Abstract: An extendible mooring hook has a pair of jaw members spring biased to an open position with a shuttle removably retained on one jaw member. A detent mechanism engages the shuttle member when the jaw members close around a mooring post and pulls the shuttle, and attached mooring line, around the mooring post when the jaw members return to their open position. The pole portion can be extended, and a incorporates a traveler mechanism to compensate for changes in cable length so that cable tension is maintained when the pole is extended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved restraining device for more effectively gripping and handling objects and which is composed of a line or similar limber material which is formed by this device into a slidable loop about that target. The invention is composed of a generally cylindrical elongated tubular shaft and a pair of complementary arcuate jaws at the distal end which form a relatively U-shape in the open position. A releasable rope attached to a swivel snap latch is held at the distal end of the pivotal arcuate jaw. Attached to the distal end of the fixed arcuate jaw is a pair of parallel finger like appendages. In the operation mode the pivotal arcuate jaw with the swivel snap latch sandwiches between the two finger like appendages and physically holds the target. In the closing process the swivel snap latch engages the rope held between the two fingers and forms a slidable loop or a completed circle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries whereby an aquatic plant which is ready for transplanting is positioned in a planting nipple having an angular groove in its upper portion. When the planting nipple is brought into contact with the estuary bottom, sea grass plants which are positioned on the angular groove, are planted on the estuary bottom. A plurality of planting nipples are incorporated on the periphery of a planting wheel. A watercraft is used to position the planting wheel with its planting nipples over an area to be planted is provided for. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be planted on the bottom of an estuary in a semiautomated fashion.

Abstract: A mooring line receptacle apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated mooring line receptacle for each mooring line, wherein each mooring line receptacle is composed of a plurality of discrete segments and is connected with the hull of the watercraft preferably at the gunwale thereof; and further includes an abutment member connected with each mooring line at a distal end thereof. The mooring line receptacle has an interior hollow defined by a sidewall composed of a durable material having a slot therein along its entire length. The sidewall opposite the slot is attached to the hull of a selected watercraft via threaded fasteners. One mooring line receptacle is located at the port bow, another at the starboard bow, another at the port stern and another at the starboard stern. Preferably, each of the sets of port and starboard mooring line receptacles end near each other at a generally amidship location on the gunwale where the skipper and crew/passengers enter and leave the watercraft.

Abstract: A hand operated boat propulsion device (paddle or oar) that may also be used to draw and spray water. The device may also be used as an air pump.

Abstract: An aerial rat/rodent guard for residential/commercial utility wires and cables and the like. A barrier plate manufactured from lightweight, non-conductive, smooth surfaced materials molded into a tear drop shaped plate. The center slot is located above the center of gravity allowing the plate's upright position. Removable grommets in the center slot provides the size of the center slot to be adjusted to the size of the utility wire upon which it hangs. A slit opening from the center slot downward to the bottom of the plate provides easy installation. Weight molded into the bottom quarter of the barrier plate allows the barrier plate to return to an upright position if tampered with by a rat/rodent. With the slit closed, a tail clip is attached to the bottom of the barrier plate which locks the slit in a closed position. Once mounted on the wires or cables, without the necessity of tools, the aerial rat/rodent guard does not need to be removed.

Abstract: A mooring line receptacle apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated mooring line receptacle for each mooring line, wherein each mooring line receptacle is connected with the hull of the watercraft preferably at the gunwale thereof; and further includes an abutment member connected with each mooring line at a distal end thereof. The mooring line receptacle has an interior hollow defined by a sidewall composed of a durable material having a slot therein along its entire length. The sidewall opposite the slot is attached to the hull of a selected watercraft via threaded fasteners. One mooring line receptacle is located at the port bow, another at the starboard bow, another at the port stern and another at the starboard stern. Preferably, each of the sets of port and starboard mooring line receptacles end near each other at a generally amidship location on the gunwale where the skipper and crew/passengers enter and leave the watercraft.

