Boat Carrying Type Patents (Class 280/414.1)
  • Patent number: 11958536
    Abstract: An improved trailer chassis assembly primarily constructed from extruded components including an extruded chassis rail component, a cross member component and a connector component. The component has a wall surface defining an interior channel and an opening in the wall surface extending through the wall surface to the interior channel. The connector component has a first region adapted to engage with the interior space of the chassis rail component, and a second region adapted to engage with the cross member component. The interior space of the chassis rail component is adapted to capture movement of the first region of the connector component in vertical and horizontal planes, and yields movement in the axial plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: FUTURA IP LIMITED
    Inventor: Glen Reid
  • Patent number: 11919433
    Abstract: The method and use of the padding and underlayment device and method disclosed is directed to method and device for supporting the hull of a watercraft using a bunk board with an underlayment pad or cushion attached to the bunk board, the underlayment pad cushion is constructed with an closed cell foam structure that has little to no water absorption and is 2.5 mm to 12 mm thick, the method also includes the option utilizing closed cell foam as bunk board cover over the bunk board padding and underlayment closed cell foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventors: Paul M Engle, Paul J Engle
  • Patent number: 11613318
    Abstract: A trailer cart includes a frame having a front end, a rear end and sides. A wheel assembly is attached to the frame. The wheel assembly includes an axle and a pair of wheels. A tongue is attached to and extends from the front end of the frame. The tongue includes a trailer coupler configured to secure to a trailer ball. A winch assembly is attached to the trailer. The winch assembly includes an upright post and a winch attached to the upright post. The winch assembly is attached to at least one of the tongue and the frame and is disposed near the front end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Ray Comeaux
  • Patent number: 11603027
    Abstract: A lighted guide post assembly for a boat trailer is provided. The assembly includes a square tubular angled support post that attaches to a boat trailer, a translucent circular outer tube that covers the square support post, and strips of lights that suspend within the interior of the outer tube between the outer tube and the square support post. This arrangement allows the guide post to glow on four sides without light bleeding together from adjacent sides of the guide post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Inventor: Jonathan Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11390310
    Abstract: A handcart may include a drive wheel; a prime mover configured to rotate the drive wheel; a grip portion configured to be gripped by a user; and a visibly noticeable portion that is clearly noticeable from behind the user when the user stands behind the handcart, gripping the grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kutsuna, Toshihiro Tomita, Susumu Kato, Tomonobu Nashimoto, Kohei Oishi
  • Patent number: 11046231
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be configured to allow loading of a boat in the water for the purpose of removing the boat from the water using the enclosed boat trailer to engage the boat for storage and/or transportation. An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be comprised of a roller system positioned on the floor and a right and left rear arm adjacent a rear opening in the enclosed boat trailer. In an illustrative method of use, a boat operator may load and/or unload the boat into the water from the enclosed boat trailer without leaving the boat and without additional personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Shield Boat Trailers, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Pruss, Matthew J. Pruss
  • Patent number: 11027802
    Abstract: An alignment guide for a pontoon boat lift that includes a pair of laterally spaced rails, where the spacing corresponds to the spacing between the pontoon floats. The rails are attached to the boat lift by adjustable brackets, so they are positioned at an elevation above the waterline of the pontoon floats, and below the deck that is supported by the floats. A stop bar is positioned at an elevation above the boat motor and extends between rail extensions that are directed downwardly and rearwardly from the spaced rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Midwest Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon W. Devitt
  • Patent number: 10739600
    Abstract: A head-mounted display (HMD) is described. The HMD includes a facial interface made of resilient material that deforms to match a user's facial contour when the HMD is worn by the user. The HMD also includes a rigid body housing a display panel and open at a side facing the facial interface. A plurality of springs couple the facial interface to the rigid body and apply a resilient force pushing the facial interface away from the rigid body when the HMD is worn by the user. Furthermore, at least one fastener secures the plurality of springs to the facial interface or the rigid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Phillip Yee
