Marine Vessel Portage, Launching, Or Removing Patents (Class 405/1)
  • Patent number: 6182595
    Abstract: A pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft of this invention includes a support tube, or equivalent structure, that is rigidly attached to and extends perpendicularly from a dock or other structure near and above the water where a personal watercraft is used. A frame is pivotally attached to the support tube. The frame pivots between an upward parked position and a downward receiving position. The parked position positions the frame and the personal watercraft parked thereon, parallel to the edge of the dock or other structure and parallel to the water surface. A pair of skids in a parallel spaced relationship are attached to a top of the frame. The skids receive and holds a personal watercraft on the frame. The skids have a receiving end and a forward end. The receiving ends of the skids are positioned beneath the water surface when the frame is in the receiving position. A personal watercraft can be driven onto the receiving end of the skids when the frame is in the receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: George W. Morris
  • Patent number: 6155190
    Abstract: A transport system includes a dry dock mounted on an air cushion platform portage a ship overland. The system raises the ship from one body of water, hauls it across different surfaces, and launches it in another body of water. Ships and other water borne vessels can be portaged on air cushions across land, marsh, bog, or other impediments to navigable waters, or barge-like work platforms can be taken to work sites on water, swamps or tundra and retrieved after completion of the task. Transport system and ships can bypass canals and locks if these become inoperable, or the canals and locks can be circumvented if political conflicts deny their access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard A. Cavanagh
  • Patent number: 6152065
    Abstract: A dock, for launching and recovery of a lifeboat, rescue boat or like small boat on a vessel, a floating platform or a fixed installation. The boat (14) is normally stored on the dock. The dock is provided with buoyant elements (1) fixed to a frame (3). The boat (14) is supported in a cradle (2) within the frame (3). On launching and recovery of the boat (14), the dock is lowered to a floating position on the surface of the water. In order to fix the boat (14) to the dock, a locking device (9, 15) is provided. By modifying the configuration and size of the buoyant elements, the dock is given rolling and pitching periods which coincide as closely as possible with those of the boat (14). The dock and the boat (14) will thereby behave in approximately the same manner in the water, which makes it relatively simple to run the boat (14) into the dock even in a very heavy sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jan Gronstrand
  • Patent number: 6092961
    Abstract: A beach ramp system for watercrafts comprising at least one set of rails, each set including two rails. Each rail has a cross-section with aligned holes and an axle. Each rail also includes an aperture above the aligned holes with an elastomeric roller support rotatably supported on each axle and extending upwardly through the aperture to thereby constitute a watercraft support. Flanges are located at each end of each rail with openings therethrough. At least one Y-shaped post is provided with each post having an extent cemented in the ground and two upper extents attached to and supporting the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jeff Kilgore
  • Patent number: 5947048
    Abstract: A portable device for submerging near the shoreline of a waterway, for supporting and mooring a watercraft therein, comprising a base with lower footings adapted to prevent slippage along the bank of the shoreline, and corresponding pairs of upper runners for supporting the watercraft hull during landing and mooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Rick L. McEntire
  • Patent number: 5709501
    Abstract: A boat hoist and cover assembly apparatus and method uses a boat hoist having a rotatable lift shaft having a plurality of ropes or cables coiled therearound in one direction of rotation and extending therefrom for removably coupling to a boat for lifting a boat by the rotation of the hoist lift shaft. A boat cover has a plurality of cables or ropes attached thereto and coiled around the boat hoist lift shaft in a second direction of rotation from that of the boat hoist ropes to thereby lower the boat cover when hoisting the boat and to raise the boat cover when lowering the boat so that a boat cover covers a boat whenever the boat is hoisted by the boat hoist. The method uses the selected boat hoist and cover assembly and rotates the boat hoist shaft to lift an attached boat while lowering the boat cover onto the boat. Grease cups attach over the boat hoist lift shaft sleeves or bearings to catch the grease while preventing lubricants from dripping on the boat cover or boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Gary M. Elbers
  • Patent number: 5655850
    Abstract: A floating boat lift having 2 side support frames and a front frame with a central region for docking a boat therein with flotation devices attached to the side support frames, flotation devices having sufficient flotation to floatingly suspend the boat lift and a boat carried entirely by the boat lift in a body of water without the aid of lake-bed supports for the boat lift or the boat and a boat lift mechanism carried by the support frames, the boat lift mechanism having U-shaped members with a first side being carried by the first side frame and with a second side carried by the second side frame with a boat lift bar located in a vertically sliding relationship in a first portion of the U-shaped members proximate the first side frame and a second end located in a vertically sliding relationship in another portion of the U-shaped members located proximate the second side dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Armada Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Holmgren