Abstract: A device for facilitating grabbing of a hook from a mooring, for example to facilitate both hooking and unhooking of the hook from the mooring. The device includes a pair of clamps for grabbing the hook and a lever for actuating operation of the clamps. The device further includes an elongate shaft for supporting both the lever and the hooks.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for placing, for example, a line charge set under he surface of the water from a moving watercraft. A rigid arm has a first end and a second end with the first end being rotatably coupled to the watercraft to permit rotation of the arm about the first end such that the second end is free to rotate into the water when the arm is not restrained. The second end is positioned forward of the first end with respect to a direction of travel of the watercraft. In this way, gravitational forces and hydrodynamic forces act on the arm to cause rotation of the arm about the first end. A releasable coupler couples a drogue to the second end and releases the drogue when the second end is in the water. The line charge set is tethered to the drogue and is pulled into the water as the watercraft continues on its course.

Abstract: A compact, light weight device for facilitating the retrieval of artificial flies from trees or other elevated objects includes a hook which may be coated with a soft non-slip material coupled to a quick release strap, which may be made of "hook and loop" material, and a strong line. The strap is wrapped around a pole to position the hook. The pole may be removed from the release strap before the line is pulled to facilitate the object retrieval. A tube with one open and one closed end may be coupled to hook. A pole or the tip of a fly rod may be inserted into the tube to position the hook. This pole or fly rod may be removed after the hook is positioned.

Abstract: This aquatic sporting device can be used by paddlers of water crafts or boats to paddle their craft or alternately use their paddles as quick-action squirt guns or water cannons with high range and high water exchange rate. The ridged paddle is transformed into a squirt gun by hand turning a nut on the paddle shaft to free the movement of a piston within the paddle shaft, inserting the bottom end of the paddle into the water and then pulling on the paddle handle to draw a central piston several feet out of the outer paddle shaft thereby creating a suction which draws water into the paddle shaft through a nozzle at the bottom end of the paddle blade. The paddle is lifted out of the water and pointed toward the target then the handle is pushed causing the piston to forcefully squirt the water, within the paddle shafts' water chamber, out of the nozzle. The squirt gun can be switched back to paddle mode by pushing the piston back into the outer shaft and re-tightening the central nut.

Abstract: A retrieval system for a mooring line when a skipper is ready to shove-off composed of at least one mooring line receptacle for a mooring line, wherein the mooring line has a release actuator at its distal end. A connector is slidably captured on the mooring line for being engaged by the release actuator. A retrieval cable for actuating the release actuator and for retracting the mooring line into its mooring line receptacle is connected to a slide slidably interfaced with the mooring line receptacle for being pulled along the mooring line receptacle so as to retract the mooring line into the mooring line receptacle. In operation, the mooring line is pulled from its mooring line receptacle via the connector, looped around a cleat, piling, etc. of a dock and then the release actuator is seated in the socket to thereby secure the mooring line as a closed loop therearound. When the skipper is ready to shove-off, the slide is pulled along the mooring line receptacle in a direction away from the eyelet.

Abstract: A vessel in single-hull form is described for sweeping marine mines, which comprises its own remote-controlled motion drive and means for triggering remote-controlled detonators of the marine mines, in particular means including an electromagnet core for producing an electromagnetic field, in which at least one of the two side outlet ends of the electromagnet core extending substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vessel is downwardly inclined in relation to the verticals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a means and a method for inspecting and repairing a propeller on a propeller shaft on a ship. The ship is in the water. A truss is positioned on the propeller shaft. A habitat bag is positioned over the upper part of the propeller and is attached to the truss. Then, the truss is inflated with air. An inspector and/or a repair person can enter into the habitat and work in a dry environment while the ship is in the water. There is no need, in many instances, to place the ship in a dry dock.

