Boat Carrying Type Patents (Class 280/414.1)
  • Patent number: 8376684
    Abstract: A loader and carrier apparatus for recreational vehicles such as boats, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles. The loader and carrier apparatus includes a rack assembly mountable on a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, as well as a wheeled trailer assembly with an upwardly slanted front end. A winch is connected to the rack assembly and functions to pull the slanted front end of the trailer assembly into engagement with a lower horizontal crossbar of the rack assembly so as to guide the frame in an upward direction and thereafter pulls the frame of the trailer assembly over a middle horizontal crossbar until the trailer assembly is caused to rotate to a substantially horizontal position on the rack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Pedro A. Juarez-Ortega
  • Patent number: 8356830
    Abstract: A platform assembly for a trailer includes a first bracket and a platform. The first bracket is configured to be fixed to the trailer. The platform is coupled to the first bracket and rotatable about a lateral axis of the trailer when the first bracket is fixed to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph N. DesJardin
  • Patent number: 8322739
    Abstract: A boat trailer step assist includes a first and second support arm in pivotal relation to one another which provide steps that assist a user in entering or exiting a boat when trailered or in the process of being trailered. The support arms are arranged at an angle relative to the trailer tongue, with the first step at the level of the trailer tongue. When not in use, the second support arm pivots downward for compact stowage. When deployed, the support arms are in alignment with one another. A grab handle may be provided to assist the user in climbing or descending the steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Fair, Michael Hacker
  • Patent number: 8302986
    Abstract: An aquatic storage trailer and carrier provide storage and transport of items by a personal watercraft and land transport of both the aquatic trailer and personal watercraft. The aquatic trailer and carrier include a container having a lid portion hingedly coupled to a hull portion. The hull portion and the lid portion form an interior space configured for item storage. A tow arm has a U-shaped portion having free ends coupled to the container. An extension portion of the tow arm is configured for coupling to a watercraft to tow the container on a water surface using the watercraft. A carrier is provided having a watercraft cradle configured for supporting the watercraft. The carrier also has a pair of cradle arms selectively couplable to the container to support the container on the carrier during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Delbert R. Shilts
  • Patent number: 8297637
    Abstract: A watercraft trailer has a watercraft receiving portion and a lower frame adapted to support a watercraft in the watercraft receiving portion. The lower frame has at least one longitudinally extending lower frame member. The trailer also has a hitch coupler connected to a front of the lower frame, a first wheel and a second wheel operatively connected to the lower frame, and a walk board connected to the lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fournier, Joey Larouche, Daniel Mercier, Bruno Girouard, Hugo Brisson, Christian Labbe
  • Publication number: 20120261898
    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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • 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: 8256789
    Abstract: A device for guiding a boat onto a trailer, the trailer having at least two longitudinal side rails, the device including a mounting assembly for attachment to a side rail to provide for transverse adjustment relative to the side rail's longitudinal axis and a bumper assembly attached to the mounting assembly and having at least one bumper mechanism that moves between an engaged position in which the device guides the boat into an aligned position on the trailer and a disengaged position in which the bumper mechanism is moved away from the boat to avoid contact with the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Charles E. Bryant, II
  • Patent number: 8246066
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for an automatic mechanically-operated tarp/cover system specifically built for boats but which can be used with other types of vehicles. The present invention is intended for use with conventional boat trailers having a tongue and a pair of rear wheels which is designed to be attached to and pulled on the rear end of a towing vehicle. The present invention comprises a U-shaped hoop which is connected approximately intermediate the length of the trailer having one end of the a cover/tarp connected on the distal end of the hoop and the other end of the cover/tarp rolled up on and stored on a tarp bar mounted by a frame to the front portion of the trailer wherein the tarp/cover is carried on the tarp bar, which bar is turned by an electrical motor adapted for connection to the tarp bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Adam Allen, Chris Allen
  • Publication number: 20120090526
    Abstract: A combination boat and travel trailer system having a main body portion and a bow portion. The bow portion movable between a raised position relative to the main body portion to facilitate towing of the boat and travel trailer and a lowered position to facilitate in-water use as a boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Albert Posthumus