  • Patent number: 10730425
    Abstract: A boat loading guide system for use on a boat trailer and particularly for pontoon boats and the like. The boat loading guide is highly visible during loading, comprising two guide posts visible throughout the loading process. When not in use, or when towing the trailer, the guide posts are stowed such that the trailer and guide posts do not exceed a pre-determined width, and thus the trailer will be able to be operated legally on public roadways. The guide posts can be of sufficient length so that even when the rear portion of the trailer is well submerged, the guide posts will extend above the surface of the water and be visible to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Alex Yanyk
  • Patent number: 10703399
    Abstract: A trailer assembly is provided for a wagon. The trailer assembly has a trailer frame comprising a first frame pivotally connected to the wagon, a second frame pivotally connected to the wagon, and a first link pivotally connecting the first frame to the second frame. The trailer frame is positionable between a first or use position and a second or folded position, A wheel is rotatedly connected to the trailer frame to support the trailer frame in the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Collin Ostergaard, Daniel Gulick
  • Patent number: 10518852
    Abstract: A watercraft bunk assembly includes a lower base that is secured to a support post of a boat lift or other boat supporting structure. A separate upper base is slidably interengaged with the lower base. The upper base is configured to carry a cushion component at an angular inclination for engaging and supporting a boat or other watercraft. Various upper bases having different respective configurations may be interchangeably engaged with the lower base, which enables the bunk assembly to be used for supporting a number of different types of boats and hull configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: William Golden
  • Patent number: 10479259
    Abstract: A composite design bunk rail system comprises low coefficient of friction adjustable slides with a shock absorbing base, simplifying and precluding damages from loading and handling vehicles, a supporting structure, and adjustable support frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Warren Timothy Gabhart
  • Patent number: 10422722
    Abstract: A modular cart for use with an anthropomorphic test device, an assembly including an anthropomorphic test device and a method of placing an anthropomorphic test device on a modular cart. The cart includes a wheeled base with a pair of upstanding posts that together with members that can be interchangeably secured to one of the posts in order to form one of a storage position or a ready-to-test position. In this way, when an anthropomorphic test device is placed on the cart between these members, the members and the posts cooperate with one another to have the anthropomorphic test device be in a generally seating position that can accommodate both storage and testing without having to reposition the anthropomorphic test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared P. Vogt, Scott M. Gordon
  • Patent number: 10377457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a craft in the form of a body to be sat or laid upon by a user and provided with power for use in a body of water. There is also provided a method for the use of the craft in game play and the use of the same in a manner which allows the power source for the drive to be managed. A system for transport, charging and/or communication with the craft from onshore is also provided, along with a system to allow the use of the craft within a specified area on the body of water to be maintained and controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Bod-Jet Global Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Lomax
  • Patent number: 10351041
    Abstract: A boat loading guiding system includes a trailer including a frame having a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the front and rear ends. A mount is attached to the frame and is aligned with the longitudinal axis. A horizontally orientated axle is attached to the mount and is orientated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The axle extends through each of a pair of arms adjacent to their first ends. The arms extend toward the front end and are pivotable to form an angle with respect to a top side of the primary support between 85° and 5°. A guide roller, for engaging a keel, extends between and is rotatably coupled to the arms adjacent to their second ends. A biasing member biases the second end of the arms upwardly above the top side of the primary support and toward a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Eigenheer
  • Patent number: 10214229
    Abstract: A cart and dolly system designed to traverse walkways with heavy loads such as air-conditioning units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: R. Courtney Brown
  • Patent number: 10124822