Abstract: A docking fork for facilitating the placing of a docking line loop about an object, such as a piling or cleat, to assist in the docking of a marine vessel, is provided. The docking fork includes a substantially U-shaped tray member defining upstanding walls and a floor for receiving and maintaining a docking line loop in an open condition in preparation for positioning about the object. The docking fork, supporting the docking line loop, is placed over a piling and is pulled away thus leaving the docking line loop alone about the object in preparation for tightening and subsequent docking of the vessel.

Abstract: An anchor retrieval system comprising a buoy (20) from which there depends an anchor retrieval device (40) comprising an aperture through which an anchor chain or rope or the like can pass, which anchor chain or rope or the like has one end attached to a vessel (11) and the other end attached to an anchor (14).

Abstract: It is common practice for pleasure boaters to moor their craft to fixed and buoyed moorings by securing a line from the vessel to a ring attachment on the mooring. To accomplish this normally requires one person standing at the bow to capture the ring on the mooring with a boat hook and lift the mooring ring sufficiently so that a line can be passed through the ring and secured to the boat. This procedure has to be performed from a height of one to three meters above the water and sometimes can be hazardous.With the present invention, the mooring procedure can be performed with increased safety and with a single action by utilizing a hook mechanism comprising a rigid body and a spring loaded detachable arm attached to a common extension pole and used to pass a line through a continuous ring and recovering said line. The rigid body has guided cavities incorporated at specific locations within the rigid body to receive the detachable arm.

Abstract: A chafe protector in the general shape of a thimble used with eye splices in rope. The chafe protector having flexible portions such that an open end of the thimble can be forced over a ring or cleat for securing a vessel thereto. The thimble having tubular portions on each leg at the open end to hold a rope in place thereon; and another tubular portion at the opposite end for the same purpose. A removal loop is attached opposite the open end to aid in removing the thimble from the mooring ring or cleat. Once in place the thimble protects the rope and the rope is free to slid through the thimble for adjustment purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is a line handling device designed to facilitate positioning and handling of a mooring or docking line during a boat docking operation. The device employs a pair of arc-shaped spreader arms connected to an extendable pole. Each arm has a sleeve shaped to fit the pole. A fastening bolt passes through each sleeve, extending through the pole to secure the spreader arms to the distal end of the pole. A plurality of support tabs extend from an outer wall of each spreader arm and retaining posts extend orthogonally from each tab. While attached to the handle, the spreader arms form a U-shaped frame which is used to shape and hold the looped end of a mooring line so that it may be placed around a piling or dock cleat. Withdrawing the device away from the piling or cleat leaves the looped-end of the mooring line securely in place. Each arm includes a plurality of apertures or receiving holes sized to frictionally engage stacking pins.

Abstract: A watercraft mooring apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate spacing device having a generally tubular element with an interior channel formed therethrough. There are a pair of resilient fender components attached to respective ends of the tubular element. Each fender component has an opening that communicates with the interior channel. A flexible line extends through and outside of the spacing device. The line has a first end portion that releasably engages a first vessel and a second end portion that releasably engages either a dock or a second vessel.

Abstract: A mooring line receptacle apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated mooring line receptacle for each mooring line, wherein each mooring line receptacle is connected with the hull of the watercraft at the gunwale thereof; and further includes an abutment member connected with each mooring line at a distal end thereof. The mooring line receptacle has an interior hollow defined by a sidewall composed of a durable, resilient material having a slot therein along its entire length. The sidewall opposite the slot is attached to the hull of a selected watercraft via threaded fasteners. One mooring line receptacle is located at the port bow, another at the starboard bow, another at the port stern and another at the starboard stern. Preferably, each of the sets of port and starboard mooring line receptacles end near each other at a generally amidship location on the gunwale where the skipper and crew/passengers enter and leave the watercraft.