  • Publication number: 20120091688
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicants: Maxiloda Corporation, Andrew Fink Marine Limited
    Inventor: Andrew James FINK
  • Patent number: 8152193
    Abstract: A method of securing a watercraft to a watercraft trailer is disclosed. The method includes driving the watercraft in a watercraft receiving portion of the trailer, moving a lever towards a front of the trailer in response to a hull of the watercraft coming into contact with the lever, and retaining a pin connected to the hull of the watercraft in response to the lever moving towards the front of the trailer. A method of releasing a watercraft from a watercraft trailer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Brisson, Christian Labbe, Daniel Mercier, Joey Larouche, Bruno Girouard, Eric Fournier
  • Patent number: 8096729
    Abstract: An adjustable lift, such as a boat lift, or an adjustable apparatus mountable to a boat lift, comprising a frame supporting a keyway, a shaft and a screw along which a hub assembly travels. An axle may extend from the hub assembly and support a wheel, such that translation of the hub assembly along screw raises and lowers the wheel with respect to the frame members of the lift. In this way, the lift may be rolled into place, with its wheels then raised, so that frame members and/or feet of the lift rest on a lake bed or other surface. When wanting to move the lift, a user may rotate the screw in an opposite direction, lowering the wheel with respect to the frame member, freeing lift frame members and feet from the lake bed and allowing the user to roll the lift away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Galik
  • Patent number: 8091912
    Abstract: A boat towing system for towing a boat behind a vehicle comprising a boat trailer having a frame constructed and arranged with a first portion and a second portion that are pinned together to permit one section to move relative to the other section. The second portion is constructed and arranged to accommodate floatation panels. A spring biased buckle is mounted on the second portion and has a strap which has a hooked portion on its distal end. The boat towing system further comprises an attachment mount connected to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: William J. Hyslop
  • Publication number: 20110247538
    Abstract: A vessel having an elongate base frame with a transverse tubular member adjacent each end of said base frame. The vessel also has elongate buoyancy members extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base frame adjacent opposite sides thereof. The elongate buoyancy members are movable between respective extended and retracted positions relative to the base frame by support beams telescopically located within respective ends of a respective tubular member. The vessel also has a drive system to selectively move the elongate buoyancy members between the extended and retracted positions. The vessel also has a mobile transportation unit. The transportation unit includes an elevation mechanism to move the vessel between a raised position with retracted buoyancy members for road transportation and a lowered position with extended buoyancy members. The mobile transportation unit is detachable from the vessel when in the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: GETAWAY CONCEPTS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Brian Mervin Gimpel, Mark Evans
  • Patent number: 8011683
    Abstract: A watercraft trailer has a releasable connector for releasably connecting a watercraft to the trailer. The releasable connector has a lever pivotally connected to a connector support and a hook connected to the lever. Pivoting of the lever towards a front of the trailer moves the releasable connector to a locked position and pivots the hook towards the front of the trailer. A locking mechanism prevents the releasable connector from moving to an unlocked position by applying forces to any one of the lever and the hook that would otherwise pivot the lever and the hook towards a rear of the trailer. Unlocking the locking mechanism moves the releasable connector to the unlocked position and pivots the hook towards the rear of the trailer. A method of securing a watercraft to a watercraft trailer and a method of releasing a watercraft from a watercraft trailer are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Brisson, Christian Labbe, Daniel Mercier, Joey Larouche, Bruno Girouard, Eric Fournier
  • Patent number: 8006995
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat trailer that has sloped and adjustable guide rails which are higher at the rear of the trailer as compared to the front of the trailer. Accordingly, when backed down a boat ramp the guide rails extend above the water in order to engage the pontoons of a boat. This arrangement of guide rails allows a boat to powered onto the trailer where it can automatically be latched into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Chester Caudill
  • Publication number: 20110181018
    Abstract: Solar panel assemblies herein are configured to couple to a boat trailer in order to charge a battery in a boat secured on top of the trailer. The solar panel assemblies can be configured to have means for 360 rotation to allow efficient sunlight capture and to allow for a more aerodynamic profile when the trailer is being towed. The assemblies herein include a solar panel housing that can include downwardly slanting sides to protect the one or more solar panels mounted within the housing from road debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Grant Bruneau
