With Manipulating Or Positioning Means For Aiding Attachment Of The Line Patents (Class 114/230.25)
  • Patent number: 11959239
    Abstract: A system for providing a line to a boat is provided. The system includes the line attached to a portion of a dock and a line tending unit configured for selectively operating in a stowed state and in a deployed state. The line tending unit includes a line tending arm including an attachment end configured for releasably holding the line and a line tending unit actuator configured to actuate the line tending arm between a stowed condition corresponding to the stowed state and a deployed condition corresponding to the deployed condition. The system further includes a control device in communication with the line tending unit and configured for commanding the line tending unit between the stowed state and the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: David Shear
  • Patent number: 11952781
    Abstract: A structure includes a vertical support, a horizontal inner rail affixed thereto, a bracket affixed to the vertical support vertically lower than the inner rail, and a cantilever support affixed slidably-lockably to the bracket, wherein the cantilever support is affixed to the bracket in a manner that is either pivotable vertically and horizontally or fixed substantially perpendicular to the inner rail. A central rail substantially aligned with the inner rail is positioned distally from the inner rail and affixed to the cantilever support. An arch member is disposed perpendicular to the rails and is affixed to the inner rail and central rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Designer Direct, Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry Ira Levin
  • Patent number: 11661152
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for anchoring a submerged vehicle to a stationary object. The assembly includes a telescoping tube having a hollow inner tube and a hollow outer tube, each the inner tube and the outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tube slidably received within the outer tube through its proximal end. A snap button configured at the proximal end of the outer tube that can engage with a hole near the distal end of the inner tube for locking the movement of the inner tube within the outer tube. A rope having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rope attached to the inner tube near its proximal end. The second member passes through the eye of the spring hook and into the proximal end of the inner tube to form an anchoring loop. The second end of the rope exits the telescoping tube through the distal end of the outer tube and forms a boat hook loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Bickham
  • Patent number: 11591047
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tugboat 1 for assisting a marine vessel 2 to manoeuvre. The tugboat 1 comprises a hull 11 having a perimeter P. The tugboat 1 also comprises a line handling system 10 comprising a line guide mechanism 100. The line guide mechanism 100 is movable relative to the hull 11 to an operation position, at which the line guide mechanism 100 is for guiding movement of a portion of a line 13 of the tugboat 1 towards a predetermined region R of the perimeter P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Svitzer A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Bangslund
  • Patent number: 11505285
    Abstract: A boat mooring system utilizing a cylinder having an internal spring-like mechanism that allows a retaining rope to lengthen or shorten automatically to adjust for rising tide or high wind to retain a boat at a safe distance from a dock or pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Greco
  • Patent number: 11447208
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel with a semi automatic or automatic vessel mooring system and a method of mooring with such a system. The vessel includes a hull, a mooring line winch unit, at least one mooring line extending from said winch unit, and a weight at an end of the at least one mooring line. A mooring line guide boom with at least one mooring line guide on a mooring line guide portion is movable between a retracted position aligned with the hull, and an extended position. In the extended position the mooring line guide boom allows the winch unit to lower the weight at the end of the mooring line extending through the mooring line guide and onto a quay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Sauli Petteri Sipilä, Oskar Levander, Mark Callaway, Michal Romek
  • Patent number: 10946936
    Abstract: A rope guide apparatus to assist with mooring a vessel comprises an elongate pole and a length of rope. The length of rope is slidably retained by the elongate pole at a first point of retention adjacent a first end of the pole. The rope extends from the first point of retention towards a second end of the pole where it is slidably retained by the pole at a second point of retention adjacent the second end. The rope extends from the second end of the pole back towards the first end and is slidably retained at a third point of retention, with the rope extending freely from the pole. This apparatus allows easier one-person mooring of a vessel by looping the rope over a bollard and avoids the need for the individual to lean out of a vessel when attempting to moor at a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Steven Maurice Miller