Abstract: A through-hull cable plug provides for a water-tight passage of cable through a bore formed in a boat hull. The cable plug of the invention includes an elongate stuffing tube having a pre-determined diameter and including a cable-receiving slot which extends along the length thereof, and opens through a side thereof. The plug includes a head having a size greater than that of the pre-determined diameter, which head is located at one end of the stuffing tube and which also has a cable-receiving slot formed therein. The cable-receiving slot of the head is contiguous with the cable-receiving slot of the stuffing tube. A fastener is provided and is received on the other end of the stuffing tube. The fastener is conformal with the stuffing tube and is movable along the length thereof to form a compression, water-tight fitting along the length of the stuffing tube between the head and the fastener.

Abstract: A flexible strip of material having sharp protruding crowns which, once installed on wire, rope, cable, poles, or other similar objects in which rodents are utilizing as runways, will repel such rodents by inaccessibility and therefore cause them to turn back to the point where they first contacted the wire, rope or other objects. Thus preventing such rodents from gaining access to ships, buildings, or other areas where wires, ropes or other objects are connected.

Abstract: A mooring device for securing a boat to a pole or other element at a mooring dock. The device includes an elongated tubular handle having attached at one end a flexible tubular piece which is looped back upon itself. A continuous mooring line or rope has one end which extends into the back end of the tubular handle, through the handle and tubular loop, back through the handle and out of the open back end where it is knotted with the other trailing end of the rope to form a loop at the back end. The trailing end of the rope may extend a predetermined length from the back end of the handle and, at its terminal end, may be looped back upon itself to form another attachment loop. The rope is pulled fight within the handle and the flexible tubular piece so that the loop at the front of the handle is retained in an open condition, laterally displaced from the handle, and the load or tensile forces tying the boat to the dock post are borne by the rope itself.

Abstract: A pest guard comprises a flat disk mounted on a cylindrical sleeve which is fixed against linear movement on a support member by a pair of clamps. The sleeve is provided with a longitudinal slot permitting it to be placed over the support member. The clamps are each formed by two halves and adapted to be fitted over a respective ends of the sleeve so that the clamps permit rotational movement of the sleeve but inhibit longitudinal movement of the sleeve about the cable. The disk is provided with a central opening such that it is permitted to rotate about the sleeve. The disk is also provided with a radial, curved slit which resists opening and which maintains the disk flat through extended use.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing lubricant to an elongated spar track. The apparatus includes a mounting plate adapted to receive a container of lubricant from which lubricant may be dispensed to the spar track. Guide assemblies are attached to the mounting plate for engagement with the spar track and for guiding the apparatus along the spar track in response to a moving force applied thereto.

Abstract: A transom link for a tugboat is used to rescue an escorted ship that has lost the ability to maneuver. A transom link is a high-strength, oblong member, having a pivot arm that pivots open to allow a closed eye of a line to be captured by the transom link. The tugboat maneuvers close to the escorted ship so that a member of the tugboat's crew can seize a pennant line attached to the ship. The transom link is attached to the tugboat's tow line and the ship's pennant line is brought to the transom link. The tugboat's crew member forces open the pivot arm of the transom link and captures the closed eye of the ship's pennant line in the transom link. The tow line of the tugboat is let out to distance the tugboat from the escorted ship and then the tugboat maneuvers as needed to complete the rescue of the escorted ship.

Abstract: A mounting device for a marine transducer allows for adjustment of the angle of the transducer. This allows a directional transducer to look forwardly beneath the water surface for potential perilous passages or schools of fish, as well as to look downwardly for purposes such as depth determination. The mounting consists of a tubular housing which forms a watertight sea chest or wet box. The housing serves to store and protect the electronic transducer. A hinged end piece on the bottom of the housing serves to mount the transducer as well as provide the capability of angular inclination and, if desired, provide a drag-free flush mount. A powered reciprocating rod is provided to change the angle of the transducer. Indicators may be provided for displaying the inclination angle.

Abstract: A case and lock for reducing damage and deterring theft of boat propellers. The invention is comprised of a case for enclosing a boat propeller and a portion of a propeller drive unit. The case has a pair of pivotally connected members which are supported by a horizontal stabilizer fin of a propeller drive unit. The lock lockably connects the case members. One optional feature of the invention are running lights mounted on the sides of the lockable case members. Another optional feature is an electronic alarm which is activated during attempts to steal the propeller.

