Abstract: Materials and structures for absorbing energy. The materials and structures are well suited for arresting aircraft and other vehicles, although their purposes need not be so limited. Also detailed are packaging and other solutions for maintaining system integrity, especially (but not exclusively) when foam glass or other aggregate is employed and stabilizing the location of the aggregate is desired.

Abstract: Inflatable fender having an inflatable first, internal, casing provided at least at one end in the continuation of the chamber with an inflatable tubular appendage (3) equipped with a stoppered end stub (2), this assembly being housed inside an external second casing (5) that hugs the first casing and the appendage (3) and being equipped, at the neck hugging the appendage, with at least one pair of fixings (9) of the D-ring type.

Abstract: A marine fender system for absorbing energy to prevent damage to berthing facilities, berthing structures, and vessels during the berthing of the vessels. The marine fender system generally includes a plurality of mounts which are secured against a berthing structure such as a dock or the like. Each of the mounts comprises a first angled edge and a second angled edge. A frame is suspended from the berthing structure, including fenders extending from the frame toward the berthing structure. Each of the fenders comprises a first arm and a second arm extending diagonally outward in different directions from a deflector. The deflector rests against the angled edges such that pressure exerted on a bumper on the outer end of the frame will cause the deflectors to move with respect to the angled edges of the mount, thus absorbing energy which otherwise would be transferred directly to the berthing structure.

Abstract: An attachment for attaching an accessory to a structure such as a vehicle or boat through a rail having a track. The attachment has at least one welt that is shaped and/or sized to fit within the facial opening of the track when no tensile force is exerted on the attachment and with retained within the track when tensile force is exerted on the attachment.

Abstract: A floatation device configured to fit around a dock pier. The flotation device includes a body having a first circular section; a second circular section that form a circular opening to receive the dock pier therebetween; and a fastener configured to secure the first circular section to the second circular section.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for safe and convenient deployment and retraction of boat fenders, comprising a system for stowing a boat fender in a fender receptacle, the receptacle having an opening for threading through a line, the line being attached to the fender, the line operable to pull up the fender into the receptacle through a second opening at the bottom of the receptacle, the receptacle being located within the rail, hull, or attached thereto, and being attached to a hinge, operated either mechanically or manually, to enable unobstructed deployment of the fenders.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A user interface application installed on a mobile device may be utilized to alert the need for deploying boat fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the fenders automatically.

Abstract: A supplemental bumper apparatus for covering the bumper of a personal water craft and providing enhanced shock absorption and blemish resistance. The supplemental bumper apparatus comprises a synthetic rubber body and a fastener system. The synthetic rubber body provides a barrier which can absorb shock and block blemishes from an impact. The synthetic rubber body is attached to the bumper fastener system defined by a plurality of snap fasteners on its upper section and a hook and loop fabric fastener is on its lower section. A plurality of snap fastener base members are permanently attached to the bumper and a corresponding hook and loop fastener material is permanently attached to the bumper, each providing a corresponding engaging member to enable the snap fasteners and the hook and loop fastener surface to attach the synthetic rubber body to the surface of the bumper.

Abstract: A vertical pneumatic fender comprises a fender body having bowl-shaped hemispherical portions joined to both ends in the axial direction of a cylindrical body portion, and a weight that is connected to the bottom of the fender body. The vertical pneumatic fender accommodates ballast water in an interior space of the fender body, and is provided with a backup chain. One end of the backup chain is connected to the fender body in a position that is offset with respect to the axial line of the fender body, and the other end is connected to the weight. The fender body and the weight are connected with the backup chain in a sack state. The slope of an axial orthogonal reference line and an axial parallel reference line are detected by way of a reference line detector.