  • Patent number: 5590997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at a trailer, especially a boat trailer, which includes a chassis supported by wheels and a coupling device in the front for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle. A two-armed lever consists of arms which form an angle with each other and is pivoted in an axis of rotation which is oriented transversely at the back of the trailer. The first arm of the lever, which mainly points forward from the axis of rotation has a length that exceeds or falls below the length of the other arm of the lever. The two lever-arms comprise parallel arm elements, whose ends are connected to the ends of the axis of rotation and which at their outer ends are lined by transversal beams. A winch tower with a winch is provided at the front end of the trailer. The wire of the winch is adapted to run over the outer ends of the lever-arms and in its end is provided with lifting devices for the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Swedish Mercoring HB
    Inventors: Mattias Fredriksson, Martin Altnas
  • Patent number: 5590978
    Abstract: The elevator construction of the invention includes adjustable length elongated posts and tubes to allow for the simple launching and recovery of personal watercraft by lowering and raising a support cradle without the need for any special order, parts or fabrications for situations where wide variation exists in the distance between a dock or seawall and the ground bottom beneath the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Vincent Urbank
  • Patent number: 5577455
    Abstract: A watercraft protection mat that is to be placed at the shoreline prior to beaching of a watercraft. The watercraft, when being beached, is to have its hull to be maneuvered onto the mat. The mat is to include appropriate openings to facilitate its connection with a plurality of fasteners that function as a tie down arrangement to secure the mat in position at the shoreline. The heads of the fasteners are to be covered by a covering flap when the mat is in use. The mat is to include appropriate weights so that it will sink within the water. The weights are each to include loose particulate matter that will conform to irregular shapes located at the shore insuring that the mat will rest evenly on the shore. The mat also includes elongated rigid members which function as stiffeners to keep the mat from bunching up, thereby retaining its established position. The mat is to be constructed of a plurality of layers with there being a cushiony layer located in between a top layer and a bottom layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Ryan T. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 5560735
    Abstract: A watercraft lift is disclosed herein having an optional support (10) for anchoring the lift to the floor of a body of water. The support (10) comprises a leg (12) having a first end (14) releasably attached to the load member (48) and second end (18) for anchoring in the floor of a body of water. The second end (18) includes a foot (20) to hold the support (10) in position and prevent further sinking into the floor. The first end (14) is slideably mounted on the load member (48) and fixedly held in place by a pair of elongated bars (36) threadably attached to a plate (16) mounted on the first end (14). The support (10) of the present invention is particularly adaptable for use with portable docks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Dethmers Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Tim E. Lammers
  • Patent number: 5540520
    Abstract: A portable skidway utilizes tubular skidding cylinders joined by connecting rods that encircle the ends of the cylinders and are contained within flanges. The rods align tangentially with the outer surface of the cylinders to locate such rods directly on the ground when the skidway is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Harold J. Aune
  • Patent number: 5501166
    Abstract: The improved persons water craft mooring apparatus comprises a base upon which a cradle is pivotably mounted. To assure that the cradle may at all times be capable of a horizontal position, the base includes at least one pair of legs which are adjustable in length to accommodate for the contour of the underlying offshore surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: James R. Ziober
  • Patent number: 5499596
    Abstract: A marine vessel launch apparatus utilizing cradle wedges that are released by explosive triggers. The cradle wedges are located above each skidway and directly support the vessel. The cradle wedge is shaped and sized to provide a direct means of connecting the cradle wedge to the vessel tieback/support. The tieback/support for the cradle wedge is rigidly attached to the skidway. The tieback/support and cradle wedge are held together with bolts and frangible nuts. Explosive charges are used on the frangible nuts to release the cradle wedges from the tieback/support and launch the vessel. Jacks provide positive horizontal pressure on the cradle wedges to break static friction between the cradle wedges and skidways to initiate vessel motion down the skidways and into the waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: McDermott International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle C. Brown, Juan J. Campo, Philip F. Heiser, Steven M. McKnight