  • Patent number: 10913514
    Abstract: The deployable boat hook assembly includes a clamping assembly which is attachable to a pole. The clamping assembly includes a clamp adapted to temporarily secure a boat hook which is configured to connect to a receiving member on a dock. The boat hook is configured to receive a boat line extending from the boat. The temporary securement of the boat hook by the clamping assembly is overcome by an operator moving the pole in a manner to release the clamping assembly from the pole, such that the boat remains connected to the dock by the boat hook and the boat line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Roy W Martin
  • Patent number: 10724196
    Abstract: A structure includes a bracket and a vertical member. The vertical member includes a vertical member top end and a vertical member bottom end. The vertical member is affixed to the bracket. The structure further includes at least one bumper. The at least one bumper is affixed to the vertical member bottom end via a bumper connecting structure. The structure further includes an arm member. The arm member includes an arm member first end and an arm member second end. The arm member second end is affixed to the vertical member top end. In another aspect, a structure includes a support, and affixed to the support, a bracket. The structure further includes, affixed to the support via a bumper connecting structure, at least one bumper. The structure further includes, affixed to the support, an arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Designer Direct, Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry Ira Levin
  • Patent number: 10145073
    Abstract: A structure includes a bracket and a vertical member. The vertical member includes a vertical member top end and a vertical member bottom end. The vertical member is affixed to the bracket. The structure further includes at least one bumper. The at least one bumper is affixed to the vertical member bottom end via a bumper connecting structure. The structure further includes an arm member. The arm member includes an arm member first end and an arm member second end. The arm member second end is affixed to the vertical member top end. In another aspect, a structure includes a support, and affixed to the support, a bracket. The structure further includes, affixed to the support via a bumper connecting structure, at least one bumper. The structure further includes, affixed to the support, an arm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Designer Direct, Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry Ira Levin
  • Patent number: 9475551
    Abstract: A buoy arrester comprising a boat hook body having a U-shaped with parallel sides and a first free end angled away from the U-shaped opening, a line securing ring integrally formed with said boat hook body and positioned at the U-shaped opening and a removable handle that is pole shaped that can be attached to the second free end of said boat hook body. A resilient line retainer catch can be positioned across the boat hook U-shaped opening to prevent the mooring line from detaching from the boat hook body. A securing line is attached to the line securing ring on the boat hook body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Zlatko Stoyanov
  • Patent number: 9045198
    Abstract: A boat line management device is disclosed. The device having a chamber, a revolving element, an arm, and a spring. The boat line management device capable of delivering a boat line from a position on a boat to a boat docking location. The boat line management device also capable of returning to a resting position upon release of a force on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Philips
  • Publication number: 20150075416
    Abstract: A rope engaging docking device for attaching a dock line to an out of reach dock cleat. The docking device includes an elongated pole with a fork member attached to the elongated pole's distal end. The fork member includes a center hub that attaches to the elongated pole and two diverging spreader arms each with a rope engaging slot formed on its distal end. During use, a large loop is formed on one end of the dock line. The loop is then positioned in the open center located between the two spreader arms so that the side sections of the loop are forced into the two rope engaging slots and the apex of the loop hangs below the fork member. The elongated pole is then extended over the dock cleat so the apex of the loop droops downward and placed behind a dock cleat. The crew member then pulls the dock rope to tighten the loop around the dock cleat. The device is then pulled reward to disconnect it from the dock line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Randall R. SALT
  • Patent number: 8794170
    Abstract: A device for anchoring a boat includes a multi part anchor line adapted to attach to the boat; a lead line having a first end and a second end; a first hook attached to the first end of the lead line adapted to releasably attach to a bow eye of the boat; and a second hook attached to the second end of the lead line adapted releasably attach to the anchor line. The anchor line and lead line cooperate to anchor the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Ralph Eppen, Donald R. Rowan