    Abstract: A trailer dolly can include various features to be adjustable between a manual configuration and a vehicular towing configuration. In the manual configuration, a user can manually maneuver the trailer dolly to position the trailer, such as by using one or more retractable handles. Where the user desires to maneuver the trailer with a vehicle, the trailer dolly can be adjusted to the vehicle towing configuration. In an example, the trailer dolly can be coupled to the vehicle with a second hitch attached to the trailer dolly, the second hitch located distally along the tow bar with respect to the trailer hitch supporting the trailer load. Accordingly, the trailer dolly can be used for both manual and vehicular applications and the user can transition between the manual and vehicular configurations while the trailer is hitched to the trailer dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Shanghai Cartec Industrial and Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Nielsen, Yonghua Xie
  • Patent number: 9896021
    Abstract: A light mount assembly for coupling with a light fixture for attachment to the guide posts of a boat trailer. This invention focuses on an improved assembly for attaching light fixtures to the guide posts of boat trailers without reconfiguring the lighting system or the guide posts. The light mount assembly serves as a universal adapter for attaching brake or turning signal lights to the elevated position on the guide posts of a boat trailer. The assembly with its contiguous components provides a protective covering for the electrical wires of the light fixture and the coupled apparatus is easily attached to the guide posts using an adhesive, welding or screws as a fastening means. The light mount assembly requires little or no maintenance, is made from noncorrosive and durable material, and allows for the easy replacement of the light fixture without removal of the assembly form the guide posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: John Speropoulos
  • Patent number: 9771013
    Abstract: A sheet of polymeric material that is constructed to be coiled into a roll while in a substantially flat configuration. The sheet is positionable over a load bearing surface and at least partially around side surfaces of a bunk of a trailer. The sheet of polymeric material has at least two living hinges that are disposed along a length of the sheet and are substantially parallel to opposing side edges. The living hinges provide areas for the sheet to flex which allows the sheet of material to be manipulated about the trailer bunk. The sheet includes a top surface is configured to contact the trailer bunk where the top surface includes a plurality of ribs extending parallel to the opposing side edges and along a length of the sheet. The plurality of ribs is spaced apart and defines channels there-between that are configured to drain water from the trailer bunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Caliber, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest J. Delanghe, Paul Dathe
  • Patent number: 9758223
    Abstract: A blu water lift system for personal watercraft docking systems to raise and lower a personal watercraft into water and retain the personal watercraft for transport. The blu water lift system may be removably attached to boat and a remote activator can be used to manipulate a watercraft between an in-transport condition and a non-transport condition. The blu water lift system may include a carriage structure with a hull-resting plate, at least one carriage rail and at least one pivot mounting arm with at least one bracket assembly, attachment means, and electrically-operated actuator. The blu water lift assembly may be used to removably attach a frame and a carriage structure to a watercraft, operating the at least one pivot mounting arm and operating a loading ramp. Blu water lift systems may be made of corrosion-resistant materials to promote longevity in water-environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Blu Alexander Gagno
  • Patent number: 9744895
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a visual guidance system for a boat trailer that can include a housing defining a cavity, the housing having a plurality of openings such that fluid can pass into the cavity, a first track and a second track, where the first track and the second track have a substantially vertical orientation, and a laser head mounted on the first track and the second track that can include a housing, a laser module positioned within the housing that is configured to provide a first illumination beam, and a float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: AQUALANE, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Karl Wiegand, Dilshan Thilina Modaragamage
  • Patent number: 9738141
    Abstract: In this vehicle, a rear opening is formed across the entire rear surface of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, a tailgate capable of opening and closing the rear opening is attached to the vehicle body so as to be capable of swinging up and down, a passenger opening is formed that allows passengers to enter and exit through the tailgate, and a seat is provided adjacently to the rear surface. The passenger opening is formed in a portion of the rear surface in the vehicle width direction. One end of the seat in the vehicle width direction is positioned on one end of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction, and the other end of the seat in the vehicle width direction is positioned in a portion overlapping with the passenger opening in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoki Yamaguchi, Hitoshi Hakamada, Seiji Honda
  • Patent number: 9718390