  • Patent number: 5477802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel portable lightweight boat ramp. The boat ramp is made up of two metal frame halves which open from the inside out, to form a V-shape angle matching the contour of a small boat approaching the beach area for landing. Each metal frame half is covered by a flat panel, made of strong and durable material, and each flat panel is covered in turn by a thin layer of frictionless material, so as to prevent the device from scratching the hull of the landing boat. In addition, four legs are hinged to the two metal frame halves, and are deployed to an obtuse angle with respect to the metal frame halves when the device is opened up for receiving an incoming boat for landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Billy D. Laue
  • Patent number: 5454341
    Abstract: A new and improved protective hull liner comprised of a mat having a generally rectangular configuration. The mat has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface comprises a foam rubber material. The lower surface comprises a puncture-resistant rubber material. The mat has a first edge and a second edge. The upper surface has a hook and loop material strip secured thereto inward of the first edge of the mat. The lower surface has a hook and loop material strip secured thereto inward of the second edge of the mat. The hook and loop material strip of the first edge cooperates with the hook and loop material strip of the second edge in a rolled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventors: Alan B. Bensley, Michael D. Oeser
  • Patent number: 5425322
    Abstract: The portable folding personal water craft mooring standoff comprises an apparatus which will provide a platform upon which a personal water craft may be moored above a water line when it is not in use. The apparatus is comprised of two main components which are fully transportable for use in shallow water off the shore. The apparatus is transported to the water, assembled, and then a personal water craft can be propelled onto the stand for temporary above water mooring. Once the water craft is to be used again, a rider mounts the water craft and uses weight and momentum to release the craft from the mooring and back into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: James R. Ziober
  • Patent number: 5398631
    Abstract: A watercraft hull protector for preventing damage to the lower bow surface of a waterborne craft such as a boat or jet ski, comprising a thin, elongated, flexible, but waterproof sheet-like member having a length substantially greater than the width thereof, and capable of being wound into a roll along the elongated length thereof for storage purposes. An elongated cord element coupled through a grommet located adjacent the center of a reinforced portion extending transversely across the front end portion of the sheet-like member facilitates deploying the mat on the shoreline with a substantial portion of the sheet-like member extending out of the water, traversing the muddy, rocky portion of the bank adjacent the water line, and with the rear end portion of the mat submerged below the water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Kerry Miller
  • Patent number: 5378082
    Abstract: A ship lifting installation (1) comprises a platform (3) for docking ships (2), which platform (3) can be lifted and lowered by means of lifting mechanisms (13). Mass-production lifting mechanisms (13) comprising a grooved cable drum (16) with a planetary gear unit located in the cable drum (16) are used in the ship lifting installation (1) and are provided with an electric motor (27) having an integrated brake, at least one upper cable pulley block (14) which is arranged separately from the cable drum (16) on a cable pulley support (20), and at least one lower cable pulley block (15) which is built into the platform (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventors: Manfred Hiller, Norbert Umlauf
  • Patent number: 5316409
    Abstract: A portable boat skidway is provided by combining lengths of steel rods interconnected by flexible joints in a ladder-like array with skidding tubes of high density polymeric material which serve as "rungs". A turning pad is provided by assembling a square of rods with enveloping skidding tubes, and adding a diagonal skidding cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Harold J. Aune
  • Patent number: 5314263
    Abstract: A method of distributing the loads generated between a ship and a supporting dry dock which comprises a platform comprising a number of articulatedly joined sub platforms and connected for lifting/lowering by opposed pairs of hoist winches, comprises moving certain combinations of the sub platforms by activating appropriate hoist winches, so as to alter forces to portions of the ship's hull, which forces may be evenly distributed, or concentrated so as to change the shape of local portions of the ship, or bring into alignment hatches and their covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: NEI Syncrolift Incorporated
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Stokoe, George M. Green, Iver D. Cayocca
  • Patent number: 5295762
    Abstract: A method of operation of marine locks includes the steps of supporting a first column of water within a lock chamber upon a vertically movable first floor, supporting a second column of water within a balance chamber upon a vertically movable second floor, supporting the first and second floors upon a confined volume of compressed air communicated between the lock chamber and the balance chamber and causing the first floor to rise or fall by application of upward or downward hydraulic pressure on the first floor while causing the second floor to move in the opposite direction by application of contrary hydraulic pressure on the second floor. Lock systems to perform the new methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Locks and Waterways International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eudoro Lopez, James R. McNew