Abstract: Dampers for mounting on a dock to control landing a boat. The dampers may be used individually or in damper systems made up of a plurality of dampers. Each damper has a flexible body with one or more sidewalls defining an inner chambers, and orifices are provided in one of the sidewalls to allow the chamber to be filled with water when the damper is in an at-rest state. When the boat approaches the dock and contacts the damper or the outer set of dampers in a damper assembly/system, the collision or impact force applied by the boat against the outer surfaces of the damper(s) causes the damper body to be compressed, which causes the sidewalls of the chamber to collapse so as to expel water out of the inner chamber via the orifices so as to reduce the speed of the boat at a desired rate of deceleration.

Abstract: A conventional pneumatic fender has an outer protection cover composed of used tires and steel chains. Due to the high friction coefficient at the tire side surfaces and the ship motion induced high impact forces, the lateral friction forces could be very high. These high friction forces not only increase the wearing damages at the tire side surfaces, but also cause scratching damages to the paints on the ship outer shell. A new type of outer protection cover using plastic plates is utilized to replace used tires and steel chains in order to reduce the wearing damages to the fender and to reduce the scratching damages to ship outer shell paints. Such reduction should be able to help the shipping industry achieve cost savings from decrease of scheduled ship re-paintings in dry docks.

Abstract: A frontal-impact crash barrier (1) for use in automobile or motorcycle racing circuits, comprising a plurality of impact-absorbing units (2) arranged in reciprocal contact, each in turn comprising: a longitudinal body (3) having an external lateral surface (15), which is hollow and which is arranged vertically; and a plurality of annular elements (4) which are inserted along the longitudinal body (3) so as to externally embrace the longitudinal body (3) and which are stacked on one another so as to enclose the longitudinal body (3) so that the external lateral surface (15) of the longitudinal body (3) is entirely facing the plurality of annular elements (4). The longitudinal body (3) of each impact-absorbing unit (2) can be made of metal. Each transversal section of the longitudinal body (3) of each impact-absorbing unit (2) has a thickness forming a polygon having five sides, or six sides or seven sides.

Abstract: A protective device is positioned on poles in vehicle lifts or hoists. The device has: two arms having an outer surface and an inner surface; each inner surface having a magnetic layer; inner surfaces of the two arms forming an interior angle between 30 degrees and 150 degrees; outer surfaces of the arms forming an exterior angle of between 330 degrees and 210 degrees; and the external angle supporting a cushioning element comprising an elastomeric, compressive tube.

Abstract: A marine hull including a hull plate manufactured from metal, a set of longitudinal reinforcements and a set of transverse reinforcements, at least one longitudinal reinforcement of the set of longitudinal reinforcements being arranged between the hull plate and at least one transverse reinforcement of the set of transverse reinforcements, and being connected to an inside of the hull plate. The marine hull is characterized in that the hull plate has a thickness that is less than 10 mm, and that the at least one longitudinal reinforcement is manufactured from the same metal as the hull plate and comprises at least one resilient segment arranged to spring in the direction transverse to the thickness of the hull plate, and that the resilient segment is arranged to bottom upon a compression that is more than 10 mm and less than 50 mm.

Abstract: A method of anti-fouling of a surface while said surface is at least partially submersed in an liquid environment, comprising: providing an anti-fouling light (9); distributing at least part of the light (9) through an optical medium (5) comprising a silicone material and/or UV grade fused silica; emitting the anti-fouling light (9) from the optical medium (5) and from the surface.

Abstract: A bed system includes a semi-rigid top foam member having a top periphery edge; a semi-rigid bottom foam member having a bottom periphery edge; a first spring extending through the top periphery edge; a second spring extending through the bottom periphery edge; a foldable pliable material rigidly attached to the top periphery edge and rigidly attached to the bottom periphery edge; a sealed cavity formed by the top foam member, the bottom foam member, and the foldable pliable material; and a valve secured to and extending through a thickness of the foldable pliable material and in gaseous communication with the sealed cavity.