    Abstract: The aircraft transport trailer enables the loading, transporting, and unloading of a helicopter. The transport trailer comprises a wheeled trailer having a power unit, a height adjustable roller platform having a first position for loading or unloading the helicopter and a second position for transporting the helicopter, and a winch for moving the helicopter, the winch being power driven, the winch pulling the helicopter forward and releasing backward, a strap assembly being connected to the winch, and a pair of micro-switches positioned upon the trailer in cooperative engagement with the winch. Each micro-switch is positioned upon the trailer proximate to a cushioned bumper and to a towing position for the helicopter. The pair of micro-switches cut the power to the winch as the helicopter skids or wheels touch the micro-switch thereby properly positioning the helicopter upon the platform of trailer for when the trailer is raised to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: William Wade Hadley, Laurie J. Hadley, Charles Lee Phy
  • Patent number: 9555732
    Abstract: Disclosed are hinged and non-hinged bunk board cover systems for mating over a bunk board component of a watercraft trailer. An exemplary hinged embodiment includes a main contact surface component sized to substantially cover a top surface of the bunk board component and a pair of side fastener surface components connected to the main contact surface component via a pair of hinge components. The main contact surface component, hinge components and side fastener surface components may be co-extruded into a single, “cut to length” ribbon that can be formed into a bulk roll. It is envisioned that certain embodiments may be constructed from thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: REESE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis Harms, Jr., Robert Ellingson
  • Patent number: 9550445
    Abstract: A loading module is configured to accommodate at least two vehicles. The loading module comprises a lower loading plate, an upper loading plate and a front device which connects the two loading plates. Two hydraulic cylinders are provided at a respective side of the loading plates and are arranged to enable displacement of the upper loading plate between a lower position and an upper position. The two hydraulic cylinders extend in a direction which together with the lower loading plate forms an acute angle having the tip directed towards the forward end when the upper loading plate is located in the lower and the upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NJEH i Roslagen AB
    Inventor: Nils Holmgren
  • Patent number: 9505291
    Abstract: A vehicle having a rear opening formed across the entire rear surface of the vehicle body, a tailgate attached to the vehicle body so as to be capable of swinging up and down and so as to open and close the rear opening, a passenger opening formed in a portion of the tailgate in the vehicle width direction for allowing passengers to board, and a door attached to the tailgate so as to be capable of opening and closing the passenger opening. A door latch which maintains the door in a closed state is attached to the door. A release operation means which can release the door latch is provided on the surface of the door inside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoki Yamaguchi, Hitoshi Hakamada, Seiji Honda
  • Patent number: 9487274
    Abstract: Floating dock suitable for docking sailboats comprising a floating deck area and two floating arms extending therefrom, the arms having interior edges adjacent an open area therebetween which, in use, is open to the water below, characterized in that the dock further comprises: a support bracket attachable to the interior edges of the arms and adapted to resist a force urging said arms apart; and an arrangement of rollers upstanding from the dock and adapted to support the underside of a boat guided thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MARINE IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Phillip Hancock, Christopher Wilson, Jamie Hooper
  • Patent number: 9440576
    Abstract: A trailer assembly for simultaneously transporting a personal watercraft and a pontoon includes a trailer that may be towed. A first support is hingedly coupled to the trailer and the first support may support a pontoon. A second support is coupled to the trailer and the second support may support a personal watercraft beneath the pontoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Jack Wierzba
  • Patent number: 9403559
    Abstract: A helicopter transport apparatus comprising a multi-wheel trailer comprising a platform, a torsion bar axle and suspension system, a hydraulic power unit, hydraulic lift cylinders, a winch, and a means of adjusting the height of the trailer over the range of elevations required for loading, unloading, and transporting a helicopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: William Wade Hadley, Laurie F. Hadley, Charles Lee Phy
  • Patent number: 9346388