  • Publication number: 20110181019
    Abstract: A method of securing a watercraft to a watercraft trailer is disclosed. The method includes driving the watercraft in a watercraft receiving portion of the trailer, moving a lever towards a front of the trailer in response to a hull of the watercraft coming into contact with the lever, and retaining a pin connected to the hull of the watercraft in response to the lever moving towards the front of the trailer. A method of releasing a watercraft from a watercraft trailer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Hugo BRISSON, Christian LABBE, Daniel MERCIER, Joey LAROUCHE, Bruno GIROUARD, Eric FOURNIER
  • Publication number: 20110181017
    Abstract: A watercraft trailer has a watercraft receiving portion and a lower frame adapted to support a watercraft in the watercraft receiving portion. The lower frame has at least one longitudinally extending lower frame member. The trailer also has a hitch coupler connected to a front of the lower frame, a first wheel and a second wheel operatively connected to the lower frame, and a walk board connected to the lower frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Eric Fournier, Joey Larouche, Daniel Mercier, Bruno Girouard, Hugo Brisson, Christian Labbe
  • Patent number: 7976029
    Abstract: A trailer having a frame movable between a raised position, suitable for towing of the airplane on a roadway, and a lowered position, allowing the airplane wheels to be in contact with a common surface with the trailer wheels when the trailer is under the airplane. A hitch assembly, suitable for towing the trailer in a closed position with the frame in the raised position, is coupled to the front of the frame. The open position allows the airplane to be loaded/unloaded on land from the front of the frame when the frame is in the lowered position. The airplane may be loaded/unloaded from the rear of the frame when the airplane trailer is placed in water. Also, a method of loading the airplane onto the trailer from the rear in water and unloading the airplane from the front on land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Richard T. Plummer
  • Patent number: 7976053
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana Stettler
  • Patent number: 7967322
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Rowland, Thomas W. Hunsucker
  • Publication number: 20110133429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat trailer that has sloped and adjustable guide rails which are higher at the rear of the trailer as compared to the front of the trailer. Accordingly, when backed down a boat ramp the guide rails extend above the water in order to engage the pontoons of a boat. This arrangement of guide rails allows a boat to powered onto the trailer where it can automatically be latched into place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Chester Caudill
  • Publication number: 20110068556
    Abstract: A transport system is provided for use on a watercraft trailer capable of being towed behind a motor vehicle. A removable container is provided having a base portion with a bottom wall and side walls defining an interior space. The container is attachable to the watercraft trailer frame and secured to structural members of the trailer, such as by adjustable straps extending between and through rings attached to the container and trailer frame. The container can be enclosed and include an upper portion which can be removably or pivotally attached to the base portion. Alternately, the container can have an access panel for allowing access to the interior of the container. The container can also have indentations in the bottom wall corresponding to structural members of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Gordon Morgan
  • Publication number: 20110049836
    Abstract: Towing adjustment and coupling techniques may include a retentive lateral trailer adjustment device of a trailer (1) configured to provide lateral adjustment of the trailer (1). In some embodiments, a trailer (1) may include a coupler element (3) and at least one retentive lateral adjustment device configured to provide adjustment in a lateral direction (8) of the coupler element (3). Embodiments may have configurations directed to couplers such as a gooseneck hitch, a fifthwheel hitch, and a pull-type or tongue hitch. Embodiments may also provide a fore-aft position indicator (44) with or without a fore-aft position sensor (50) through which proper positioning of a source of tow power (54) relative to a trailer (1) may be facilitated in a fore-aft direction (7). Corresponding methods are included as embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Weber, Linda Weber
  • Patent number: 7896382
    Abstract: A pontoon boat trailer guide includes a structure inbetween pontoon bunks or cradles. The guide structure comprises an upper portion which is narrower than a lower portion. The upper portion provides a visual and gross centering guide. The lower structure provides a fine and automatic self-centering guide for alignment and trailering of the pontoon boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald R. Heck
  • Publication number: 20110042919