  • Patent number: 8763550
    Abstract: A plurality of technologies for aiding line handling are disclosed. The technologies enable a marine vessel occupant to use a line, which has a fixed end secured to a dock and a free end extending over a body of water, for docking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Gerald Matlin, Vincent Grasso
  • Publication number: 20140014018
    Abstract: Disclosed are platforms adapted to be mounted onto anchor handling vessels (AHVs) and AHVs useful for replacing a used wire rope segment or for installing a new wire rope segment in a mooring line which can be used for mooring a floating vessel such as a floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kai-tung Ma, Peter Waerness
  • Patent number: 8567334
    Abstract: A boat docking device, for use with a boat, a dock adjacent to a body of water, and dock lines each having a fixed end secured to the dock, and a free end. The docking device has a mast that is secured to the dock, and an arm that is secured to the mast and is selectively pivotable between an extended position substantially perpendicular to the dock, and a retracted position substantially parallel to the dock. The arm has a lower surface having a plurality of clips for holding the dock lines as they extend substantially parallel to the arm along the lower surface with the free end of dock lines available at the distal end so when the arm is extended perpendicular to the dock and over the body of water, the boater can grab the free end before the boat reaches the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald Matlin, Vincent Grasso
  • Patent number: 8544916
    Abstract: A cable placement and retrieval device includes a main shaft forming a hook opening defined by a generally inverted U-shaped bend terminating at a spherical bead, a rigid push rod radiating up and away from the main shaft in the opposite direction of the hook opening and terminating in a second spherical bead and a hollow proximal portion meant to receive extension arms and other complementary attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Acquah's Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Acquah
  • Patent number: 8328257
    Abstract: A system for retrieving a rope, line, or cable for use in, for example, mooring marine vessels of various sizes and configuration, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention being particularly suitable for mooring sport fishing vessels or the like, wherein there is provided a hand held retrieval device having a shaft with a boat hook affixed to one end and a grasping area at the other, the boat hook having a unique configuration wherein the arm or free end of the hook has situated thereabout a compressible layer of material having a high friction coefficient, and the opposing shank section of the hook has emanating therefrom first and second, parallel edges forming a channel therebetween, the edges and free end spaced and positioned to form a highly effective line retrieval hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: NXS Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Lee A La Coste
  • Patent number: 8291848
    Abstract: A traction system for operating lines, in particular mooring lines and/or production lines, of a floating production unit has a number of work stations distributed along the unit, at least at two ends of the unit, and engaged by respective operating lines; a main winch; and a cable transmission device having a duty cable connected to the main winch, and guide means for selectively routing the duty cable to each work station for attachment to a respective operating line; at least one auxiliary winch, having an auxiliary cable connectable to the duty cable, is used to unwind the duty cable off the main winch and run the duty cable, along paths defined by the guide members, into a number of positions close to respective work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Fenini, Gianfranco Gamba
  • Patent number: 8272342
    Abstract: A counterweighted mooring line includes a line, a counterweight portion and a hook. The line has a proximal end which is secured to a watercraft and an opposite distal end. The hook is tied to the distal end of the line and includes a center shaft with an opening for receiving the line and at least one prong extending from a center shaft. The counterweight portion is also secured to the line and is spaced away from the grappling hook. The counterweight portion and hook may be thrown at a pole to catch the pole or dragged across a float having cleats in order to catch a cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: John Lester Manuel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8267030
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which will allow a single person to launch and secure a boat or watercraft to a pier without the user getting into the water and which allows the user to maintain control of the vessel or watercraft. Disclosed is a bracket mounted near the tongue of a boat trailer which has a tube for holding a telescoping pole which pole is removably, insertable into the tube so that when the boat on the trailer is backed into the water in preparation for launching the boat an attachment ring on the end of the boat lanyard is attached to the bow cleat of the boat so as to assist in maneuvering the boat off of the trailer. Thereafter, the pole is removed from the tube and the loop on the end of the pole is connected to a stern cleat on the rear of the boat so as to then allow the user to pull the boat toward the pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Benjamin O. McHugh, Russell R. Necaise