Abstract: A protective implement for portable electronic devices such as, but not limited to, smartphones, tablets and laptops includes a set of self-holding protective members that fit tightly on the corners of an electronic device without the need for tools or adhesives. Each protective member fits onto a respective corner of the electronic device and includes a shell formed of a generally rigid material (e.g., plastic, polycarbonate, ABS, silicon, metals, or wood) and an inner shock absorbing material such as, but not limited to, a rubber-like material that frictionally engages the top and bottom of the electronic device at the corner. The shell may be structured to receive a U-shaped spring element to assist with holding the protective member on the corner of the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention is an illuminating dock bumper for attachment to either a dock or a dock vehicle, comprising an elongate, forwardly projecting parabolic arch, which is of uniform substantially-arched cross-section; and an elongate structural tension member laterally extending between the lateral extremities of the parabolic arch, the structural tension member comprising a planar rear surface about which the structural tension member and thereby the bumper is secured to the dock or the dock vehicle, the structural tension member comprising an elongate, forwardly projecting, protective housing of uniform substantially-arched cross-section disposed on the front surface thereof and along the length thereof, the protective housing for receiving an elongate light source therewithin.

Abstract: A magnetic force generating device is provided for application to a first object that is movable relative to a second object providing a first magnetic force, and includes a coil disposed on the first object, a sensing module disposed on the first object adjacent to the coil for sensing a distance between the first and second objects, and a processor. When the sensed distance is shorter than a threshold value, the processor enables provision to the coil of a driving current having a magnitude negatively correlated to the sensed distance, so that the coil generates a second magnetic force, which is repulsive to the first magnetic force, in response to the driving current.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for martial arts training that simulates sparring with a live partner and provides a safe tool for body hardening. The machine is a vertical alignment of three independently rotatable alpha bodies having arms and a weighted base, where each alpha body rotates when met by force from a user. The machine facilitates martial arts offensive strikes and defensive moves, which safely promotes the formation of calcium deposits and scar tissue about key nerve areas to give the body a hardened feel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports device, such as a surf board, water board, and the like for use by persons in moving over a water surface. The device generally has: a) a central foam core; b) a cover fabric laminated around the central foam core; c) a laminating adhesive securing the cover fabric to the central foam core; and d) a water resistant polymeric coating covering the laminated cover fabric and laminating adhesive. The laminating adhesive generally has a specific gravity of less than 2.0 g/m3. The laminating adhesive may have a Shore A hardness of at least 70 and may be a water-based polyurethane emulsion, a methacrylate-acrylate copolymer emulsion, an epoxy or epoxy-acrylate hybrid emulsion adhesive or a mixture of at least any two of these adhesives.

Abstract: A vertical pneumatic fender includes a bob connected to a lower hemispherical portion, an internal space containing a predetermined amount of ballast water, a body portion constituted by reinforcing layers layered between an inner rubber layer and an outer rubber layer, cords of adjacently layered upper and lower reinforcing layers disposed intersecting each other at a predetermined cord angle with respect to a cylinder axial direction, and intermediate rubber layers interposed between the reinforcing layers, where the cord angle in a neutral state is set to at least 15° and no more than 45°.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a bumper, and an impact absorber. The impact absorber extends from the frame to the bumper. The impact absorber has a sliding member and a receiving member. The receiving member defines an orifice and a portion of the sliding member is disposed within the orifice. The sliding member is configured to slide into the receiving member during impact events such that the receiving member yields and flares outward to absorb energy.