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polyurea composition coated trailers and methods of making the same. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a trailer comprising a frame having a front side and a back side, at least one axle coupled to the frame, a plurality of wheels coupled to the at least one axle, and a polyurea coating, wherein the polyurea coating encapsulates at least a portion of the frame. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for protecting a metal trailer from corrosion comprising cleaning the surfaces of a metal trailer and applying a layer of a polyurea composition to the surfaces of the metal trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Project Boat Management, LLC
    Inventor: Randy Wayne Hopper
  • Publication number: 20110041748
    Abstract: A watercraft comprising a main body having hull, a bow end and an opposite stern send, a starboard, a port and a deck. A plurality of watercraft articles are removably mountable to the main body and provide for transforming the watercraft into a variety of watercraft types. The main body comprises a watercraft article-receiving assembly for stowing the watercraft articles therein. Thus providing a transformable, multi-functional and self-stowage watercraft. These watercraft types include a kayak, a paddle boat, a sailboat, a catamaran, a trimaran, a motorboat, a sit-in/on windsurfer/sailboard and any combinations thereof. A removable trailer assembly for the land-transport of a watercraft is also provided. A rudder control assembly for a watercraft having a rudder is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald Morin
  • Patent number: 7891634
    Abstract: A trailer rail assembly includes a base plank with a planar top surface raised above a horizontal plane and extending along an entire longitudinal length of the base member. Such a base plank has a U-shaped cross-section. The assembly further includes a cylindrical shaft with an annular cross-section spanning along an entire longitudinal length of the top surface. A support plate is statically and fixedly attached to the shaft and spanning along the entire longitudinal length of the base plank, and a mechanism for simultaneously rotating the shaft and the support plate in sync and about a fulcrum axis extends along an entire longitudinal length of the shaft while the base plank remains statically affixed at a stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Tarling
  • Patent number: 7891689
    Abstract: A watercraft trailer has a watercraft receiving portion and a lower frame adapted to support a watercraft in the watercraft receiving portion. The lower frame has at least one a longitudinally extending member, a front portion, and a rear portion, a rearmost part of the rear portion being a rear end. The trailer also has a hitch coupler connected to the front portion of the lower frame, a first wheel, having a rotation axis, and a second wheel operatively connected to the lower frame. The trailer has a longitudinally extending intake protector connected to the rear portion of the lower frame. At least a portion of the intake protector is disposed between the rotation axis and the rear end of the lower frame, such that when the watercraft is received in the watercraft receiving portion, the intake protector is disposed below at least a portion of the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Brisson, Christian Labbe, Daniel Mercier, Joey Larouche, Bruno Girouard, Eric Fournier
  • Patent number: 7876234
    Abstract: A gauge gives a driver of a tow vehicle a visual cue that the trailer is at a proper depth within the water to recover a boat onto the trailer. The gauge has a tubular member that has a top with a red light bulb and a green light bulb thereon. A housing is attached to the tubular member and longitudinally adjusted along a length of the tubular member as needed. A switch, controlled by a float, is located within the housing, such that when there is no water in the housing, the float is at rest and causes the switch to connect the red light bulb to electricity. As water enters the housing, the float rises with the rising water level in the housing and causes the switch to disconnect the red light bulb from and connect the green light bulb to the electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel C. Spears, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7874568
    Abstract: A boat trailer modified to include a dolly and dolly track, the dolly including a hook triggering mechanism, a bow cradle and a slidable hooking mechanism for engaging a watercraft bow ring at a wide range misalignment with the centerline of the trailer. The trailer further including a remote controlled power winch with an automatic shut off for stopping the power winch when a watercraft is fully loaded. The invention providing a means for a single user to launch a securely retrieve a watercraft to and from a watercraft trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Pages, LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Pelligrino
  • Patent number: 7866632
    Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Patent number: 7837215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polyurea composition coated trailers and methods of making the same. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a trailer comprising a frame having a front side and a back side, at least one axle coupled to the frame, a plurality of wheels coupled to the at least one axle, and a polyurea coating, wherein the polyurea coating encapsulates at least a portion of the frame. In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for protecting a metal trailer from corrosion comprising cleaning the surfaces of a metal trailer and applying a layer of a polyurea composition to the surfaces of the metal trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Project Boat Management, LLC
