Abstract: A device is presented that can be used as both a pad eye and as a fairlead independently and simultaneously while providing separation between the two modes of use. The device provides the option for multiple attachment points and multiple fairlead passages and reduces the need of requiring both a pad eye and additional hardware such as a pulley in applications such as the implementing of a jib sheet “in-hauler” system on a sailing vessel. Additionally, the device is configured in a symmetric manner so as to allow the device to be optionally joined and mated to a second but inverted such device allowing for the assembly of two such devices into a single combined unit. Such a combined configuration has the benefit of allowing for pad eye and fairlead functions to take place in a suspended location instead of being constrained to only a fixed surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a folding cleat. The folding cleat includes a base, a handle component and an elastic component. The base includes a pivot slot and an accommodation space connected with each other. The handle component includes a supporting portion and a handle portion. The supporting portion includes a rotating shaft disposed at an end of the supporting portion and is pivotally connected to the base. The handle portion extends outward from the other end of the supporting portion. The rotating shaft includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element disposed on an outer peripheral edge of the rotating shaft, respectively. The elastic component is fixed to the base and includes a pushing portion. The pushing portion spatially corresponds to the first positioning element and the second positioning element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a line handling system 10 for a tugboat 1. The line handling system 10 comprises an actuatable coupling mechanism 200 for coupling together a line 13 of the tugboat 1 and a line 20 of the marine vessel 2 by applying a connector 210 to the lines 13, 20 when actuated.

Abstract: A modular multipurpose offshore operation platform comprises a floating structure having a lower portion submerged below the surface of the sea, and a platform structure provided at an upper surface of the floating structure. An integrated work platform comprises at least two modular multipurpose offshore operation platforms. Framework structures of two adjacent operation platforms are detachably and fixedly connected, and floor boards of the operation platforms collectively form a deck. A transportation method transports goods to the platform by means of a hoist, and a hoist bracket with a rotating roller. The platform can achieve standardized production, and is flexible and has multiple functions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dual-purpose grab handle and tie-down bracket for a motor vehicle. An example vehicle includes a body panel defining at least a portion of a recess, and a component mounted at least partially in the recess. Further, the component provides a tie-down bracket configured to attach to a tie-down and a grab handle configured to be grasped by a hand of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely attaching various stowable items on watercraft is provided. The apparatus allows for non-destructively attaching a mount or base to one or both sides of the craft. A number of securing strap configurations can be added to the base, the straps secured to the base so as to limit movement of the strap.

Abstract: A banner unit has a retractable storage position and a display position. The banner unit includes a pair of elongated rigid support posts, and a banner sheet that is comprised of a pair of one and other banner segments that each have opposed one and other side edges. The one side edge of each banner segment is secured to respective elongated rigid support posts. The banner unit also includes an elongated tubular sleeve constructed and arranged to be disposed in parallel with both of the pair of elongated rigid support posts, with the other side edge of each banner segment being secured to the elongated tubular sleeve. Each banner segment is constructed and arranged with a re-coil or retractable characteristic providing a tendency to form into a closed coil configuration when the elongated rigid support posts are brought together.

Abstract: A grommet has main body fitting in a toerail aperture enabling a fiber lead to run fairly through a bore, the fiber lead contacting a smooth wall surface in both body and a locking plate or member with the main body flange and intermediate portion fitting a toerail being held in place by the locking member or plate, the locking member or plate fitting a boss in the main body.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a tie-down bracket including a latch pivotably coupled to a body. A method includes, among other things, securing a tie-down line to a tie-down bracket of a vehicle. The method further includes monitoring a load applied to the tie-down bracket.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The boat fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A smart phone app may be employed to remind users to deploy boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the boat fenders automatically.

Abstract: A tool for lifting open floor gratings and the like provides a solid anchor point on top surface of floor grating to facilitate handling and hoisting the grating. The tool includes a body member having an upwardly biased shaft with a push member with an opening on its upper end and a butterfly hook at its bottom end. During operation, a user pushes down on the push member until it is completely inside the body so that the butterfly hook reaches under the grating. The user then gives a quarter turn to the body member so that the butterfly hook turns and thus becomes wider than the cell of the grating so that it can hook up with two bearing bars as the user releases the push member and the shaft springs back up and the opening gets out of the body. Once this is done, a shackle is installed through the opening, and a steel cable placed therein, ready for lifting and hoisting.