Abstract: A protector for metal objects, the protector comprising an elongate body and an elongate insert, where the elongate body and the elongate insert are magnetic. The protector may be formed of a resilient material. The protector may be magnetically attached to a vehicle door or other metallic surface to protect the surface from impacts. The protector may have an adjustable length or a fixed length. The elongate insert may be wrapped in coil, which may be powered by a battery to increase the magnetic field of the protector. The battery may be rechargeable via a solar panel in the protector. The protector may be part of a system that includes a magnetic panel within the door of a vehicle for proper placement of the protector thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new marine fender, and relates to a method of assembly a fender. The fender is comprised of four quadrant sections that are conjoined at mating surfaces with tapered wedges inserted into tapered mortises formed at interrelated surfaces. This method of assembly enables an articulated cam action joint which dynamically interacts with kinetic impact energy. Preferably, the components are made from resilient material that is suitable for compression molding, and are approved for use in the marine environment. One preferred embodiment of the invention encircles a single piling. The fender can be positioned to float with changing water levels, and rotate upon impact. The marine fender can be installed on existing isolated and independent marine structures, such as monopiles and dolphins, with little or no modification of the structure.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic fender that suppresses damage to a flexible hollow body and an energy-absorbing body and exhibits improved ship sway reduction effects. A pneumatic fender is provided with an orifice that allows for communication between an interior space of a flexible hollow body and the interior space of the casing, and a safety valve that opens and allows for communication between the internal space of the flexible hollow body and the internal space of the casing by opening when the internal pressure of the flexible hollow body reaches a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The 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 fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the fenders automatically.

Abstract: A boat bumper is positioned between a nautical structure and a nautical vessel. A main body includes a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave portion abuts the nautical structure and the convex portion abuts the nautical vessel. A boat bumper can optionally include an auxiliary bumper having a first convex part and a second convex part. The main body and auxiliary bumper engage to form a macro bumper with the first convex part abutting the concave portion. Alternatively, a main body includes a male connector with a male shape and a female cavity complementarily shaped to the male shape such that the male connector of another bumper fits within the female cavity to connect the bumpers together. A male shape can be keyed and/or tapered in at least one direction.

Abstract: A loading dock bumper assembly for securement to a loading dock wall includes a dock bumper and a mounting provision coupled to the bumper. The dock bumper includes a mounting portion, an impact-absorbing portion opposing the mounting portion, and a deformable spanning portion joining the mounting portion and the impact-absorbing portion. The mounting portion is adapted for coplanar alignment with the loading dock wall, the impact-absorbing portion is adapted for direct contact with a rear frame of a vehicle, and the bumper defines an internal cavity that is filled with a fluid. A mounting provision is coupled to the bumper. The mounting provision is adapted for installation to the loading dock wall. The loading dock bumper assembly further includes a hard stop adapted to retard further deformation of the spanning portion. The hard stop includes a two-piece outer shell to capture and retain a resilient, deformable inner member.

Abstract: A large deformation tensile testing system, for use in testing a large deformation tensile of an anchor rod or an anchor rode, comprising a main machine frame (1), a rear collet component (2) arranged at a first position on the longitudinal direction of the main machine frame (1), a front collet component (3) movably arranged at a second position on the longitudinal direction of the main machine frame (1), a telescoping apparatus (4), a measurement and control apparatus, where a sensor module thereof senses the displacement and real-time tensile of the telescoping apparatus to form real-time data to be transmitted to an analysis module and a control module, the control module that controls, on the basis of a set measurement and control scheme and of an input of the sensor module, a testing process to proceed according to a set testing condition, the analysis module for analyzing the input of the sensor module to form a test result, and an output module for outputting same.

Abstract: A mooring system for a personal watercraft includes a bow bracket, a console bracket and a stern bracket. The bow bracket is secured to the bow of the craft. The console bracket is secured to the console of the craft. The stern bracket is secured to the stern of the craft.