    Inventor: Randy Wayne Hopper
  • Publication number: 20100289247
    Abstract: A boat towing system for towing a boat behind a vehicle comprising a boat trailer having a frame constructed and arranged with a first portion and a second portion that are pinned together to permit one section to move relative to the other section. The second portion is constructed and arranged to accommodate floatation panels. A spring biased buckle is mounted on the second portion and has a strap which has a hooked portion on its distal end. The boat towing system further comprises an attachment mount connected to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Hyslop
  • Publication number: 20100283224
    Abstract: A boat trailer guide system for effectively launching and retrieving a boat. The system comprises a guide frame that can be removably attached to a boat trailer. The guide frame comprises two guide rails that are horizontally and vertically symmetrical. Each guide rail has a first end and a second end. The first ends of the guide rails converge and are attached to the trailer frame through the previously mentioned upright structure on the “bow” end of the trailer. The second ends diverge in the direction of the “stern” end of the trailer. The lengths of the two guide rails are such that the second ends extend toward the vicinity of the trailer wheels, or even extend past the trailer wheels to the stern end of the trailer frame. The guide rails are preferably curved symmetrically both vertically and horizontally such that they match the general contour of the hull of the trailed boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Dan Allen
  • Patent number: 7828316
    Abstract: A boat trailer that has a retractable display cover and support structure to fully enclose a sport boat during transport and provide multiple display surfaces for commercial endorsement indicia thereon. The trailer incorporates enclosure trailer frame panels with removable undercovers and selectively retractable cover frame with stressed flexible material panels and a storage access enclosure on an integrated boat support and launching frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Joseph
  • Patent number: 7810830
    Abstract: A boat trailer that includes a first front sidewall and a second front sidewall connected to a frame. The front sidewalls include at least one compartment to store equipment, tools, gear, or other items. The front sidewalls may be comprised of fiberglass and may include at least one toe socket. The boat trailer may include a rear sidewalls connected to the frame. The first front sidewall and the second front sidewall may be substantially contoured to the hull of a boat. An adapter sidewall may be attachable to the front sidewalls so that the front sidewalls are substantially contoured to the hull of a second boat. The boat trailer may include a nose cone with a recessed step connected to each front sidewall. The boat trailer may include means to selectively connect the boat trailer to the motorized vehicle in addition to a typical tongue and hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: William Travis Warren
  • Publication number: 20100181123
    Abstract: A device for transmitting the propelling force of a wheeled vehicle integrated within a vehicle to propulsion means of the vehicle. The device comprises a frame arranged to support the wheeled vehicle and to enable the integration of the wheeled vehicle within the vehicle; rolling elements operatively in contact with the wheels of the wheeled vehicle and arranged to rotate due to friction with the wheels of the wheeled vehicle; and a mechanical transmitter arranged to deliver rotational forces from the rolling elements to the propulsion means of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Jacob Maor, Ivgeny Budansky
  • Patent number: 7753389
    Abstract: A watercraft transport system having a trailer hinged to a floatable body. The trailer comprises a frame, an axle and wheels and is hinged at the front to the front of the floatable body. The hinge has a limited degrees of freedom for roll, pitch and yaw motion to allow the floatable body to float in the water but still substantially retain its position so that a personal watercraft can be loaded and unloaded from the trailer. The floatable body of the personal watercraft transport system floats on the surface of the water and easily allow the user of the personal watercraft to maneuver in and out of the floatable body. As the personal watercraft transport system is removed from the water, channels on the underside of the floatable body drop into the frame for self-alignment. The floatable body is molded in its interior periphery to accommodate the hull of a personal watercraft, and its upper surface may be coated with skid-proof material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Ross Brandon Koball
  • Publication number: 20100111660
    Abstract: A self-propelled water craft launch and retrieve vehicle which comprises a central chassis which includes a cradle for carrying a boat and from which the boat may be launched and retrieved, forward wheels or rear wheels steerable under remote control, hydraulic motors for driving the wheels, elevated above the chassis a prime mover or electric motor and hydraulic pump(s) for powering the wheel hydraulic motors, and a hand held remote control unit operable by an operator standing beside or near the vehicle to cause the vehicle to move forward or to reverse and to steer the launch vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Mathews
