Boat Carrying Type Patents (Class 280/414.1)
  • Patent number: 7147240
    Abstract: A self-propelled platform for a small watercraft. The platform is used to carry a small watercraft from a storage place on the land to sea, and when the watercraft is in use, the platform enables the watercraft to be moored and stored on sea. The platform also enables preparation work for the use of the watercraft to be performed easily and safely by only one person. The platform has a body portion (2) for removably receives a watercraft body, wheel portions (4a, 4b) arranged below the body portion (2), power portions (5a, 5b) for driving the wheel portions (4a, 4b), power transmission portions (6a, 6b) for connecting the power portions (5a, 5b) and the wheel portions (4a, 4b), a control portion (11) for controlling the drive of the wheel portions (4a, 4b), and floating body portions (7a, 7b) installed to the body portion (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Koichiro Naito
  • Patent number: 7143713
    Abstract: A trailer for launching a boat and a personal watercraft includes a chassis. An elevated platform attached to the chassis supports a personal watercraft above the chassis. A boom assembly pivots relative to the chassis between stored and launch positions. The boom assembly also has an intermediate position above the watercraft. A boom winch controls pivoting of the boom assembly. A watercraft winch on the boom assembly has a cable extending to the watercraft. When the boom assembly is in its intermediate position, the watercraft winch raises the watercraft off the elevated platform. Then the boom winch pivots the boom assembly to the launch position in which the watercraft is in the water. The cables then are released from the watercraft. Thereafter the boat is launched conventionally from the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Aubrey Richardson, Hugo Perez
  • Patent number: 7131666
    Abstract: A trailer for all terrain vehicles and/or snowmobiles for transporting injured persons from remote locations. Trailer has a frame of tubing, a main axle, spring and shock suspension, flotation type tires, IV pole with multiple mounting locations, carrier area for injured personnel transport, and accessory tube for attaching miscellaneous accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Empire Welding & Fabricating, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Jenney
  • Patent number: 7125032
    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: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Wood Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Wayne Hopper
  • Patent number: 7093555
    Abstract: A docking system for a watercraft having a cross member carrying a tow hook cart to engage a bow eye on the watercraft and thereafter permit docking of the watercraft. The cross member is supported by at least one upright structure and may include a latch mechanism to release the cross member to swing away after the hook engages the eye. Alternatively, a cross member may be supported on both ends and may be pulled out of the way by the tow rope or rotated over the eye by a latch tripped after the hook engages the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Donald Olson, Paul Olson
  • Patent number: 7090237
    Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a trailer behind a trailer is disclosed, and includes a mounting bracket assembly for mounting on the rear of the trailer, and a main trailing member mounted on the mounting bracket assembly in a manner such that the main trailing member is swingable about a substantially vertical axis for permitting movement of the trailing member in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the trailer. The main trailing member may be mounted on the mounting bracket assembly in a manner such that the trailing member is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis for permitting movement of the main trailing member in a substantially vertical direction. The apparatus may include at least one support configured for connecting to a boat carried on the trailer to provide support to the main trailing member from the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Tracy L. Lammers
  • Patent number: 7070195
    Abstract: A boat trailer comprising two side beams positioned adjacent to each other, wherein each of the side beams has a forward tongue forming portion converging toward the other side beam. The side beams can be connected to a towing vehicle and the side beams may also have a trailing boat-supporting portion. The trailer also includes at least one cross bar member extending between the boat-supporting portion of one of the side beams and the boat-supporting portion of the other side beam. The various members of the trailer may be punched with holes in a standard pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald E Roberts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7070196
    Abstract: A kayak carrier with a pair of spaced horizontal supports having open-topped hull supports defining essentially continuous curved surfaces that permit the edge of a kayak to be inserted easily and to naturally rotate into a locking position. In the preferred form the kayak carrier has two spaced horizontal rack members with aligned hull supports, the rack members being adapted to be removably mounted in the side-rail sockets of a standard utility trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: OnEdge Kayak Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Sammy L. Larsen, Vicki D. Galloup
  • Patent number: 7021645
    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: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Pivit Hitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana Stettler
  • Patent number: 7017933