Abstract: An anchor chain orientation link having a longitudinal curved body having a curved radius defined by the diameter of a bow roller for guiding an anchor chain wherein the orientation link is fastened between an anchor rope or "rode" and an anchor chain such that when the anchor rope was hauled aboard a vessel, the chain is turned to a selected orientation. In particular, as the curved body comes in contact with the bow roller, said roller acts as a fulcrum such that the curved body acts as a crank due to its curved shape causing the link to rotate until it rotates to a stable position. This stable position has been preselected to establish the orientation of the anchor with respect to the roller and therefore to the vessel on which the roller is mounted.

Abstract: A rail fitting for marine application comprises first and second rail fitting parts designed to slide together on opposite sides of a rail and thereby interlock. Each rail fitting part is provided with an arcuate concavity designed to fit around a rail, a first end on one side of the concavity designed to interlock with a first end of the other rail fitting part, and a second end on an opposite side of the concavity designed to be fastened to a second end of the other rail fitting part by a fastener. The first end of the first rail fitting part is provided with an arcuate cavity having a degree of wrap of at least 180.degree.. The first end of the second rail fitting part is provided with a hinge arm having an arcuate end formed to fit and rotate within the arcuate cavity in the first end of the first rail fitting part. The concavity provided in each rail fitting part provides a combined arcuate concavity through which a railing may extend.

Abstract: A watercraft mooring device is disclosed herein which comprises a tubular member having a rope extending through an interior bore so as to form a loop at each end of the tubular member, and which further extends exterior to the tubular member from a hole in the sidewall of the tubular member to one end of the rope. The other end of the rope is secured in the interior bore. In mooring a watercraft to another object, such as a dock, one loop is connected to a watercraft mooring member (i.e. cleat) and the other loop is connected to a dock mooring member. That portion of the rope extending from the sidewall hole is then cinched around the tubular member. A method of assembling the mooring device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A controllable hook assembly for retrieving a barge's towing bridle or broken tow cable while maintaining a safe standoff distance between the drifting vessel and the recovery vessel. It may also be used for emergency towing of a vessel adrift or otherwise in distress. The disclosed assembly consists of a bidirectional side-planing otterboard integrated with a retrieval/towing hook which is shackled to a recovery towline. The depth and lateral position of the towed assembly are controlled by the length of recovery towline and the speed of the recovery towing vessel, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for mooring a boat (14) to a mooring structure (16, 38) with the aid of a rod (18) and mooring line (20) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a U-shaped securing member (10, 12) having a top portion (22), a bottom portion (26), and a middle portion (24). The U-shaped securing member is arranged and configured for at least partially surrounding a portion of the mooring structure to provide moorage thereto. The distance between the top portion and the bottom portion of the securing member provides close-fitting engagement with the mooring structure. An eve (30) is affixed to the top portion of the securing member for attachment to the mooring line. A rod-receiving sleeve (34) is also attached to the top portion of the securing member adjacent the eve. The rod-receiving sleeve is for receiving the end of the rod and properly aligning the U-shaped securing member such that the open gap between the top portion and the bottom portion faces the mooring structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inspection device which can be disassembled into a compact configuration permitting it to be moved into and out of the cargo and ballast tanks of an ocean going vessel through the conventional hatches. The invention comprises a carriage support column which is formed by several cables which are stretched vertically between support plates which are temporarily installed on the bottom of the tank or cargo hold and beneath the vessel's decking. A carriage is mounted on the support column for vertical movement thereon, and the carriage preferably carries a remotely controlled drive motor which can rotate the carriage, preferably in a full 360.degree. arc. A remotely controlled television camera and the necessary lights are mounted on the carriage and can be panned around the column to observe and record the visual appearance of the interior structural members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for sweeping marine mines having a magnetic sensor by at least three electrodes (10, 11, 13) spaced apart and tractored by a vessel (12) and behind each other, the electrodes being provided with electric current from the vessel (12) for generating a magnetic field in the water surrounding the electrodes (10, 11, 13), each of the electrodes (10, 11, 13) separately being provided with electric current of individually adjustable strength. The invention is characterized by varying in time the current strength of the current fed to the electrodes between positive and negative limits with intermediate zero passages to separate the time for zero passage of the current to at least one of the electrodes (10, 11, 13) from the time for zero passage of the current to the rest of the electrodes (10, 11, 13).