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to an adaptable boat trailer for safely and gently storing, transporting, launching, and recovering a boat. The boat may be a wooden pleasure boat from 18 to 34 feet in length. The adaptable boat trailer comprises a trailer frame, a cover assembly, a rear suspension assembly having wheels, and a front suspension assembly. The cover assembly may include a fixed cabin and a retractable tarp assembly rearward of the fixed cabin. The front suspension assembly is configured for independently raising and lowering the front end of the adaptable boat trailer to clear a hump on a ramp, for example. The rear suspension assembly is configured for raising and lowering the rear end of the trailer frame to launch or recover the boat and escape a washout. A rescue flange may be included forward of the wheels to assist in rescue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: PRODUCTS 21ST LLC
    Inventors: James H. Aamodt, Todd S. Langenbach
  • Patent number: 9321390
    Abstract: A trailer is provided for removing a boat lift from a body of water. The trailer has a trailer body with a stationary axle at one end thereof. A lifting surface is movably positioned relative to the trailer body and is movable upwardly therefrom with a scissor lift. A pivoting axle assembly is provided on the trailer body so as to lift the wheels of the stationary axle to allow for the trailer to be moved within the boat lift. When the wheels of the stationary axle are lowered by raising the pivoting axle assembly, the lifting surface can then be moved upwardly so as to contact and lift the boat lift out of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Gary Bryant, Brady Bryant
  • Patent number: 9308851
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a visual guidance system for a boat trailer that can include a housing defining a cavity, the housing having a plurality of openings such that fluid can pass into the cavity, a first track and a second track, where the first track and the second track have a substantially vertical orientation, and a laser head mounted on the first track and the second track that can include a housing, a laser module positioned within the housing that is configured to provide a first illumination beam, and a float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: AQUALANE, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Karl Wiegand, Dilshan Thilina Modaragamage
  • Publication number: 20150102582
    Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed herein. The vehicle system includes first and second shell members, each extending along respective first and second axes between respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member also includes respective hull walls extending along the respective axes, interconnecting the respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member defines respective volumes of space accessible through respective perimeters. The vehicle system also includes a first hinge assembly interconnecting the first shell member and the second shell member. The first hinge assembly is mounted to the first junction end and to the second junction end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Allan R. Delorme, Jonathan M. Dusterhoft
  • Publication number: 20150093197
    Abstract: A boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway. The guide assembly includes a beam with a horizontal and a vertical element which includes a first end and a second end. A first vertical frame is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element. A slider apparatus is coupled to each of the first vertical frame and second vertical frame. A first door and a second door is coupled to the slider apparatus and a first roller coupled to the first door, and a second roller coupled to the second door. A boat lift is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly and includes a structural platform on which the boat is to be docked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: DOCKER, LLC
    Inventors: Rosario D. Rizzo, William Groves
  • Patent number: 8888119
    Abstract: The device sometimes called a boat ramp buddy is a generally triangular device that attaches to a trailer frame. The device is used to help the trailer skid across uneven or washed out boat ramps or uneven ground so as not to damage the trailer itself or remove its wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Guetersloh
  • Patent number: 8876140
    Abstract: A trailer assembly operable to transport vehicles includes a first frame section adapted to be directly selectively couplable to a trailer hitch of an automobile, has at least two spring suspensions coupled thereto, and has at least two tires coupled to the frame section by the at least two spring suspensions. A second frame section is selectively and rotatably coupled to the first frame section and an offset axle is coupled at opposing distal ends thereof to the at least two spring suspensions and coupled along its length to the second frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Lloyd Barnett
  • Publication number: 20140246842
    Abstract: The following specification discloses a boat trailer equipped with a powered boat launch and retrieval system that negates the shallow entry of a launch ramp. The system consists of six main components. 1. A custom bow eye. 2. A damping push/pull bar. 3. An “A” frame weldment with pivotal (base) ends attached to the trailer, and pivotal forked (apex) ends bilaterally positioned over the bow eye, to support the bow load, through the damping push/pull bar. 4. A dual purpose pneumatic cylinder of size and length to power the “A” frame weldment aft to the buoyancy position and also to control the forward gravitational descent of the bow back to the towing/storage position. 5. A removable two piece triangular yoke to facilitate retrieval and containment. 6. A retrieval winch of sufficient size to retrieve items one through five of the above, back to the towing/storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: James J. Kirchhan