    Abstract: A lighted guide assembly for boat trailers used in centering a boat on a trailer during the loading and unloading process. The lighted guide post assembly provides running and braking lights for the trailer that can be seen from the rear of the boat trailer despite the height or length of a trailered boat. The lighted boat guide post assembly has first and second uprights each formed from a partially or substantially transparent tube with directional lights placed therein. The lighted boat guide post is electrically coupled to the boat trailer towing vehicle and provides lighting that extends from the trailer frame to the top of each guide post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony M. Mickley
  • Patent number: 6991245
    Abstract: The boat-trailer launch and recovery device has a right rail and a left rail, which rails are attached to a trailer post by holding plates. The right rail and the left rail each have a bend section. A spring loaded gate is attached to either the right rail or the left rail. A stop bar connects the right rail and the left rail between the spring loaded gate and the trailer post. Attached to the bow of work piece boat is a removable bow post, which bow post has a socket, an inner core pipe section, and an outher PVC sleeve which freely rotates around the inner core pipe section. The outer PVC sleeve is held in place with a collar and a collar set screw with a cap at top. The right rail and the left rail each have one or more trailer post adjustment holes and one or more gate adjustment holes. The trailer post holding plates have four or more bolt holes to adjust the height of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Pate, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6986523
    Abstract: A boat trailer step assembly is provided with several features making the assembly adjustable in several respects, allowing the step to be placed at varying positions for different trailers and boats. The step is mounted on a support member made of overlapping parts that can be extended or contracted to obtain different heights. The support member is connected to a rotatable plate at a 45 degree angle. This allows the step to be extended outward in various directions. Adjustment of the step location in a generally front-to-rear direction is provided by sliding a clamping device along a beam of the trailer on which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Arthur O. Bickford
  • Patent number: 6926292
    Abstract: A cart for transporting a load has a frame having an upper end and a lower end, at least two laterally spaced apart support surfaces secured adjacent the upper end of the frame, and a pair of transversely opposed wheels adjacent the lower end of the frame to rollably support the frame above a surface. Each wheel is positionable in either one of two laterally offset positions relative to the support surface. In the first offset position, each wheel is positioned laterally inboard of the support surface, and in the second offset position, the wheel is positioned laterally outboard of the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth Blair Weeks
  • Patent number: 6923138
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various exemplary watercraft docking systems including a boat attachable portion that couples and aligns to a trailer portion. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Rockne Byron Holbrook
  • Patent number: 6904861
    Abstract: A system for docking a boat under substantial power in calm or rough seas includes a modified trailer platform having goalposts that guide the boat onto the platform. An elastic harness is attached to either side of the trailer platform and is positioned to interface the V-shaped bow of the vessel. A latch on the bow snags the harness as the vessel is being docked. The latch has a spring-biased and weighted cam that moves to an open position upon the harness contacting the cam and that then rotates to a closed position once the harness passes the cam. The harness then enters a hook formed by the latch and the closed position of the cam retains the harness in the hook. The expandable and retractable harness dissipates the kinetic energy of the docking vessel and assists in bringing the vessel to a rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James D. Warner, Thomas A. Knoebel, Jospeh R. Deuth
  • Patent number: 6902179
    Abstract: A trailer has parallel rearward rails and a pair of angled forward rails and a pair of angled intermediate rails. A pair of similarly configured hinge assemblies couple the forward rails and the intermediate rails. Each hinge assembly includes upwardly extending wings on each intermediate rail with a bolt there between and with a hall positioned on the bolt between the wings. The hinge has a cylinder with a cylindrical opening secured to each forward rail. Each hinge assembly has a connecting element with an annular collar pivotably received on the ball of the adjacent rearward rail. A pin extends into the cylindrical opening whereby the forward rails may pivot with respect to the intermediate rails of the forward section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Charles Richard Jolly
  • Patent number: 6854755
    Abstract: A frame of a boat trailer includes longitudinal support beams that extend from a tongue. The support beams are C-shaped in cross section and have a generally hollow interior. Each one of the support beams includes a front wall with a slot formed therethrough; the slot runs the length of the support beam and provides access to the hollow interior. Electrical wiring and hydraulic brake fluid lines are disposed in the interior of the support beams for protection from the elements, road debris, and other hazards. Each of the support beams is removably coupled to side panel such that the side panel covers the slot formed in the support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 6851382
    Abstract: This invention describes a float able, collapsible utility trailer which can be filled with gear and towed behind a boat or, alternatively, pulled behind a person on dry land. The unit is collapsible for easy carrying and storage and comes with a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Vita Carter
  • Publication number: 20040262881
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various exemplary watercraft docking systems including a boat attachable portion that couples and aligns to a trailer portion. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Rockne Byron Holbrook
  • Publication number: 20040256836
    Abstract: A frame of a boat trailer includes longitudinal support beams that extend from a tongue. The support beams are C-shaped in cross section and have a generally hollow interior. Each one of the support beams includes a front wall with a slot formed therethrough; the slot runs the length of the support beam and provides access to the hollow interior. Electrical wiring and hydraulic brake fluid lines are disposed in the interior of the support beams for protection from the elements, road debris, and other hazards. Each of the support beams is removably coupled to side panel such that the side panel covers the slot formed in the support beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 6830410
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Edward D. Davidson, Kenneth E. Hey
  • Patent number: 6827033
    Abstract: A trailer comprising a wheel axle frame (1) supporting at least one wheel axle (5) with wheels (6), which wheel axle frame (1) is hingedly connected on a front side via a pivot (10) with a towing hook gripping frame (2), which pivot (10) extends parallel to the at least one wheel axle (5), while a rigid boat supporting frame (3) is connected with the wheel axle frame (1) so as to be exclusively slidable or mobile, and with the boat supporting frame (3) a stem or stern support (11) is connected so as to be mobile, and with the boat supporting frame (3) further a hull support (12) is connected so as to be mobile, and with the wheel axe frame (1) light, elongate guide elements (4) are connected, which are fixable in a slid-in and slid-out position, while the trailer is provided with floats (9) connectible with the ends of the guide elements (4) remote from the towing hook gripping frame (2), while in a condition of transport the boat supporting frame (3) at least partly extends above the towing hook gripping fra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Wubbo Johannes Ockels
  • Patent number: 6796263
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for a watercraft cover and trailer. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the watercraft cover includes a top cover and a bottom cover, which mate to enclose a watercraft. The top and bottom covers are connected via a gooseneck gas-actuated style hinge for easy opening and closing of the watercraft cover. Adjustable runner boards mounted to the bottom cover allow for easy entry and exit of the watercraft into and out of the watercraft cover. A ring and strap system allow the watercraft to be secured in the watercraft cover, so that transport is possible. Angled flanges on the top and bottom covers provide for easy entry and exit of the watercraft into and out of the watercraft cover and substantially prevent vibration of the watercraft cover. A hole in the bottom cover allows for access to the watercraft even when the watercraft cover is closed and/or locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Karl R. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040075242
    Abstract: A boat trailer having an extendable and retractable tongue. While leaving the trailer connected to the vehicle, a towing pin is pulled and a safety latch is unlocked and the tongue extension is extended until the safety latch pin catches holes for the extended position and the towing pin is reinstalled in already aligned holes. To retract the extension while leaving the trailer connected to the vehicle, the towing pin is pulled out and the safety latch is unlocked and the tongue extension is retracted until the safety latch pin catches holes for the retracted position and the towing pin is reinstalled in already aligned holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Perry J. Richards
  • Patent number: 6722683
    Abstract: An over-the-road trailer for an over-width object, such as an ocean-going speedboat, is made up of a cradle on which the object is seated, a wheeled frame, carrying the cradle, and a device for moving the cradle relative to the frame from a generally horizontal position to a position at an angle to the frame sufficient to make the effective width of the object within legal limits for over-the-road travel. The moving device includes a lifting arm mounted on a pivot pin at one end on the frame and pivotally connected at another end to the cradle. A hydraulic cylinder and piston are mounted on the frame and connected to the lifting arm. A track, mounted on the frame, has a ramp part on the side of the frame opposite the pivot pin, and a linear section tending slightly upwardly in a direction towards the pivot pin. An arm on the cradle has, at its outer end, a wheel that runs in the track and moves in a direction toward the pivot in response to the raising of the cradle by the lifting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Heuiser
  • Patent number: 6719317
    Abstract: A self-loading and unloading trailer which can be operated by a single person to load a boat from difficult boat ramps or even directly from the ground provides rollers for engaging a boat. A first set of rollers engages the boat at ground level, enabling the boat to be winched directly from the ground or from a shallow landing. As the boat is loaded, the rollers shift and transfer the load directly to a second set of rollers. Finally, the boat weight shifts the trailer again, causing the rollers to retract, thereby bringing the boat to safely rest on bunks for storage or during transit. In the preferred embodiment, the boat is a pontoon boat, though other appropriate boat hulls are contemplated for use with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Donald J. Grovender, David L. Grovender