  • Patent number: 7690320
    Abstract: An enclosure device has a protective cage shaped to fit around a marine drive unit of a boat, and trailer mounting elements adapted to be mounted on a trailer carrying the boat. Pivotal elements pivotally mount the protective cage on the trailer mounting elements so that the protective cage pivots between a lowered position wherein the protective cage is beneath the marine drive unit and does not interfere with offloading the boat from the trailer, and a raised position wherein the protective cage at least partially encloses the marine drive unit. A locking element may be used to lock the protective cage in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Scott Tool
  • Patent number: 7681906
    Abstract: A collapsible trailer has a trailer frame adapted to support a boat or marine vessel, the trailer frame including at least one longitudinal member and at least a pair of transverse members and at least two wheels, the wheels removably associated with opposed ends of a first of the pair of transverse members and marine vessel support means removably associated with the other of the pair of transverse members wherein the trailer frame is adapted to assume a use condition with the wheels attached for supporting a boat or marine vessel on the trailer and a collapsed condition with the wheels removed in which the trailer occupies less space than in the use condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Gordon Shawyer
  • Publication number: 20100059966
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for loading and unloading a watercraft from a trailer that enables the process to be accomplished without the need to stand on the submerged ground surface. In some embodiments the trailer includes an adjustable platform that provides an area upon which the operator can stand while loading and unloading the watercraft from the trailer. The present disclosure also provides a method of loading and unloading a boat that includes the step of pushing or pulling the boat while standing on a platform that extends from the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph J. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20090302572
    Abstract: A device for guiding a boat onto a trailer, the trailer having at least two longitudinal side rails, the device including a mounting assembly for attachment to a side rail to provide for transverse adjustment relative to the side rail's longitudinal axis and a bumper assembly attached to the mounting assembly and having at least one bumper mechanism that moves between an engaged position in which the device guides the boat into an aligned position on the trailer and a disengaged position in which the bumper mechanism is moved away from the boat to avoid contact with the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Charles E. Bryant, II
  • Patent number: 7628519
    Abstract: A light system is disposed to be located on top of guide poles on either side of a trailer. The light system is in-line with the guide pole and may almost appear to be a part of the poles. The elevated light system allows for the brake lights to be more easily seen by following drivers and it normally keeps the brake lights from being immersed in water when the trailer is used in loading or unloading a boat or other marine craft. Additionally, in comparison with lights attached to the side of a guide pole, the in-line nature of the light system makes it less likely that the light will be knocked off or damaged when backing a trailer into a tight garage opening. Furthermore, a tell-tale lens is located opposite the primary lens and it allows the driver to be able to verify that the lights are working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Purdy
  • Publication number: 20090297310
    Abstract: A pontoon boat trailer guide includes a structure inbetween pontoon bunks or cradles. The guide structure comprises an upper portion which is narrower than a lower portion. The upper portion provides a visual and gross centering guide. The lower structure provides a fine and automatic self-centering guide for alignment and trailering of the pontoon boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: RONALD R. HECK
  • Patent number: 7621506
    Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Ebbenga
  • Patent number: RE41126
    Abstract: A frame configuration that is particularly adaptable for use on a trailer such that the frame configuration is operable in both a tilt mode of operation and a dump mode of operation. An actuating mechanism includes a linear actuator that is supported on the frame by a bracket and a yoke that connects to a load bed to power the vertical movement of the load bed in both tilt and dump functions. The linear actuator is pivotally mounted to permit a re-positioning of the actuator into an inoperative position. The frame configuration is provided with an articulated tilt frame in which the tongue is pivoted thereto allowing the load bed to pivot about a tilt axis which can coincide with the wheel axis of the trailer. The bed frame can be locked to the tilt frame for tilting upon articulation with the tongue, while a disconnection of the bed frame from the tilt frame enables the bed frame to pivot about the dump axis to provide a dump function in addition to the tilt function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Innovations By Contract, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt