Vessel Raising And Docking Patents (Class 114/44)
  • Publication number: 20040184882
    Abstract: A marine vessel, typically a power boat, lifting system includes a remotely operated transmitter module, a receiver module, a level sensing module, a motor control module, and motors are integrated to automatically position a cradle to the desired position relative to the waterline of the marine vessel. The lifting system is initialized by a signal input, a button pushed and released, from either the remote transmitter or the motor control module to begin movement of the lifting cradle to a desired position. The received signal initiates the motors, and a light to indicate energized motors through a visual signal, to move in the desired direction, either lifting or lowering the cradle. The level sensing module returns a signal to the motor control module to terminate the motors, and thus the visual indicator, when the desired cradle position has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick J. Cosgrove
  • Publication number: 20040126185
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting the hull of a watercraft using a flexible bunk beam and a convex cushion attached to the beam using locking elements. The beam has a longitudinal recess with a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower anchor portion, and the cushion has an elongated cushion locking member lockably insertable into the recess. The cushion locking member has a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower portion sized to snuggly fit within the recess. The cushion includes internal voids and walls. The beam includes sidewalls with bores forming bearing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Edward D. Davidson, Kenneth E. Hey
  • Publication number: 20040089212
    Abstract: The invention is of a modular boat lift supported by floating it on the water surface using pontoons. The lift mechanism is a parallelogram linkage supporting a cradle. Movement of the parallelogram linkage is powered by aqueous hydraulic cylinders using a water pump that preferably is operating using household water, but can also operate using ambient water passed through a sea strainer. Mechanical locking mechanisms freeze the hydraulic cylinder pistons in position and hold the lift in its most upraised position without regard to water pressure in the cylinders. All relevant aspects of the structure are modular or adjustable so that the capacity of the lift to accommodate heavier or lighter boats can be readily altered, and this is done in the field. The distance between pontoons can be adjusted, the distance between the sides of the cradle, called boat bunks, can be varied, the height of the boat bunk relative to the remainder of the structure can be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel M. Vinnik
  • Publication number: 20040089213
    Abstract: A load guide system for guiding a craft into a apparatus such as a boat trailer, boat hoist or the like for egress from traveling on the water, the apparatus including a pair of stationary members of a framework spaced from each other and forming thereby an opening through which the craft is driven, the load guide system include a unit pivotally mounted on each stationary member, each unit including an upright pole engageable by the craft as it moves into the opening, and a spring biased pulley and cable assembly interconnected among the spaced members and the framework for biasing the poles toward each other, the normal condition of the poles forming an opening less than the framework opening, whereby upon one pole being engaged by the bow of the craft, should the craft not being centered upon entering the opening, the unit of that pole will act in response to operation of the pulley and cable assembly to force the bow toward the opposite pole, with the unit of the opposite pole reacting similarly, the seque
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Byron L. Godbersen
  • Patent number: 6709197
    Abstract: A large capacity boat lift includes a lift assembly mounted on each side of a boat supporting platform. Each lift assembly includes a support structure that carries a winder. A lifting cable is operably attached at each of its ends to respective sections of the winder. A drive mechanism operates the winder in first and second directions to selectively wind the cable onto and off of the winder. The cable movably interengages a pair of pulleys carried by the platform. A section of the cable between the pulleys is engaged with the support structure such that winding the cable onto the winder raises the platform and unwinding the cable from the winder lowers the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Quality Boat Lifts, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Sargent, Daniel S. Carter
  • Publication number: 20040052582
    Abstract: A device for preventing the tangling or crossing of lift cables by maintaining the tension on the lift cables. When the tension is removed from lift cables (4) by placing a boat in a water body, the cables (4) become slack and can cross and/or tangle at a winderbar (1), which greatly reduces the life of the cables (4) and can cause serious damage to boatlift and boat. The present invention applies a tensioning means to the cables (4) by utilizing a weight (10) and pulley (9) or a spring (15) attached to an end of the lift cable (4). Lift cables (4) are first attached at one end to the winderbar (1). The cables (4) are then fed through the cradle (13). When using the weight (10) and pulley (4) system, the cables (4) are placed over a pulley (9) so that the weight (10) attached to the opposite end of the cable (4) maintains tension on the cables (4). The spring (15) tension means attaches the tag end of the cable (5) to the windbar (1) and the opposite end of the cable (4) is attached to a spring (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: George F. Becker
  • Patent number: 6695533
    Abstract: A hydraulic lift device for in-water boat hoists. A hydraulic cylinder is utilized to extend and retract a cylindrical rod with a vertical cross member at its end. Lift cables are attached to the cross member on opposite sides and extend rearwardly toward the hydraulic cylinder. One cable is horizontally reversed, 180° by a pulley, with both cables then directed 90° downward over respective pulleys and affixed to opposite ends of the cradle of the hoist, equalizing end to end lift. Side to side lift may be equalized by a second parallel device or by levelings cables. Primary components are contained within an attached enclosure, above water level. Remote operation and solar power may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen P. Bulmann
  • Publication number: 20030205186
    Abstract: A boat hoist including a vertical frame and a horizontally disposed movable platform, with the platform movable between a lowered and boat unload position and a raised, boat load position. A cable system transmits force to move the movable platform. The cable system is operated and force transmitted to it, by a hydraulic drive unit, thus eliminating problems with electrically operated drive bar units. This results in the ability to lift heavier boats with less power and faster times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas W. Clary
  • Patent number: 6640736
    Abstract: A synchronously driven, multiple cable boat lift is used in combination with proximal and distal support structures located on respective sides of a boat to selectively lift and lower the boat out of and into a body of water. The boat lift includes a motor mountable on the proximal support structure and being selectively driven in opposing first and second directions. A boat accommodating platform is located between the proximal and distal support structures and includes a pair of interconnected cradle beams for extending transversely beneath the boat from the first side to the second side of the boat. Each beam has a proximal portion and a distal portion positionable on the first and second sides of the boat respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Quality Boat Lifts, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn M. McLaughlin, Daniel S. Carter, Charles L. Sargent, John Kohlhauff
  • Publication number: 20030175107
    Abstract: In a lift for mooring a boat stern-on, a pair of horizontally spaced guide members is fixed to the sea wall. A frame is fixed to a pair of substantially parallel hydro-pneumatic buoyancy tanks to provide a flotation platform for supporting the hull of the boat. The stern end of each of the tanks is connected to the guide members. The guide members limit movement of the platform away from the sea wall and along the sea wall but permit vertical reciprocation of the stern ends of the lift tanks in unison and restrict the lift from listing during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: HydroHoist International, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd A. Elson
  • Patent number: 6612775
    Abstract: A watercraft lift having hydraulic cylinders secured to lift towers and pivot axles located above the water surface to raise and lower a cradle that is secured to a surrounding support framework with lift frames that radiate from the framework and cradle corners. Length adjustable legs depend from the framework to appropriately elevate and position the cradle and framework relative to the surface level of the waterway. Brace arms extend from the lift towers to the forward ends of the support framework. The cylinders rotate between a parallel condition to the top of the cradle, when fully elevated, and an inclined condition, when the cradle is fully lowered. The cylinders remain at all times substantially above the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Hewitt
  • Patent number: 6598549
    Abstract: A boat lift includes a base mounted on land adjacent to a body of water, a swinging frame mounted to the base by a first swinging coupling, a boat-supporting frame mounted to the swinging frame by a second swinging coupling, and an actuator for causing the swinging frame to swing relative to the base about the first swinging coupling. Thus, the boat-supporting frame moves upwardly and inwardly to a boat-storage position, or downwardly and outwardly to a boat-launch position, depending upon the direction of swinging motion of the swinging frame. The swinging frame and the boat-supporting frame together form a walkway arranged for providing access between the shoreline and the boat-supporting structure when the boat-supporting frame is in its boat-launch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald C. Voegeli
  • Patent number: 6592291
    Abstract: The new boat ramp has a ladder-style frame having C-shaped elongated lateral side rails held in spaced apart parallel condition by C-shaped cross support beams. One end of the frame is a water end and the other end is a shore end. At least six hull roller assemblies are mounted on the side rails in laterally paired relationship across from each other and in longitudinally spaced relationship. One lateral pair is at the water end. Each assembly has a roller axle carrying a hull roller at each end. The assemblies are mounted so that their axles are in pivotable elevated transverse orientation above the side rails so as to provide hull conforming support for a boat. A keel assembly having a central keel roller of significant axial length in at the water end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Foxwell
  • Patent number: 6591770
    Abstract: A boat lift for attachment to the aft transom of a larger boat for lifting and lowering smaller water craft, utilizes a single double acting hydraulic cylinder to move a truck horizontally within an enclosure. Cables fixed to the truck cause movement of vertically disposed connectors attached to a intermediate vertically moveable members which in turn include cables attached to vertically moveable support posts which carry water craft support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: St. Croix Marine Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Blackmore
  • Patent number: 6584922
    Abstract: A portable boat lift for removal of a boat from a boat trailer comprising two elongated free-standing upright frame members and an elongated crossmember which is pivotally connectable at one end thereof to one selected aperture of one of the frame members. The crossmember includes a bow eye engaging clevis adapted for lifting engagement with a bow eye of the boat. The other frame member includes a winch with cable connectable to the other end of the crossmember. When the frame members are placed one on either side of the boat trailer adjacent the bow of the boat with the crossmember is pivotally connected to one frame member, the clevis is connected to the bow eye, and rigid support members are placed beneath the aft end of the boat, the winch will raise the boat from the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene L. Fritz, Eugene Miller
  • Patent number: 6575661
    Abstract: A boat lift having a stationary frame and a lifting frame that can be raised and lowered on the stationary frame. The lifting frame has a front cross member and a rear cross member. A pair of bunk rails are adjustably mounted upon the cross members so that the rails can be pre-positioned to better conform to the shape of the hull of a boat being serviced by the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Reimann & Georger
    Inventors: John Phillips, Gregory A. Gorecki, Alfred J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6558083
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for installing successive segments of a segmented dock. A suspension structure is connected to a previously installed segment of dock. The suspension structure includes a frame rotator for rotating a dock frame from an inverted position atop the previously installed dock segment to an extended position substantially parallel to the previously installed dock segment. The suspension structure suspends the frame in place while decking is added to the frame. Once the decking is installed, the person installing the dock may move onto the suspended segment in order to sink support poles from the suspended dock segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Eric F. Quandt
  • Patent number: 6554533
    Abstract: A boat hoist including a four-post rectangular frame structure having a pair of rails connected between pairs of posts in a parallel manner, a hydraulic piston and cylinder unit mounted within one rail and operationally connected to a level lift pulley and cable suspension system interconnected between the frame and a vertically movable platform mounted on the frame, the piston and cylinder unit provided with either a switch or a valve to prevent accidental lowering of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Byron L. Godbersen
  • Patent number: 6550411
    Abstract: A method for removing a jacket of a drilling or production rig using a vessel provided with a deck includes manoeuvring the vessel close to the jacket, hoisting the jacket, and tilting the jacket relative to a tilting point located close to an edge of the deck of the vessel until the jacket lies on the deck, wherein the side of the jacket directed toward the vessel is supported during the tilting, such that the jacket can be removed in one operation and carried away using the vessel. A vessel with a deck and a device for removing a jacket of a drilling or production rig is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Excalibur Engineering B.V.
    Inventors: Frans Ariën Den Hartogh, Klaas Boudwijn Van Gelder
  • Patent number: 6540441
    Abstract: A transporter for removing an offshore platform has an oblong structure with a U-shaped cross section, rotatable by ballasting. The transporter is adapted to remove and carry both a jacket and a topsides simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Marine Shuttle Operations AS
    Inventors: Gunnar Foss, Per Bull Haugsøen
  • Patent number: 6520102
    Abstract: A lift and transport assembly for a boatlift comprising a first axle and a second axle having a wheel located proximate the ends of each axle, at least two axle-supporting cables securely attaching the axles to their respective boatlift attaching site; a first pulley securely attached to the first axle and a second pulley securely attached to the second axle, and an axle rotating cable attaching the first pulley to the second pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6520728
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for elevating a watercraft out of a body of water and maintaining the watercraft at a predetermined elevation over the water or removing the watercraft therefrom for towage behind a vehicle. Apparatus (10) includes a forwardly elevated ramp (12) onto which the watercraft may propel itself. Also included is displaceable catch arms (36) which pivot between an engaged position and a released position. Each catch arm (36) is biased toward the engaged position and is constructed and arranged such that it is displaced to the released position when the watercraft is propelling itself up ramp (12). After the watercraft has passed an engagement member (44) attached at the distal end (40) of catch arm (36), catch arm (36) is urged toward the engaged position and engagement member (44) makes contact with the stem of the watercraft and prevents rearward motion thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne Schwitters
  • Patent number: 6494155
    Abstract: The cost of building a five thousand pound boat lift is substantially cut in half by using three pilings instead of four. The three pilings include a pair of outboard pilings and a single inboard piling. A boat-supporting cradle includes a leading frame member having an outboard end positioned near a leading piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single inboard piling. A trailing frame member has an outboard end positioned near a trailing piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single piling. A longitudinally disposed brace interconnects the leading and trailing frame members near their respective outboard ends and a longitudinally disposed plate interconnects the frame members near their respective inboard ends. An equalizer assembly is pivotally mounted to the plate and opposite ends of the equalizer assembly are connected by separate cables to a winch that surmounts the single piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Randolph P. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6484655
    Abstract: A three piling boatlift includes an inboard piling to which is secured a master/slave cable assembly. A first master cable extends from a first end of a master drum to a first outboard piling and a second master cable extends from a second end of the master drum to a second outboard piling. A first slave cable extends from a first end of a slave drum to a first inboard end of a boat lift cradle and a second slave cable extends from a second end of the slave drum to a second inboard end of the boat lift cradle. The slave drum is interconnected to the master drum so that winch-driven rotation of the master drum effects simultaneous and corresponding rotation in the slave drum. The weight of a boat lifted by the boatlift is distributed equally between four cables and all four cables are wound and unwound in synchronization with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Randolph P. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20020170479
    Abstract: A plastic rotationally molded polyethylene buoyancy tank for boat lifts allows connection of steel to lengthwise grooves molded into each side of the buoyancy tank. Preferably, a plastic bulkhead is formed within the tank during its molding process. A segment of framing steel is bracketed between a pair of inwardly tapered compressible opposed grips. The compressible grips each have outwardly tapered slots with mating tapered rigid inserts. With the inserts partially seated on the grips, the grips are slipped lengthwise or pressed laterally into their respective grooves. Bolts extending through the grips into threaded holes in the inserts are tightened to pull the grips over their tapered inserts. This spreads and compresses the grips in their respective grooves, locking the brackets and connecting steel in place on top of the tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: HYDROHOIST INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Todd A. Elson, Kelly D. Peyton
  • Publication number: 20020166490
    Abstract: A device for handling a boat gimbal housing. The device includes an upright member having an upper end and a lower end. A cross-member is connected to the upright member adjacent the upper end. A counterweight is connected to the cross-member, and a lift connection location is positioned at the cross-member between the counterweight and the upright member. A clamp mounting structure is connected to the upright member adjacent the lower end. A clamp is provided for clamping the gimbal housing. The clamp is connected to the clamp mounting structure and is positioned beneath the cross-member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin Kapsner, Gregory Herman Rohr
  • Publication number: 20020166489
    Abstract: A device for handling a boat sundeck. The device includes a platform having first and second ends. A clamp structure is connected to the first end of the platform such that the clamp structure can be used to hold and move the sundeck of a boat. In addition, control modules are connected to the second end of the platform to aid in manipulation of the sundeck by the device. A lift connection location is positioned between the first and second ends of the platform and allows the device to be connected to an articulated boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin John Kapsner, Gregory Herman Rohr
  • Patent number: 6470816
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel watercraft lift assemblies comprising, in certain embodiments, single motor and dual motor/winch assemblies secured to the dock-side portion of the support structure. The present invention does not require the use of top frames for carrying cable shafts necessary to lift the frame supporting the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: William Golden, Michael Kremser
  • Patent number: 6443660
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an object located proximate an underwater floor is disclosed, in a preferred embodiment comprising a foundation implantable in the underwater floor; a lifting frame extending between the foundation; and a multiplicity of slings mounted adjacent to each other and attached to the lifting frame such that each of the slings is suspended in a cradle-like configuration from the lifting frame. Each of the slings further comprises a top surface facing away from the underwater floor and a padding material mounted proximate the top surface of each sling. The foundation may further comprise suction piles. A monitoring system comprising instrumentation may also be used to aid in guiding the load transfer of the object from the floor to the lifting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Smith, Mark van Emmerik, Jeff Ledda, Steve Wright, Bruce D. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6435768
    Abstract: A boat lift apparatus connectable to a tubular piling to form a piling assembly embeddable into a bottom of a body of water. The apparatus includes a gearbox with a first worm gear arrangement driven by a motor output shaft and a second worm gear arrangement oriented orthogonally to the first worm gear arrangement within the gearbox. The second worm gear arrangement includes a support shaft which may drive a cable drum which is rotational driven from the second support shaft to withdraw and extend a length of cable therefrom to raise and lower a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Peter W. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 6422167
    Abstract: A portable floatation assembly 10 which selectively elevates a watercraft 20 above a water line. The portable floatation assembly 10 includes a plurality of generally hollow body portions 12 having a plurality of boat reception grooves 32 and a plurality of apertures 30 which selectively couples to a plurality of apertures 26 disposed along the periphery of generally flat base members 14 which contain a central aperture 22. Each generally hollow body member 12 and a unique one of the base members 14 cooperates to form a generally hollow cavity 60 within the cooperatively formed floatation devices 44. Portable floatation assembly 10 further includes a plurality of conduits 16 which are coupled to both a pump 18 and the floatation devices 44 through central aperture 22, effective to displace a volume of air within cavity 60 of floatation devices 44, which is effective to selectively and conveniently elevate a watercraft 20 above a water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gary A. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20020078874
    Abstract: A system for use in performing maintenance work on an unmanned offshore platform, comprising a sea-going support craft (22) for transporting a maintenance crew to the platform (23) for performing maintenance work on the platform, a power generator (73) on the craft, at least one operating device (1, 72) on the platform, a line (18) connected to said operating device, and connector means (21) for connecting the line to the power generator (73) such that the latter can supply power to said operating device. Preferably, the or one of the operating devices is a hoisting apparatus (1) for raising the support craft to an elevated position, enabling the crew to transfer from the craft to the platform superstructure to carry out maintenance work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Granherne International Limited
    Inventor: Robert Wilson Robinson
  • Patent number: 6408776
    Abstract: A synchronously driven, multiple cable boat lift is used in combination with proximal and distal support structures located on respective sides of a boat to selectively lift and lower the boat out of and into a body of water. The boat lift includes a motor mountable on the proximal support structure and being selectively driven in opposing first and second directions. A boat accommodating platform is located between the proximal and distal support structures and includes a pair of interconnected cradle beams for extending transversely beneath the boat from the first side to the second side of the boat. Each beam has a proximal portion and a distal portion positionable on the first and second sides of the boat respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Quality Boat Lifts, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn M. McLaughlin, Daniel S. Carter, Charles L. Sargent, John Kohlhauff
  • Patent number: 6408782
    Abstract: A damaged boat floatation system for providing floatation to damaged boats. The damaged boat floatation system includes a floatation assembly including air inflatable tubular members being attached end-to-end to form an endless tube being adapted to fit about sides of a boat; and also includes a compressed air container for filling the endless tube with compressed air; and further includes a carrying case for carrying the floatation assembly and the compress air container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Carl P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6361022
    Abstract: A lifting device for lifting elongate objects such as watercraft from trailers or the like to overhead storage positions has a plurality of individual lines passing over a plurality of pulleys generally configured in a rectangular shape and supported from an overhead support such as a ceiling. First ends of each of the individual lines are attached to slings underlying the watercraft. Second ends of the individual lines pass through gathering means along a longitudinal axis. A multiple purchase block and tackle system also runs along the longitudinal axis, and has first and second ends attached by a hauling line. The individual lines each have second ends attached to the first end of the block and tackle system, so that as the block and tackle first end is moved each of the individual lines is moved simultaneously and an equal distance. Uniform, mechanically advantageous lifting of the watercraft is thereby achieved by manipulation of a single hauling line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Harken, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J Lob, John S Millman
  • Patent number: 6318929
    Abstract: A low-profile watercraft lift having first and second cantilever arms pivotally mounted to a base at offset pivot points for use in shallow water. The lift includes an actuator connected to the first and second cantilever arms and operable to move the first and second cantilever arms between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration with uniform application of force and a minimum amount of travel of actuator components. The lift further includes a universal plate affixed to bunk support rails for pivotally attaching hull support bunks to the support rails and to accommodate attachment of accessories including guide posts and a motor stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Samuel T. Basta
  • Patent number: 6276875
    Abstract: A transporter for use in a method for removing a jacket for an offshore platform includes an oblong structure rotatable by ballasting, with a sliding saddle which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the oblong structure and adapted for securing the jacket, thus enabling the jacket to be moved in relation to the transporter by the sliding saddle after being attached to the sliding saddle and released from the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Offshore Shuttle AS
    Inventors: Foss Gunnar, Per Bull Haugsøen
  • Publication number: 20010006590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stationary boat lift in which a boat is able to enter and exit with little difficulty. The boat lift allows a boat to bypass various barriers in a efficient and safe manner by vertically lifting the boat out of one body of water, translating the boat horizontally over a desired barrier, and then vertically lowering the boat into a second body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Richard B. Bishop, Charles L. Bishop
  • Patent number: 6230639
    Abstract: A single motor, multiple cable boat lift is employed. The lift includes a platform and a pair of pilings disposed on each of the opposing sides of the platform. A first pair of cables innerconnect one side of the platform with the first pair of pilings and second pair of cables innerconnect the opposite side of the platform with the second pair of pilings. There is a single motor and a cable transmission apparatus that operably innerconnects the motor and all cables such that operation of the motor selectively retracts and extends the cables in a synchronized manner to raise and lower the lift platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Quality Boat Lifts, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn M. McLaughlin, Daniel S. Carter, Charles L. Sargent, John Kohlhauff
  • Patent number: 6152065
    Abstract: A dock, for launching and recovery of a lifeboat, rescue boat or like small boat on a vessel, a floating platform or a fixed installation. The boat (14) is normally stored on the dock. The dock is provided with buoyant elements (1) fixed to a frame (3). The boat (14) is supported in a cradle (2) within the frame (3). On launching and recovery of the boat (14), the dock is lowered to a floating position on the surface of the water. In order to fix the boat (14) to the dock, a locking device (9, 15) is provided. By modifying the configuration and size of the buoyant elements, the dock is given rolling and pitching periods which coincide as closely as possible with those of the boat (14). The dock and the boat (14) will thereby behave in approximately the same manner in the water, which makes it relatively simple to run the boat (14) into the dock even in a very heavy sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jan Gronstrand
  • Patent number: 6131528
    Abstract: A docking apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart primary buoyancy bodies and cradle assemblies extending between the bodies, the primary buoyancy bodies being capable of being filled with water and thus submerged, to enable a water craft to be positioned over the cradle assemblies and lifted clear of the water when water is expelled from the bodies. The cradles include flexible sheets of a V-shaped configuration which adjust to the shape of the water craft seating thereon to enable the docking apparatus to be used with a range of hulls of different forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Michael Kilpatrick Meek
    Inventors: Michael Kilpatrick Meek, David Alexander McKean, Craig Thomas Marriot
  • Patent number: 6122994
    Abstract: A housing for at least partially housing a boat lift pulley of a boat lift includes a main wall having a substantially vertically disposed wall portion defining an inwardly opening generally concave chamber adapted to at least partially receive therein a boat lift pulley. The main wall includes vertical and horizontal planes disposed substantially normal to each other with the concave chamber being offset to one side of the vertical plane. First and second wall portions of the main wall located at opposite sides of the horizontal plane are adapted for selective removal whereby a gear driven shaft can project therethrough to adapt a housing for selective utilization in either of two positions of installation oriented 180.degree. relative to each other. A peripheral edge portion of the main wall preferably includes symmetrically located fasteners for securing the housing to a companion housing in each of the two positions of 180.degree. oriented installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Norfolk Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn P. Norfolk, David Charles Peterson, Jr., Ronald Price Ranere, Russell V. Welton, J. David Augustine
  • Patent number: 6092961
    Abstract: A beach ramp system for watercrafts comprising at least one set of rails, each set including two rails. Each rail has a cross-section with aligned holes and an axle. Each rail also includes an aperture above the aligned holes with an elastomeric roller support rotatably supported on each axle and extending upwardly through the aperture to thereby constitute a watercraft support. Flanges are located at each end of each rail with openings therethrough. At least one Y-shaped post is provided with each post having an extent cemented in the ground and two upper extents attached to and supporting the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Kilgore
  • Patent number: 6033148
    Abstract: A boat lift motor and drive assembly includes a rigid mounting plate supporting a boat lift motor, a drive shaft thereof carrying a drive pulley, a pulley belt entrained about the drive pulley and a driven pulley, the driven pulley being connected to a shaft of a worm gear, the worm gear being in mesh with a drive gear, and the drive gear being connected to an output shaft which is in turn connected to a reel having wound thereon a boat lift cable which is connected to a boat platform for lifting and lowering a boat resting thereon. The lift motor and drive assembly as covered by a housing defined by first and second housing bodies with a first of the housing bodies including a recess for receiving the driven pulley and accommodating the same and also including a frusto-conical wall defining a protective shroud for the winding reel shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Norfolk Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn P. Norfolk, David Charles Peterson, Jr., Ronald Price Ranere, Russell V. Welton
  • Patent number: 5934826
    Abstract: A combination boat lift apparatus and piling securable to the bottom of a body of water. The boat lift apparatus includes an elongated upright outer tubular member preferably of p.v.c. tubing which has its lower end portion secured into the bottom and filled with concrete or like curable strengthening material. A drive motor is operably mounted within an upper portion near an upper end of the outer tubular member operably connected to a moveable plate mounted for slidable translation within the upper portion. An elongated longitudinally extending slot is formed through a wall of the outer tubular member for receiving a connecting portion of a boat support which is dependently connected to the moveable plate. An inner tubular member may also be provided and is preferred for added strength. The entire arrangement provides a long-lived piling structure which protectively houses the drive equipment for boat lift and support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Peter W. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 5919000
    Abstract: A hydraulic boat lift is mounted in a body of water by adjustable legs which penetrate the bottom for lateral stability. Each leg has a vertically adjustable foot to engage the bottom for maintaining a base frame horizontal. A pair of boat supporting elements are swingably mounted to the frame by pivoting rigid arms. Diagonally mounted hydraulic cylinder or cylinders driven by water pressure from a pump or municipal supply swing the support elements and a boat thereon up out of the water. A pawl on the cylinder engages recesses in the shaft of the piston to lock the elevated position. The only way to unlock is to advance the piston which forces the pawl out. The pawl must be held out while the piston is retracted. A water aspirator withdraws water from the cylinder to lower the support elements for low tide lifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Charles T. Unkle
  • Patent number: 5915877
    Abstract: A positive drive boat lift apparatus includes a support structure located proximate a body of water. There is an elongate threaded shaft disposed adjacent to the support structure and extending in a substantially vertical direction. A nut threadably engages the shaft. There is a boat accommodating platform and one of the shaft and the nut are attached to the platform. The other of the shaft and the nut are rotatably mounted to the support structure. The shaft and the nut are rotated relative to one another in a first direction to raise the shaft relative to the nut and in an opposite second direction to lower the shaft relative to the nut, whereby the platform and a boat accommodated thereon are selectively lifted and lowered relative to the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Quality Boat Lift, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Sargent, Daniel S. Carter
  • Patent number: 5908264
    Abstract: A watercraft lift having raised and lowered positions is provided. The lift includes a substantially rectangular base (10) with longitudinal side beams (34) and front, rear, and intermediate transverse beams (28), (30), (32) connected to the longitudinal beams. The intermediate transverse beam (32) is located between the front and rear transverse beams (28), (30) and at a height lower than the front and rear transverse beams. Forward booms (12) are pivotably connected to the base (10) at a location near the front transverse beam (28). Rear booms (14) are pivotably connected to the base at a location near the intermediate transverse beam (32). A watercraft support platform (24) is pivotally connected to the forward and rear booms (12), (14). The raising and lowering of the lift of the present invention is accomplished by an actuation assembly (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hey
  • Patent number: 5890835
    Abstract: A hydraulic lift for raising a boat out of water into a raised storage position is proposed. Pivoting booms are connected to a frame that is supportable by a bed of a body of water. A boat rack is provided at an upper portion of the pivoting booms. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and a lower portion of the pivoting booms. The pivoting booms are selectively adjustable between a lowered position wherein the rack is submerged in the water and a raised storage position wherein the rack is raised above the water. The position of the pivoting booms is controlled by a ram of the hydraulic cylinder. Importantly, the pivoting booms are maintained in the raised storage position when the ram is in a retracted position which protects the ram from corrosion and fouling. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting booms are rotated over center when they are in the raised storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Samuel T. Basta, Bob Koerselman, Steve Kleinwolterink, Mark Schmeling
  • Patent number: 5888019
    Abstract: A walking hoist has a pair of elongated parallel laterally spaced side members with opposite ends. A downwardly extending leg with upper and lower ends is rigidly secured to the ends of each side member. A pair of U-shaped crank members are rotatably secured to and extend between adjacent ends of the side members. The U-shaped cranks each have a bearing member secured to the upper ends of the legs. The crank arms are secured to the bearings and extend radially therefrom in a parallel direction and terminate in an outer end. A horizontal shaft extends between pairs of said crank arms at each end of the legs of the side members. The crank arms are longer than the legs. A circular drive disk is rigidly and operatively secured to the lower ends of the crank arms adjacent the opposite ends of at least one of the side members. A rotational drive assembly is operatively connected to the drive disk to rotate the drive disk in unison in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Donald D. Quastad