  • Publication number: 20040026557
    Abstract: A device for assisting one-man launching of boats from boat trailers is provided. A tensioned rope is retained and secured within a reel attached to a boat trailer or other location. In use, the tensioned rope is secured to the trailered boat and retains the boat after the boat is floated free of its trailer. The reel may be removably secured to a number of locations to enable a multiple of uses such as a boat attached line for towing a bait container or sea anchor. The invention includes a trailer having a tensioned rope to allow automatic controlled release of a boat during launch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry R. Lilly
  • Patent number: 6685209
    Abstract: A boat trailer having a multi-wheel supported frame and an extendable tongue which facilitates launching a boat into the water. A tongue member has a rear portion connected to and forwardly extending from the frame and a forward portion adapted for releasable connection to a trailer hitch of a tow vehicle. A tongue extension includes two extension members pivotally connected together to a central connecting member and pivotally connected at a corresponding opposite end of each extension member between the forward and rear portions. The extension members are pivotally movable between the upright side-by-side stored position and the deployed position in end-to-end fashion and longitudinally aligned with the forward and rear portions wherein the effective length of the tongue member is extended by an amount equal to the combined length of the extension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Jack J. Guio
  • Patent number: 6663130
    Abstract: A pontoon trailer travel kit minimizes transverse spaces between a pontoon boat trailer and the pontoons of a pontoon boat. The kit comprises a bunk bracket that is mountable to and adjustable along a lift arm of the trailer. A bunk assembly is fastened to and is adjustable on the bunk bracket in directions perpendicular to the directions of adjustment of the bunk bracket. A kit is installed on a lift arm on each side of the trailer. The kits are pre-set such that the bunk of each bunk assembly is in close proximity to a pontoon. The boat is substantially prevented from sliding laterally on the trailer. In a modified embodiment, only the bunk assembly is used, and it is clamped directly to the trailer lift arm. That embodiment is used with boats in which the pontoons are exceptionally closely spaced to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Karavan Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Dray
  • Patent number: 6651997
    Abstract: A trailer bunk cover assembly designed to not only protect boat hulls during launching and loading from the trailer, but also to protect the trailer's bunks from becoming worn down with use. The bunk cover assembly includes a main body portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. When mounted to the trailer bunk, the lower surface of the main body portion is in contact with the top surface of the trailer bunk. When a boat is loaded on the boat trailer, the hull of the boat rests on the upper surface of the main body portion. The cover assembly further includes first and second side panels that extend downward from the main body portion. The side panels cooperate to help position the main body portion against the top surface of the trailer bunk. The side panels respectively include a plurality of apertures. Attachment screws that act as a securing means to hold the cover assembly in place on the top surface of the trailer bunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert H. Higginson
  • Patent number: 6648578
    Abstract: A trailer includes a tongue, an upper frame, a lower frame coupled to the upper frame via a plurality of arms, and a lift assembly. The lift assembly includes 1) a hydraulic ram and 2) a hydraulic pump that is operatively connected to the hydraulic ram. The hydraulic ram raises the upper frame to a raised position when the hydraulic ram is retracted, and lowers the upper frame to a lowered position when the hydraulic ram is extended. The lift assembly is configured to be removably attachable to a trailer for retrofit operations, lift assembly replacement, or lift assembly reuse upon trailer sale or disposal. Also included is a method of raising and lowering a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard W. Rouse
  • Patent number: 6648360
    Abstract: A pontoon trailer travel kit minimizes transverse spaces between a pontoon boat trailer and the pontoons of a pontoon boat. The kit comprises a bunk bracket that is mountable to and adjustable along a lift arm of the trailer. A bunk assembly is fastened to and is adjustable on the bunk bracket in directions perpendicular to the directions of adjustment of the bunk bracket. A kit is installed on a lift arm on each side of the trailer. The kits are pre-set such that the bunk of each bunk assembly is in close proximity to a pontoon. The boat is substantially prevented from sliding laterally on the trailer. In a modified embodiment, only the bunk assembly is used, and it is clamped directly to the trailer lift arm. That embodiment is used with boats in which the pontoons are exceptionally closely spaced to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Karavan Trailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Dray
  • Publication number: 20030209877
    Abstract: A loading cradle suitable for use with transport apparatus for the carriage and transport of articles, the transport apparatus including a chassis and a cradle assembly thereon for supporting the article when on the transport apparatus, the loading cradle forming part of the cradle assembly and including a support frame including side support members with an article support zone therebetween and an access region at one end thereof, said support frame when in use being mounted for at least partial rotation about a rotation axis relative to the chassis so that the access region can be selectively orientated relative to the chassis of the transport apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Kurt Beyer