  • Patent number: 8196538
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mooring aid for use at marine installations, such as jetties and the like, wherein the mooring aid comprises a support (2), a member (18) which is mounted to the support (2) and to which a mooring rope can be detachably secured, wherein the member (18) is moveable reciprocally between a retracted position which corresponds to a storage position for the rope secured thereto and an extended position which renders a rope secured thereto accessible to a user. Wherein the mooring aid preferably further comprises biasing means (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) for urging the member (18) from its external position to its retracted position, wherein the biasing means may be housed in the support (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Baker Orford
  • Patent number: 7810442
    Abstract: A snap hook device comprises a detachable pole attached to a snap hook having a side link for securing a rope. The snap hook is generally U-shaped with a sloped spring closure having a first end attached to a first end of the hook and a second end of the spring closure being coiled and resting against a side of a second end of the snap hook. The second end of the U-shaped hook comprises a collar for receiving the detachable pole. The snap hook device enables a boat operator when alone in the boat to remain in the cockpit area of the boat, and capture a chain under a mooring buoy. The operator then maneuvers the boat with a rope attached to a link of the snap hook wherein the rope extends via the bow to the boat operator in the cockpit, so that by pulling the rope, the bow is easily and safely turned to be adjacent to the mooring buoy for attaching a mooring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Helder F. Duarte, Anthony A. Duarte
  • Patent number: 7712804
    Abstract: A method of directing a rope around a cantilevered support including the steps of: a) providing an apparatus having i) an elongate pole with a proximal region and a distal region spaced from each other in a lengthwise direction, and ii) a rope engaging assembly at the distal region and having at least one surface facing away from the proximal region; b) configuring the rope so that the rope bears against the at least one surface and a portion thereof is thereby formed to be generally U-shaped opening towards the proximal region with the rope in an operative position; c) holding a second portion of the rope and the elongate pole at the proximal region to bear the rope against the at least one surface to maintain the “U” shape; and d) manipulating the elongate pole to cause the U-shaped portion of the rope to be directed around the cantilevered support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Roger Leyden, Allen Greenberg, Kris Michael Southerland
  • Publication number: 20100107955
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mooring aid for use at marine installations, such as jetties and the like, wherein the mooring aid comprises a support (2), a member (18) which is mounted to the support (2) and to which a mooring rope can be detachably secured, wherein the member (18) is moveable reciprocally between a retracted position which corresponds to a storage position for the rope secured thereto and an extended position which renders a rope secured thereto accessible to a user. Wherein the mooring aid preferably further comprises biasing means (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) for urging the member (18) from its external position to its retracted position, wherein the biasing means may be housed in the support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Baker Orford
  • Patent number: 7147021
    Abstract: A device for transferring a product between a ship and a fixed installation. The device is supported at one end by a support structure and the other end is capable of being connected to the ship's manifold. The support structure includes a boom carrying a transfer pipe, rotatable about a vertical axis above the ship, and a deformable transfer device, one end of which is connected to the pipe, and the other end is mobile between a stowed position proximate the boom and a position for connection to the ship's manifold. The invention is useful for transferring liquefied natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne d'Ingenierie Mecanique-Eurodim
    Inventors: Bernard Dupont, Stéphane Paquet
  • Patent number: 6273017
    Abstract: A device for mooring a boat has an elongate handle with proximal and distal ends. The distal end has an eyelet. A flexible mooring line with a first end is joined to the eyelet and a second end is adapted to join to the boat. The line extends through the eyelet and about an exterior of the handle member to the proximal end to form a loop at the distal end. The size of the loop can be adjusted by feeding more or less of the line through the eyelet. A flexible retaining line is joined to the proximal end and adapted to join to the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Gene E. Griffin