Abstract: A fender for a watercraft which has an outwardly extending flange and a hole extending at least partially through the flange. The fender comprises a flexible fender body adapted to extend at least partially around the flange, and a pin extending from the fender body. The pin is adapted to be received in the hole for removably mounting the fender to the watercraft. Watercraft having fenders installed thereon and methods of installing fenders on a watercraft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pneumatic fender having a body portion is configured by laminating a plurality of reinforcing layers between the inner layer rubber and the outer layer rubber. Cords of reinforcing layers are laminated adjacent to each other. The cords intersect and are arranged at a predetermined cord angle with respect to the body axial direction. An intermediate rubber layer is interposed between each of the reinforcing layers. In an uninflated, neutral state, the thicknesses of the intermediate rubber layers are 1 mm to 5 mm, and the cord angle is set from 15° to 45°, so when the interior of the fender is filled with air to the prescribed internal pressure, the cord angle increases to a static angle while the intermediate rubber layers deform in shear, and the body portion increases in diameter and inflates.

Abstract: An apparatus that attaches to the exterior hull of a watercraft is designed to prevent the sound of waves slapping against the side or bottom of the watercraft while fishing. The apparatus comprises a baffling panel arranged along the hull at water line. A plurality of elastic cords, each having hooks, are each affixed to perimeter edges of the baffle panel which connect the apparatus to the watercraft being connected to the upper side of the watercraft. The apparatus can be placed at the front or along any side or rear surface of the watercraft. During use, the watercraft is positioned so that the apparatus faces oncoming waves. Thus, as the waves break against the hull of the watercraft, the wave action is absorbed by the apparatus rather than the large surface of the watercraft, and any resultant sound is suppressed.

Abstract: A sensor accommodation container, attached to a cap member of a pneumatic fender and installed inside a fender bag, includes a container body attached to a through hole penetrating the cap member so as to be able to move and protrude out of the fender bag and held at a predetermined protruded position, a lid for closing the through hole, a first seal member for sealing a gap between the container body and the through hole, a communication hole for communicating inside and outside of the container body when the container body has been installed inside the fender bag and a second seal member for shutting off the communication between the inside and the outside of the fender bag via the communication hole when the container body has been held at a predetermined protruded position.

Abstract: A trolling motor system for a light-weight watercraft comprises: a mounting plate for attachment to the watercraft, the plate includes a fixed end, a moveable end, and a hinge therebetween, a winch is located adjacent the fixed end adapted to raise and lower the movable end between an up position and a down position, a guidance mechanism is coupled to and below the moveable end, and a trolling motor affixed to and located below the guidance mechanism. The system may also include a quick release mechanism coupling the guidance mechanism and trolling motor to the moveable end. The guidance mechanism may include a wire system for controlling rotational movement of the trolling motor. In use, when the watercraft is moved into or out of the water, portions of the system may be easily removed from the watercraft, so that the entire weight of the system is not a hindrance.

Abstract: A bag for transporting a gas cylinder including a cylinder shaped body defining an interior compartment, a flap movable to expose and conceal an opening to the interior compartment, at least one handle for carrying the bag, and at least one strap configured to receive a vehicle seatbelt therethrough to secure the bag within a vehicle.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling, a cleat strap that secures the mooring device to an associated water vessel, a fender attached to the mooring device to protect against dock piling impact, and a link securing mooring device components together for operation.

Abstract: A flotation device includes an elongated and flexible member with a channel extending between longitudinal ends of the flexible member. The flexible member is configured to support an individual within water during a recreational activity. A cap is secured to the flexible member having a shaft suitably dimensioned to fit within the channel of the flexible member to secure the cap to the flexible member. A sleeve having a body member is dimensioned to fit over the flexible member and act as the flexible member's skin. The sleeve can also be dimensioned to fit over the flexible member and the cap for acting as the flexible member's and the cap's skin. The flexible member has at least one cut-out which corresponds to or is aligned with at least one cut-out of the sleeve.

Abstract: A rub rail system for a vessel including a rigid track extrusion attached to a vessel, a resilient flexible fender extrusion, and a shock absorbing inner core. The inner core is disposed in the fender extrusion and the core is substantially softer than the fender extrusion. The fender extrusion is configured to matingly engage the track extrusion. The fender extrusion has an upper barb engaging an upper receiving cavity of the track extrusion and a lower barb engaging a lower receiving cavity of the track extrusion. The track extrusion has an upper tang engaging an upper recess of the fender extrusion and a lower tang engaging a lower recess of the fender extrusion. The track extrusion also includes an upper lip configured to engage a top portion of the perimeter of the vessel and a lower lip configured to engage a lower portion of the perimeter of the vessel.