Abstract: A pool cover anchor system, for use on deck boards surrounding the pool, includes first and second anchor parts. The first anchor part includes: a first portion having an opening; a second portion that extends away from the first portion; and an anchor member that extends away from the first portion for a hook of the pool cover to be mounted thereto. The second anchor part includes: a first portion pivotally received in the opening in the first anchor part; and a second portion that extends away from the first portion of the second anchor part. The opening in the first anchor part is positioned a distance away from the second portion of the first anchor part for each of the second portion of the first anchor part and the second, portion of the second anchor part to respectively bear against two different deck boards simultaneously, and distribute loads therebetween.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus is disclosed for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat having a base portion adapted to be attached to the pick-up truck bed and a loop portion defining an opening for receiving an elongated strand threaded through the opening. A neck portion is provided between the base portion and the loop portion that is adapted to be wrapped by the strand. A hook-shaped flange has a first portion extending normal relative to the loop portion and a second portion partially overlying and spaced from the loop portion. Teeth may be provided on the loop portion directly or on two triangular protrusions. A clamping jaw may also be used to positively grip the strand.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a body mounted camera suspension/stabilizer, utilizing over the shoulder, dual isolated suspension systems via one tension line passing through the fulcrum point of a telescoping boom pole with lift force created by an independent line suspension to stabilize the camera load as well as provide an even lift force from the floor to several feet overhead of the operator in a single move without the need for counterweights. The apparatus provides for an even lift force throughout the vertical range of the camera load that also further dampens vibrations and operator body movements.

Abstract: A length adjusting device includes: a body having sides extending in spaced relation to one another, the sides defining respective planes; a first cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a first proximal cam end positioned between the sides; a second cam operably assembled in relation to the body and having a second proximal cam end positioned between the sides and adjacent to the first proximal cam end; an axle that rotatably attaches the second cam to the body; a channel formed by a space between the cam ends; a handle attached to the body and rotatable from a first position to a second position about a rotation point upon application of a first force; wherein the body is configured to rotate with respect to the second cam to expand the size of the channel upon the application of the first force exerted on the handle.

Abstract: A unitary drawstring accessory configured to be secured to a drawstring, the accessory including a body; and a channel including a first end, a second end, a length from the first end and the second end, at least one inflection point disposed along the length of the channel, wherein the channel is disposed on a portion of the body, wherein the channel is configured to require manipulation of the drawstring such that a portion of the drawstring may be seated in the channel and upon removal of such manipulation, the portion of the drawstring is frictionally secured in the channel.

Abstract: A floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by locks for assembling a floating structure according to this invention comprises a floating body being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from a plan view. The floating body comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper and lower surfaces. Said upper surface and said lower surfaces of the floating body comprise at least one upper engaging surface and at least one lower engaging surface respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surfaces are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock, therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit.

Abstract: An arrow retrieval system for retrieving arrows from hard-to-reach locations such as when submerged in water. The arrow retrieval system generally includes a handle adapted to be grasped by an operator. A clamp may be connected to the handle, with the clamp being adapted to selectively and releasably clamp an arrow within the clamp. The clamp may be adjustable between a closed position and an engaged position. A bias member may be connected to the clamp such that the clamp is biased toward the closed position; with the clamp being adapted to adjust into the engaged position when an arrow is inserted into the clamp. In the engaged position the clamp engages with and secures the arrow within the clamp. With the arrow secured within the clamp, the handle may be pulled outwardly to dislodge and retrieve the arrow from any location in which it is stuck.

Abstract: A cargo management system includes a cargo anchor including a body extending between first and second ends and defining a hook profile along a first plane perpendicular to an axis extending between the first and second ends and a closed loop profile along a second plane parallel to the axis. The system further includes a substrate having an attachment feature with a first portion coupleable with the anchor profile and a second portion coupleable with the loop profile.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a blade configured for extending between adjacent floor panels and having a bottom portion thereof that defines a floor member engaging recess for engaging a bottom side of the floor member and a hook on an end thereof for engaging a vertical side of the floor member. A mount to which the blade is translatable about and engaged with a top surface of the adjacent floor panels when installed on a floor surface is provided. A linear translator is selectively directed to translate the blade relative to the mount such that the distance between a bottom surface of the mount and the floor member engaging recess is varied in order to securely receive the floor member therebetween. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable handle assembly comprises a handle connected to a marine vessel or watercraft. The handle is housed within the profile of the watercraft and is further connected to the watercraft by an elastic cord. The elastic cord is connected to both the handle and the watercraft to provide tension to the handle when extended.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The boat fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A smart phone app may be employed to remind users to deploy boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the boat fenders automatically.

