic vessel moves to a crosswise position of the wind or current depending on the strength and directions of these two forces.

The positioning apparatus can be attached to either side or both sides of an aquatic vessel. An embodiment of the positioning apparatus can be made that has a track going completely around the aquatic vessel. In this embodiment, the cable would form a loop encircling the aquatic vessel with the cable disposed horizontally and the track would preferably be a more flexible version of the track. A more flexible version of the attachment site means may need to be used for traversing the encircling track.

In this embodiment that encircles the aquatic vessel, the eyelets and pulley means may be unneeded components and the attachment site means may be a very simple design, such as a loop tied in the cable, a ring attached to the cable, or a carabiner attached to the cable. The cable could extensively occupy the track and the cable fastening means would be positioned near the track to fasten the cable within the course of the track.

The encircling version of the positioning apparatus would be desirable on less angular aquatic vessels, such as rafts. The encircling version of the positioning apparatus or an aquatic vessel having two positioning apparatuses would allow for any or nearly any boat angle.

A circular conduit with a longitudinal slit is the preferred version of the track. A rope made of polymer is the preferred version of the cable. The cable partially occupying the central orifice of the circular conduit is a preferred embodiment of the invention.

An attachment site means having a cylindrical portion and a lateral portion is the preferred version of the attachment site means, wherein the lateral portion of the attachment site means has a vertical orifice extending completely through the lateral portion of the attachment site means. The cylindrical portion of the preferred version of the attachment site means occupies the central orifice of the circular conduit and the lateral portion of the attachment site means protrudes laterally through the slit of the track, wherein the anchoring line attaches to the lateral portion of the attachment site means. The vertical orifice of the lateral portion of the attachment site means is a preferred fixation site for attaching the anchoring line.

The preferred cable fastening means is a cable fastener that has four longitudinally aligned and separated protuberances with two opposing longitudinal grooves in the base of the protuberances of the fastening means, wherein the first longitudinal groove is in the upper side of the protuberances and the second longitudinal groove is in the lower side of the protuberances. The preferred pulley means is a single pulley attached to the side of the aquatic vessel with a horizontal axis of rotation.

The preferred eyelets and mounting brackets are the mounting brackets having eyelets. The preferred barrier means have a ring shape, such as a hose clamp, a ring, or a plastic tie wrap.

The invention allows fishermen to position their aquatic vessels in particular positions in relation to the current, wind, and anchoring line. Fishermen and other boat operators will appreciate how the invention gives them more control over the positioning of their aquatic vessels.

Applicant intends to encompass within the language any structure presently existing or developed in the future that performs the same function. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a track, having a first end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed horizontally on an aquatic vessel, wherein the track is attached to the aquatic vessel,

a cable having a first end and a second end, and

an attachment site means, wherein the attachment site means is moveably attached to the track, wherein the attachment site means moves horizontally along the track, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a cable fastening means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably fastens the cable to a particular position.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley means.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track to the aquatic vessel.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mounting brackets have eyelets and the cable partially occupies the eyelets of the mounting brackets.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment site means has a fixation site.

9. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a track, having a first end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed horizontally, wherein the track is manufactured into an aquatic vessel,

a cable having a first end and a second end, and

an attachment site means, wherein the attachment site means is moveably attached to the track, wherein the attachment site means moves horizontally along the track, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a cable fastening means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably fastens the cable to a particular position.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

one or more pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley means.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

one or more eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment site means has a fixation site.

13. A method, the method comprising:

creating a track on an aquatic vessel, wherein the track has a first end and a second end, wherein the track is disposed horizontally,

installing a cable having a first end and a second end, and

installing an attachment site means, wherein the attachment site means is moveably attached to the track, wherein the attachment site means moves horizontally along the track, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the attachment site means has a fixation site.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

installing a cable fastening means, wherein the cable fastening means revocably fastens the cable to a particular position.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

installing one or more pulley means, wherein the pulley means are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track, wherein the cable partially occupies the pulley means.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

installing one or more eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

installing one or more mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets are attached to the aquatic vessel, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track to the aquatic vessel.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mounting brackets have eyelets and the cable occupies the eyelets of the mounting brackets.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

installing one or more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track.