  • Patent number: 6641160
    Abstract: An adjustable skid to be attached to the frame of a boat trailer just forward of the trailer wheels. Two skids would commonly be used, one for each side of the trailer. The function of the skids is to prevent the wheels of the trailer from rolling over the end of the launching ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Carl Veal
  • Publication number: 20030197347
    Abstract: This invention is a new concept in vehicular trailer load carrying, deployment and retrieval. This invention's simple design encompasses all vehicular trailers that carry, deploy and retrieve loads to the ground or water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Leo Frank Terminello
  • Publication number: 20030189312
    Abstract: This invention contemplates a novel dual platform for a boat trailer which features an extremely simple construction of great strength including a pivotal feature fro each of the two platform members allowing greater versatility for the towing vehicle in moving, parking and turning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Clayton A. McNamee
  • Patent number: 6616373
    Abstract: A boat launching device. The boat launching device is portable and attaches to the front of a vehicle so that the driver has a front view while launching the boat into the water. The boat launching device includes a first link member that is connected to a second link member. The link members are attached to the front of a vehicle and to a boat trailer. The link members are detachable from each other after use and may be stored on the boat trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: James L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6616166
    Abstract: A boat guiding means comprising two boat guiding mechanisms that are attachable near the rear of each side of a standard boat trailer. When the trailer is backed down a boat ramp into the water (with or without the boat), buoyant guiding arms on the guiding mechanisms pivot upward so the guiding arms remain approximately parallel to and near the surface of the water when the trailer has been submerged to an appropriate depth for loading or unloading a boat. The guiding arms thus provide a guiding surface near the rear of both sides of the trailer to prevent the stern of the boat from wandering during loading or unloading of the boat from the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Marchese
  • Publication number: 20030164604
    Abstract: A personal watercraft stand and tote device comprising a frame member, a control assembly associated with the frame member, a powertrain assembly associated with the frame member and the control assembly, a handle assembly associated with the frame member, and, a loading assembly associated with the frame member. The control assembly includes a motor and an control unit positioned within a housing. The device is capable of powered operation in a fully submerged condition, such as, for example five feet below the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael T. Fogg
  • Patent number: 6612602
    Abstract: The boat trailer (3) includes pivotal support beams (5) that are pivoted intermediate their ends. Pairs of boat hull support rollers (13) are mounted on the ends of the roller mounting arms (7) and are slidably supported by the mounting blocks (9). The overhanging shoulders (30 and 31) of the opposed halves of the mounting block rest on the parallel support edges (47) of the notches (40) at the ends of each pivotal support beam (5). The shallow U-shaped arch (15) of the pivotal roller mounting arm (7) slides along its length through the compatibly shaped channel (20) of the mounting block (9) so that the rollers (13) at the opposite ends of the roller mounting arm can move with respect to each other upwardly or downwardly so as to maintain constant contact with the changing shape of the boat hull of a boat trailer as the boat is rolled onto or off of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 6612601
    Abstract: A boat wagon adapted to be pushed or moved along an underlying wagon supporting surface includes two legs and a legs interconnecting member. The horizontal distance between the legs can be adjusted. The legs interconnecting member is formed of a number of removable elements adapted to co-act with each other. The span between the legs is adapted for road transport by removing one or more of the removable elements. The legs can be adjusted to adapt to a second span for boat transport by fitting one or more of the removed elements to wagon related and leg associated sub-parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Hans Ingmar Granlind
  • Publication number: 20030160427
    Abstract: A reinforcing bracket for a trailer frame comprises a first side that bolts onto one frame member of a trailer frame, a second side that bolts onto a second member of a trailer frame, and a third side that bolts onto a flange of one or both members. Both the first side and second side comprise a plurality of dimples that nest into dimples in the trailer frame members. Each dimple has an aperture therein that corresponds to an aperture in the frame members, enabling the bracket to be bolted to the frame members. The third side of the bracket is approximately ninety degrees to both the first and second sides, and includes at least one aperture that corresponds to an aperture in a flange of one or both of the frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: Norco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Garceau, Jason D. Collins
  • Patent number: 6598896