  • Patent number: 8820767
    Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for changing the height of a load supporting portion of a trailer. An axle is rotatably connected to a trailer frame of the trailer for rotation between a towing position and a loading position. The axle has a first portion and a pair of axle shafts that are resiliently mounted with respect to the first portion for rotation over a limited angular range of motion and are biased toward a neutral position. A pair of opposed pivot arms are rotatable in response to rotation of the axle between the towing position and the loading position. The pivot arms are rotatable with the axle shaft of the axle in response to rotation of the axle shaft with respect to the central portion of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Raizer Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Kelly Osborne
  • Publication number: 20140131976
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, is an improved boat trailer bow mount step device that can be attached to an existing boat trailer and that enables a user to more easily and safely access the bow portion of a boat. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved bow mounted step may be comprised of a neck portion, a cross beam, two step portions to enable an individual to access the bow of a boat from either side, a mounting bracket, and a fastening means for securing said step device to a boat trailer and/or a winch post. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved bow mounted step may be comprised of a cross beam, two step portions, and a pair of spaced apart mounting brackets and fasteners for mounting said device to a frame tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Morris Olds
  • Patent number: 8684412
    Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer. The trailer is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. Intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge to be inserted into a female edge to create an exceedingly strong, interlocking hinge-like structure. The deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools. The deck segments, when disassembled, are stackable into a condensed deck stack. A foldable suspension facilitates the stackable storage and transportation of the trailer. The trailer is convertible into a cargo platform that can be attached directly to a conventional trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Karl M. Steins
  • Patent number: 8657553
    Abstract: A loading device and method hydraulically support or move rollers, in order to deal with loading unloading bulky or heavy objects, such as a boat from a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen S. Rasmussen, Bernhard Koszewa
  • Patent number: 8651508
    Abstract: A portable trailer dock system features a floating dock assembly pivotally mounted atop a trailer frame to allow elevating of a free end of the floating dock assembly above the corresponding distal end of the trailer opposite the towing end thereof so that the dock can be held above the water surface when the trailer is backed into a body of water to temporarily install the dock thereat. In another embodiment, the connection between the dock and trailer is releasable to allow floating of the dock further out over the water. Another embodiment features a cover disposed over an a-frame neck of the trailer and a pair of extensions pivotally mounted to opposite sides of the neck for selective pivoting into deployed positions cooperating with the a-frame cover to form a walkway between the dock and the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Preston Woodhouse
  • Patent number: 8628105
    Abstract: A pair of bunk board guide-on post assemblies 30, 31 are mounted on opposite sides of the frame 20 of a boat trailer 4 just at the aft ends of the bunk boards 25, 26 of the trailer. The guide-on post assemblies each include a rectilinear upwardly extending support bar 38 that defines a longitudinal slot 50, and a buoyant guide-on post 44 is telescopically mounted downwardly about the support bar 38 and defines a laterally extending connector opening 52 that registers with the longitudinal slot. A connector pin 54 extends through the laterally extending connector opening of the guide-on post and through the longitudinal slot of the upwardly extending support bar so that the buoyancy of the guide-on posts telescopes upwardly in response to partial immersion of the bunk boards of the boat trailer, providing a visual indication of the location of the submerged ends of the bunk boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 8596906