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination oar and bilge pump which serves as an oar when the apparatus is in a locked first position and when in an un-locked second position becomes a bilge pump by plunging a second tube member having a plunger on its inner end, inward and outward of a first tube member which acts as a gripping surface.

Abstract: A supporting arrangement for objects such as light fixtures and pipes on ships is provided which includes a vertical support which at its lower end engages the object to be supported and at its upper end connects by bolts to a stud welded to the deck of the ship. A brace connects with a clamp that can be positioned where desired along the support member to an angle bracket which is carried by a short post welded to the deck at a location remote from the weld stud.

Abstract: A horizontal cable animal barrier for mounting on a cable to deter animal passage including a plurality of roller elements each having a central hole for rotatably mounting on a cable and a spacer element between each pair of roller elements and also having a central hole for rotatably mounting on the cable, in which the spacer elements are of a different size than the roller elements on either side to present an uneven, rotating barrier to animals on the cable to prevent the animals from passing.

Abstract: A rope retriever device for passing a rope around an object, such as for mooring a boat. The device has a U-shaped member and a pivoting member that functions to pass a rope behind an object and back to the user. The end of a rope is held in a rope holder on one end of the U-shaped member. The rope is laced across the mouth of the U, around a pin on the pivoting member, then back to the user. The rope retriever can be activated by pushing the device against an object or, alternatively, by manually pulling on the free end of the rope. Tension in the rope causes the pivoting member to pivot across the mouth of the U until a spring clip on the end of the pivoting member clips onto the end of the rope. When the device is withdrawn, the pivoting member passes the rope around behind the object and back to the user. The device can be mounted on the end of a long pole or attached to the end of the handle on a boat hook so that it can be used for passing a rope around objects that are out of reach.

Abstract: A foiled grating is provided for use with a jet-powered personal watercraft. The grating is adapted to be secured substantially across the intake opening in the bottom of the craft's hull and includes a foil and at least two substantially parallel bars oriented longitudinally within the intake opening. The foil is supported by the bars and positioned so as to divide a section of the intake channel into upper and lower portions to direct the intake water flow for a more even flow to the craft's jet pump.

Abstract: A device maintains an elongated, generally, T-shaped, spar track for a free running of mating slides and boltropes under loadings of a sail through cleaning and maintenance. A first internal surface region of the T-shaped track opening is comparatively wider than a second internal surface region of the track opening. The second internal surface region merges with a third external region of the track opening. The improvement comprises a compressible, flexible, pliable member for cleaning, lubricating and maintenance of the T-shaped track opening. The pliable member is prefolded and united to provide a T-shape corresponding to the shape of the track opening. The pliable member is provided with a T-shape to facilitate insertion of the pliable member into the track opening and to enable the pliable member to be in slidable engagement with the track opening.

Abstract: A controllable hook assembly and method for retrieving a barge's towing bridle or broken tow cable while maintaining a safe standoff distance between the drifting vessel and the recovery vessel. It may also be used for emergency towing of a vessel adrift or otherwise in distress. The disclosed assembly consists of a bidirectional side-planing otterboard integrated with a retrieval/towing hook which is shackled to a recovery towline. The depth and lateral position of the towed assembly are controlled by the length of recovery towline and the speed of the recovery towing vessel, respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed a submarine cable grapnel which is tied to the two rope of a cable ship and is dragged on the bottom of the sea, one grappling unit and at least one attitude stabilizer is connected while this assembly is connected at one end the two rope of the cable ship and at the other end a chain. In this instance, front and rear coupling portions of the grappling element and the attitude stabilizer are positioned so that the center of gravity of each element under the water stays nearer the seabed than a straight line joining the coupling centers of the coupling portions of the elements when the grapnel lands in the normal attitude on the bottom of the sea.