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for receiving a boat bow U-bolt includes a frame member with a receiving channel for receipt of the U-bolt. A pair of spring-biased latching members are attached to the frame member and arranged in a normally-closed condition and therein narrow the width of the receiving channel at an entrance location. The latching members are pivotally moveable to an open condition by the action of the U-bolt pushing against the latching members until the U-bolt enters the receiving channel. A release slide is included as part of the latching mechanism to allow the U-bolt to be released. The release slide is spring biased for movement from a load-launch orientation to a stowed orientation. The latching mechanism is designed to attach to a winch stand and includes two separate mounting connections for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Hyslop
  • Publication number: 20030137124
    Abstract: The present invention is a boat guiding means comprising two boat guiding mechanisms that are attachable near the rear of each side of a standard boat trailer. When the trailer is backed down a boat ramp into the water (with or without the boat), buoyant guiding arms on the guiding mechanisms pivot upward so the guiding arms remain approximately parallel to and near the surface of the water when the trailer has been submerged to an appropriate depth for loading or unloading a boat. The guiding arms thus provide a guiding surface near the rear of both sides of the trailer to prevent the stem of the boat from wandering during loading or unloading of the boat from the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Marchese
  • Publication number: 20030132606
    Abstract: A boat trailer extension devise containing outside tube, inside tube, collar, travel pin, motor, gears and controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Calvin K. Eskridge
  • Patent number: 6575487
    Abstract: A transport apparatus to launch a boat into the water and retrieve the boat from the water. There is an elongate main frame having forward and rear main frame sections pivotally connected to one another along a transverse axis at approximately a mid location along the length. At the forward end of the main frame, there is an operating station and also forward wheels which are capable of turning a full ninety degrees in either direction, and there are at the opposite end rear support wheels which can be raised or lowered. When a boat is being taken out of the water, the apparatus is moved so that its rear end moves into the water, the rear wheels are raised to lower the rear frame section and the two main frame sections are articulated relative to one another to lower the pivot location. In this configuration the boat can be brought onto the rear main frame section, the rear section raised, and the boat carried out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Herbert K. Krause
  • Patent number: 6543377
    Abstract: A boat release apparatus preferably includes a tube body, an actuation rod, and a hook assembly. The actuation rod is sized to be received by an inside perimeter of the tube body. The hook assembly is pivotally attached to one end of the tube body. The hook assembly includes a hook body, a pivot hook, and a release hook. The pivot hook is pivotally attached to one end of the hook body. The release hook is pivotally attached to the other end of the hook body. One end of a release cable is attached to one end of the actuation rod and the other end of the release cable is attached to the release hook. A handle is preferably attached on one end of the actuation rod. Pulling the handle will cause the release hook to retract. However, the length of the release cable may be increased such that it is long enough to be attached directly to the handle, thus eliminating the need for the actuation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Brett H. Weir
  • Patent number: 6540245
    Abstract: A collapsible trailer apparatus and methods of use and more particularly to a boat trailer having a boat storage space below a rigid frame. The boat trailer may also be collapsible and can be used to transport boats of varying sizes and shapes between lakes and camps without the need to empty the boat of any contents. The collapsible boat trailer can be broken down into a plurality of smaller components that are readily stored and transported. The present invention also particularly pertains to a boat trailer apparatus which may be collapsible and which is uniquely suited for short distance motorized vehicle towing. The collapsible boat trailer apparatus can be quickly disassembled without the use of bulky and/or numerous tools into lightweight sub-components for convenient storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: Lester Shankle, Joseph J. Sorocco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6536367
    Abstract: This invention describes a floatable, collapsible utility trailer which can be filled with gear and towed behind a boat or, alternatively, pulled behind a person on dry land. The unit is collapsible for easy carrying and storage and comes with a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Vita Carter
  • Publication number: 20030042704
    Abstract: A trailer bunk cover assembly designed to not only protect boat hulls during launching and loading from the trailer, but also to protect the trailer's bunks from becoming worn down with use. The bunk cover assembly includes a main body portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. When mounted to the trailer bunk, the lower surface of the main body portion is in contact with the top surface of the trailer bunk. When a boat is loaded on the boat trailer, the hull of the boat rests on the upper surface of the main body portion. The cover assembly further includes first and second side panels that extend downward from the main body portion. The side panels cooperate to help position the main body portion against the top surface of the trailer bunk. The side panels respectively include a plurality of apertures. Attachment screws that act as a securing means to hold the cover assembly in place on the top surface of the trailer bunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert H. Higginson