    Abstract: An assembly for attaching to a boat lift 12 includes a boat lift 12 attachment mechanism 70 for attaching to the boat lift 12; an outer support 24; an inner support 26 slidable within an interior of the outer support 24; a tire 22 attached to the inner support 26; and a stop member 82 extending from the outer support 24 to engage the tire 22 when the inner support 26 is retracted into the outer support 24. An outer surface of the inner support 26 is configured to be mateable with an inner surface of the outer support 24, thereby preventing rotation therein while permitting longitudinal movement with respect to the outer support 24. In another aspect, an assembly includes an axle 54 attached to the inner support 26 for the attachment of a ground engaging member. A method of leveling a boat lift 12 includes causing substantially vertical movements of first and second portions of the boat lift 12 until the boat lift 12 is horizontally level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Smarte Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Dana Haliberg, Dan Coates
  • Patent number: 8590916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automatically connecting a watercraft to a trailer. The invention permits a watercraft to be connected to a submerged trailer so that the watercraft can be withdrawn from a body of water by a single operator. The systems and methods of the invention incorporate a bow target guide which guides the operator of a watercraft to a catch mechanism so that a connection between the trailer and watercraft can be made automatically. The systems of the invention may be provided as a kit for modifying an existing trailer, or they may form an integral component of a trailer. Methods of making and using the present system are within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Velton
  • Publication number: 20130207368
    Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Indigo Sierra Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Indigo Sierra Pty Ltd
  • Patent number: 8505948
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an arm structure adapted for a boat transportation carriage. The boat transportation carriage may include a first frame portion and a second frame portion, with a third frame portion adapted to interconnect said two frame portions. Said arm structure may include a vertical arm portion and a horizontal arm portion, with the lower portion of the vertical arm portion being adapted indirectly to to rest against a chassis of the boat transportation carriage and its frame portion for supporting vertical loads. Between the lower portion of the horizontal arm portion and the upper portion of said chassis or frame portion and in adherement to the vertical arm portion there rests a support plate having a supporting surface for supporting cooperation with the horizontal arm portion and this supporting surface is disposed within a chosen intermediate area of said horizontal arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Sublift AB
    Inventor: Ingmar Granlind
  • Publication number: 20130147156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automatically connecting a watercraft to a trailer. The invention permits a watercraft to be connected to a submerged trailer so that the watercraft can be withdrawn from a body of water by a single operator. The systems and methods of the invention incorporate a bow target guide which guides the operator of a watercraft to a catch mechanism so that a connection between the trailer and watercraft can be made automatically. The systems of the invention may be provided as a kit for modifying an existing trailer, or they may form an integral component of a trailer. Methods of making and using the present system are within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: PAUL VELTON
  • Patent number: 8403353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of boat trailers, and in particular, to boat trailers with rotatable support structures. The boat trailer includes a front end configured for hitching to a towing vehicle, a rear end, a wheel assembly disposed between the front and rear ends for rolling engagement with the ground and a support frame assembly carried on the wheel assembly. The support frame assembly has a lower base frame portion and an upper carousel frame portion superimposed on, and pivotally connected to, the base frame portion. The carousel frame portion is configured to support a boat thereon. Also provided is a support frame lifting assembly connected to the support frame assembly and the wheel assembly. The support frame lifting assembly is operable to raise at least a portion of the support frame assembly above the wheel assembly so as to permit rotation of the carousel frame portion relative to the base frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Andrew Fink Marine Limited, Maxiloda Corp.
    Inventor: Andrew James Fink
  • Publication number: 20130056955
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an arm structure (22, 22?) adapted for a boat transportation carriage (1), said boat transportation carriage being adapted to exhibit two elongated frame portions, a first frame portion (1a) and a second frame portion (1b), with a third frame portion (1c?) adapted to interconnect said two frame portions. Said arm structure (22, 22?) is adapted to exhibit on the one hand a vertically ex-tended arm portion (22) and on the other hand a horizontally extended arm portion (23), with the lower portion of the vertically extended arm portion (22) being adapted indirectly to be able to rest against a chassis (“C”) belonging to the boat transportation carriage (1) and its frame portion (1b) for taking up its allotted portion of the vertical loads,which are to be referred to the deplacement of a boat carried by the boat transportation carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Sublift AB
    Inventor: Ingmar Granlind