Abstract: A horn cleat deflector assembly uses a pair of bodies to engage the horns of a horn cleat top surfaces engaging the ends of horns, flat surfaces engaging the deck and an angled surface deflecting external objects from fouling the cleat, inner surfaces providing clearance to permit a line to be fastened to the cleat with a lanyard adapted to retain the bodies in position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a body mounted camera suspension/stabilizer, utilizing over the shoulder, dual isolated suspension systems via one tension line passing through the fulcrum point of a telescoping boom pole with lift force created by an independent line suspension to stabilize the camera load as well as provide an even lift force from the floor to several feet overhead of the operator in a single move without the need for counterweights. The apparatus provides for an even lift force throughout the vertical range of the camera load that also further dampens vibrations and operator body movements.

Abstract: A cleat for a boat includes a cam mounted to the boat, where the cam has a rotatable toothed surface for pressing against a line. The cleat also includes a guide mounted to the boat adjacent the cam, where the guide has a surface for directing the line above a top of the cam. In addition, the cleat has a slot formed in the surface of the guide, which permits the line to be moved into opposition with the rotatable toothed surface of the cam.

Abstract: A truck bed handle apparatus including an elongated body, a central stop portion and a top cross portion. The elongated body extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body defines a lower pocket portion and an upper handle portion. The central stop portion is spaced apart from each of the proximal end and distal end. The central stop portion has a lower face that is structurally configured to interface with a pocket opening on a truck upon insertion of the lower pocket portion thereinto, so as to limit further insertion. The top cross portion is positioned between the central stop portion and the distal end.

Abstract: A shuttle training and therapy device including in one example: a floor standing fame having a headward end and a footward end; a carriage slidably attached to the frame; a resistance system of elastic cords attached to the footward end of the frame; the elastic cords selectively attached to the carriage; and a range of motion limiting system comprising a control cord having a first end attached to the carriage, a second end selectively attached to the frame, and an intermediate portion attached to an elastic member attached to the carriage.

Abstract: A rope tender for a recreational watercraft is removably attached to the top of an outboard motor or a transom of the watercraft. The rope tender has a partial labyrinth slot which captively receive one or more anchor or mooring ropes to prevent entanglement of the ropes with the motor or propellers associated therewith. The rope tender may be conveniently removed and stowed when the watercraft is configured in an operational condition.

Abstract: A crane assembly includes a main body, a boom, a hoist, a sheave, a hook assembly including a hook, a cable, and a projection. The boom extends from the main body and includes a tubular main section and a tubular extension section telescopically nested within the tubular main section. The boom has a first end pivotally coupled to the main body. The hoist is coupled to at least one of the first end of the boom and the main body. The sheave is disposed at an opposing second end of the boom opposite to the main body. The cable extends from the hoist, along the length of the boom, over the sheave, and downward to the hook assembly. The projection extends outward from the boom and toward the main body.

Abstract: A cleat for a boat includes a cam mounted to the boat, where the cam has a rotatable toothed surface for pressing against a line. The cleat also includes a guide mounted to the boat adjacent the cam, where the guide has a surface for directing the line above a top of the cam. In addition, the cleat has a slot formed in the surface of the guide, which permits the line to be moved into opposition with the rotatable toothed surface of the cam.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus is disclosed for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat having a base portion adapted to be attached to the pick-up truck bed and a loop portion defining an opening for receiving an elongated strand threaded through the opening. A neck portion is provided between the base portion and the loop portion that is adapted to be wrapped by the strand. A hook-shaped flange has a first portion extending normal relative to the loop portion and a second portion partially overlying and spaced from the loop portion. Teeth may be provided on the loop portion directly or on two triangular protrusions. A clamping jaw may also be used to positively grip the strand.

Abstract: A cleat includes two cams (36) comprising mutually opposed convex surfaces rotatable about parallel axes which extend vertically in a rope-trapping position of the cleat, to bring the arcuate surfaces together and apart. The cams (36) are urged towards each other to trap a rope (66) therebetween. Each cam is also mounted to a horizontal cylinder (2) for rotation about an axis of the cylinder, in order to allow the rope (66) to rotate the arcuate surfaces by pulling in a line above this horizontal axis and to free the rope.

Abstract: A tissue button includes a body, a door, and a cross-pin that secures the door to the body. The door pivots relative to the body between an open position and a closed position. A first portion of a suture can be pulled when the door is in the open position, and a second portion of the suture cannot be pulled when the door is in the closed position. A cross-section of the cross-pin taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis is non-circular.

Abstract: A power cleat system having a cleat assembly, a cleat base assembly, a backer plate assembly, a cylinder assembly, and a guide support assembly. The cleat assembly has a top end, a base, and guide shafts. The cleat base assembly has a drain groove, a base, threaded sections protruding from the base, and linear bearings. The backer plate assembly has a backer plate, backer plate holes, and a backer plate housing hole. The cylinder assembly has a cylinder, exterior and interior threading, a fitting, a spring, a piston, a piston rod, a piston cylinder cap, and a piston screw. The guide support assembly has mounting flanges, a base with a hole, and a base screw. The power cleat system further has a bezel gasket assembly, and an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly.

Abstract: A mooring device for mooring a water craft to a mooring berth. The mooring device includes an engaging element borne by the water craft or the mooring berth, and a lock borne by the mooring berth or the water craft, respectively. The lock includes two catch bars spaced out and extending vertically, at least a part of the engaging element being adapted to engaging between the two bars so as to be held by the lock and enabling the mooring of the water craft to the mooring berth. The catch bars are mobile relative to each other between a locking position in which the catch bars are brought closer to each other and maintain the engaging element and an unlocking position in which the catch bars are moved apart to enable the removal or insertion of the engaging element.

Abstract: A power cleat system having a cleat assembly, a cleat base assembly, a backer plate assembly, a guide assembly, and an actuating system to elevate and retract the cleat assembly from the cleat base assembly. The cleat assembly has a top end, a base, and guide shafts. The guide shafts have flat sides and ends. The cleat base assembly has a drain groove, a base, threaded sections protruding from the base, and linear bearings. The backer plate assembly has a backer plate, backer plate holes, and a backer plate housing hole. The actuating system has a bladder assembly, which includes a bladder cradle, a coupler bolt, a base with a hole, and a fill/discharge stem. The power cleat system further has a bezel gasket assembly, and an electrical assembly that has a light source to illuminate the cleat assembly and/or the cleat base assembly.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat including a base having first and second feet defining first and second fastener receiving holes, a body portion extending from an outer side of the feet, and first and second arms extending from the body portion that are spaced from the feet and define tie-down holes. Fasteners inserted into the first and second fastener holes secure the cleat to the pick-up truck bed. A method of making a tie-down cleat for a pick-up truck bed by extruding an elongated bar having a pair of feet portions connected by a body portion to a pair of arm portions. The elongated bar is cut into a plurality of planar cleat blanks and the cleat blanks are drilled to form fastener holes in the feet portions and tie-down holes in the arm portions.

Abstract: A cleat having an adjustable anchoring system configured to suspend a bumper. The cleat has a first horn located opposite a second horn. A support structure is connected to the cleat. A recess of the support structure has a ridge protruding from a wall surface of the recess. The ridge is configured to deform a portion of rope. A bore of the support structure is configured to receive a fastener. A base has a bore configured to receive the fastener. The bore of the support structure is oriented to align with the bore of the base. The base has two ramps that protrude from a wall surface of a recess of the base. The two ramps form a pocket that can have a protrusion configured to bind a portion of the rope when the fastener is tightened.

Abstract: A fender hook is disclosed that is formed by a base material carrying a gripping material disposed between sections of hook and loop material. By wrapping the base material over upon itself, the gripping material is brought into frictional engagement with a mounting substrate such as a nautical railing and is held in place by the hook and loop material.

Abstract: A mooring device includes a canister, a spool having two side walls with teeth around their perimeters, a mooring cable wrapped around the spool, a lid having a first piece and a second piece, and two pairs of stops extending from the bottom surface of the lid. The two pairs of stops engage the notches of the two side walls of the spool when the first piece of the lid rests in the closed position. The stops disengage from the notches when the first piece of the lid is open. A thumbpad allows a user to move the stops from a lock position to an unlocked position without opening the lid. The device extends and retracts the cable to accommodate tidal and other water action.