Abstract: The fender assembly has a fender holder. The fender holder includes a base, to be attached to a berthing structure at a position proximate an edge of the berthing structure, and a fender engaging formation attached to said base. The fender assembly further includes a fender body. The fender engaging formation is adapted to hold the fender body such that said fender body extends outwardly from the fender holder so as to overlaps the edge of the berthing structure.

Abstract: A concealable fender assembly comprising a fender; a cover having an external surface form compatible with the lateral surface form of the boat hull in closed position; mechanism for actuating the cover for closing and opening thereof with respect to the boat hull lateral surface; wherein the cover is associated with the fender such that when the cover is in open position, the fender outwardly extends from boat hull lateral surface.

Abstract: An oil spill clean-up apparatus and method, and more specifically to a self-contained oil spill clean-up vessel with ice displacement capabilities. One preferred oil spill clean-up system includes a vessel subsystem, an ice displacement subsystem, and an oil spill skimming subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include at least one storage subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include an oil/water separation and removal subsystem.

Abstract: A boat protection device includes a boat fender having a cushion, a first attachment element and a second attachment element. The first attachment element has a first keyhole aperture. The first keyhole aperture has a first slot and a first passage contiguous with the first slot. The second attachment element has a second keyhole aperture. The second keyhole aperture has a second slot and a second passage contiguous with the second slot.

Abstract: Fender for protecting an object from damage comprising a core of at least a closed cell foam part, an intermediate layer fully enclosing the core comprising at least a fiber reinforced cloth, a coating that at least partly covers the intermediate layer. The invention also relates to a fixed or floating maritime structure provided with such a fender and to a method for manufacturing such a fender.

Abstract: A mooring system for a personal watercraft includes a bow bracket, a console bracket and a stern bracket. The bow bracket is secured to the bow of the craft. The console bracket is secured to the console of the craft. The stern bracket is secured to the stern of the craft.

Abstract: A method and system for detaching one or more compartments attached to a watercraft in response to a detected event, the method including detecting an event with respect to a compartment attached to the watercraft and causing, in response to detecting the event, a release of one or more attaching members that attach the compartment to the watercraft.

Abstract: A pad for protecting nautical sails from the rigging including a material having a soft outer surface and an inner surface with hook and loop material attached to the material. The pad also includes a restraint attached to the inner surface of the material and a strap engaged by the restraint. A method of using the described pad to protect sails and other fabrics is also provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic fender is configured to improve workability during folding up, be conveniently secured during transport, and suppress damage during folding up and during transport, thus increasing durability. A method for transporting the pneumatic fender also has these characteristics. In the, pneumatic fender, at least one crease is formed extending in the lengthwise direction at the outer surface of a torso body section in the pneumatic fender. After the air has been discharged from the pneumatic fender, a bag is pushed flat with mirror body sections as the upper surface of the torso body section and then with the crease as a boundary, the bag is folded towards the upper surface. In this folded state, the pneumatic fenders are loaded into a container and transported.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting damage from impact between a marine structure and an adjacent watercraft, and a related method, are described. The apparatus includes a cushion body forming a mounting surface and a watercraft-engaging surface substantially opposing the mounting surface, at least one rigid support member, the rigid support member defined by or configured for contact with the mounting surface of the cushion body and disposed, during use, between the cushion body and the portion of the marine structure, and attachment means for detachably attaching the cushion body to the portion of the marine structure. The cushion body, when attached to the portion of the marine structure, is sized and configured to prevent destructive contact between the marine structure and a watercraft when the watercraft-engaging surface is contacted by the watercraft.