Abstract: An attachment for releasably gripping a hook at one end of a winch cable to facilitate coupling of the hook to a boat that is to be pulled from a body of water onto a trailer has a body provided with a hook-accommodating slot in one side thereof and a groove in the opposite side thereof for accommodating an elongated support. The slot is tapered and has side walls between which the hook may be wedged.

Abstract: A method and template to facilitate cleaning or painting of a gimbal housing which is mounted to a boat transom. This method comprises attaching a template to the transom around a gimbal housing perimeter which is intricately and arcuately shaped. The template is configured and dimensioned to correspond to the gimbal housing perimeter and to shield the transom from damage while cleaning or painting the gimbal housing. Thus, the amount of time required to clean and paint the gimbal housing and the amount of time required for clean-up is reduced by utilizing the method and template of the invention.

Abstract: A snap-hook (34) is set into a hook channel portion (68, 70, 72) of a hook holder (40). The hook holder (40) is secured to one end of an elongated handle (38). A holding arm (76) is pivotally (by bolt 84) attached to the hook holder (40) and holding arm (76) includes a hook (86) which engages (at 88) the snap finger (48) of the hook (34). A finger (90) extends from hook holder (40) into the eye (44) of the snap-hook (34). A user (U) picks up the handle (38) distal the hook holder (40) and uses the handle (38) to move the hook (34) into engagement with a bow eye (28) or the like. Contact of the bow eye (28) and the snap finger (48) moves the holding arm (76) out of holding engagement with the snap finger (48). The bow eye (28) enters into the hook throat (52). The hook (34) becomes engaged with the bow eye (28). The hook (34) also becomes free from the holding arm (76). This allows easy movement of the hook holder (40) away from the hook (34).

Abstract: A rodent barrier means, made of non-conductive material, attached to an electrical cable, hawser, or the like providing for egress in a certain direction but preventing ingress from that direction. A rodent barrier means having alternative means of exit in the form of a ladder and a tapering passageway. A rodent barrier of unitary construction having a top half and a bottom half and which halves are clamped onto said electrical cable, hawser, and the like. The tapering passageway further having a safety measure in the form of a spring loaded screen door allowing for egress through said passageway but preventing ingress. The bottom half of the rodent barrier means having either weight means or otherwise being bottom heavy to thereby further provide stability in severe weather conditions.

Abstract: A combination paddle, hook and pump is disclosed wherein the hook is located at one end of the paddle and is contoured to permit smooth paddling action by the paddle. The hook can be rotated from a closed, non-hooking position to an open, hooking position and has a pair of openings therein to permit the pump to either pump air or water into an object or to pump a fluid such as water from a source of the fluid. The paddle comprises a dielectric material that contains metal particles to reflect a radar beam thereby permitting a boater using the paddle in a raised position to be spotted by radar.

Abstract: The spar track cleaning and maintenance device comprises: a compressible, working surface for cleaning, lubricating and maintenance of a longitudinally extending, irregularly-shaped, spherical opening defined by a spar track; at least a first compressible, resiliently flexible, cordage member for inserting into the spar track opening and for slidably engaging an internal surface of the track opening; and a control means for adjustably shaping the working surface and the first cordage member upon being inserted within the spar track opening.The control means adjustably shapes the working surface and the first cordage member which is integrally formed with the working surface to allow the working surface and the first cordage member to compress and substantially conform to the irregular spherical shape of the internal track surface and be in slidable engagement therewith.