Abstract: A truck body protector apparatus including at least one elongated rectangular mounting plate affixed to a top surface of one of a pair of sidewalls of a pickup truck. An interior surface of a rectangular flexible fabric sheet proximal a top end of the sheet is disposed on an entirety of an upper surface of the at least one mounting plate. A height of the sheet is configured to cover an external surface of one of the pair of sidewalls. A weighted rod is continuously attached to a bottom end of the sheet. A pair of hook and loop cinch straps is secured between the upper surface of the at least one mounting plate and the interior surface of the sheet. The sheet has a rolled position and an alternate unrolled position.

Abstract: A system for rope cleating is disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a cleating component, an anchoring component, and an exterior shell. In practice, the system may facilitate connecting a boat to a dock even if the boater is unfamiliar with proper nautical knots.

Abstract: A medical device and tension member for use in a subject enables fixation of tension members and transmission of force from tissues to energy converters or to natural or prosthetic bones or other prostheses. The medical device includes an anchor block having a knob extending from its surface, such knob configured to engage a looped tension member. The tension member includes a looped portion configured to engage the knob, an intermediate portion, and a tissue engaging portion configured to engage tissue in a subject. The looped portion is connected to the tissue engaging portion via the intermediate portion. A system is provided for use in a subject and includes at least one looped tension member, an operational device, and at least one medical device configured to couple the looped tension member and the operational device.

Abstract: A cable clamping arrangement for securing one or more cables to a submerged hull surface of a ship. The cable clamping arrangement includes a plurality of powerful magnetic clamping devices for attaching signal carrying cables to a submerged ferrous submerged hull surface. The cable clamping devices each have a low-profile and are dome shaped to reduce hydrodynamic interference when the ship is travelling at operational speeds. The clamps are equipped to grip a cable in a desired path at a desired tension, thereby increasing the ability to maintain the cable in a fixed manner on the surface while the ship is operating.

Abstract: A mooring cleat with open design for restraining a line and for attaching a free end of the line, the mooring cleat having an overlapping horn design with an angled slot that allows a line/rope into the device at any desired position along the line, wherein the cleat restrains the line against static pull in nearly any three-dimensional direction.

Abstract: A self-aligning roller chock comprises a deck mounting structure which includes a boss member coupled to the deck and a swivel base plate rotationally coupled to the boss member for rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the deck; a pivot assembly coupled to the swivel base plate; a frame coupled to the pivot member and configured to pivot relative to the deck mounting member about the pivot assembly; and a sheave wheel rotationally mounted within the frame adapted to receive rigging line therein. The chock will pivot about two axes providing a self-aligning horizontal and vertical alignment with a resulting force of the rigging line. The self-aligning roller chock may further include a spring coupled to the frame and partially supporting the weight of the frame and the sheave wheel at least when the axis of the sheave wheel is non-parallel to the plane of the deck.

Abstract: Fall protection structures are disclosed relating to nautical vessels that include a nautical vessel, a precipice, a first and a second kevel adjacent to the precipice, a first post structure connected to the first kevel, a second post structure connected to the second kevel, a top railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure, and a middle railing connecting the first post structure to the second post structure such that the top railing and the middle railing limit access to the precipice.

Abstract: A cord lock comprises a basic portion, and a first hook portion and a second hook portion integrated with the basic portion. The first hook portion and the second hook portion are formed at a first side of the basic portion. The first hook portion has a first concave portion for securing a cord. The second hook portion has a second concave portion for securing the cord. The opening direction of the first concave portion is different from that of the second concave portion. The first concave portion and the second concave portion bend the cord between the first hook portion and the second hook portion so as to secure the cord. The cord lock can be assembled on a cord at any time without having to be assembled on a product in advance and can be removed at any time, thereby making the production arrangement more flexible.

Abstract: Described herein is an adjustable marine fender holder comprising: a cylindrical body comprising a hole, the hole sized to receive a rope connected to a marine fender; a rope jam coupled angularly to the cylindrical body, the rope jam comprising a channel, the channel comprising a plurality of teeth configured to grip the rope.