  • Patent number: 5267811
    Abstract: A portable dock consisting of a raised V-Shaped structure, with an essentially rectangularly shaped horizontal base with attached spaced apart angled platforms situated above the base, said dock adapted to reside substantially underwater. The raised V-shaped structure has an open medial channel which enables the platforms to act as cradle members to engage opposite sides of a watercraft, as the watercraft to be docked is maneuvered into the open medial channel bow first. As the watercraft advances from the rear to the front of the dock, along the long axis of the base, the bow rests upon and is elevated by the incline of the platforms. The weight of the watercraft, as it rests upon the platforms, serves to anchor the dock to the bottom of the lake bed, thereby rendering both the watercraft and the dock stationary.The invention may be easily placed into the body of water and removed therefrom by hand, as it is of such a size and weight so as to allow easy manual transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: James T. Evans
  • Patent number: 5230587
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a layer of aggregate material over a large area of land, for example, in preparing a new land fill waste-disposal site. An elongated, endless-belt conveyor is positioned across the width of the site and is supported upon a plurality of longitudinally spaced tractor units which are adapted to move the entire conveyor laterally across the length of the site. Aggregate material is supplied to one end of the conveyor and is conveyed toward the opposite end thereof. A mobile discharge unit through which the endless-belt passes, is moveable longitudinally along the conveyor to discharge the aggregate from the endless belt continuously as the discharge unit travels between the ends of the conveyor. The discharged material is continuously conveyed laterally away from the conveyor, deposited upon a portion of the site and spread along a strip of the land area laterally adjacent to the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Judy W. Pensoneau
    Inventor: Gary E. Pensoneau
  • Patent number: 5226746
    Abstract: A boat lift is arranged to include spaced rectilinear frameworks having leg members splayed exteriorly of a first framework extending to the second framework. The legs may optionally include telescoping extensions, with the extensions and legs having foot plates for mounting the frameworks to a support surface. Flexible webs are mounted at opposed ends between the frameworks to position and lift a boat therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Roy V. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5215405
    Abstract: A track system for launching and retrieving a boat carried on a trailer having two laterally spaced back wheels and having a front wheel which is centered laterally with respect to the back wheels. The system includes two laterally spaced tracks for guiding the back wheels of the trailer and further includes a laterally centered and forwardly projecting track for guiding the front wheel of the trailer. The tracks are adapted to be laid on a bank to establish a smooth and compliant surface enabling the trailer to be backed quickly and easily down the bank and into the water for purposes of launching the boat and also to enable the trailer to be easily pulled up the bank during retrieval of the boat. The tracks are tied together by and are adjustable laterally along longitudinally spaced bars. Also, the tracks are made in sections adapted to be coupled together to form a track system of desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: The Hogan Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Hogan
  • Patent number: 5213443
    Abstract: A windsurfing ramp which is flexible so as to provide a spring action and optimize the translation of windsurfing craft velocity into launch trajectory. The windsurfing ramp is compact by design, easily transported and easily assembled and installed. The windsurfing ramp is safe and eliminates the possibility of a windsurf craft rudder catching on a portion of the ramp thus injuring a sailor or damaging the windsurf craft. The ramp is made up of a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced apart tubular members which are flexible under the weight of a windsurf craft and sailor. The support members are arranged in a planar configuration such that one side edge is submerged when disposed on a body of water while an opposite side edge is elevated in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: Mike K. Hemperly, Kenneth D. Hill
  • Patent number: 5184913
    Abstract: A launching and lift assembly for small watercraft such as a jet ski comprises a skid cradle for seating the watercraft thereon for sliding movement off an end thereof. The skid cradle is mounted on a dock for rolling movement thereon forwardly over a launching edge thereof on a rear caster and on a pair of forward support rollers secured to the dock at its launching edge, for downward tilting of the skid cradle on the support rollers over the launching edge to cause the watercraft to slide downwardly off the tilted skid cradle and into the water when the skid cradle and seated watercraft are rolled forwardly on the dock to a position wherein their center of gravity is located forwardly of the support rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventor: Jon D. Meriwether
  • Patent number: 5090841
    Abstract: A boat lift in which a hydraulic pump and cylinder with a piston is mounted on a manual boat lift so that the piston rod carries a pulley which engages the lifting cable so that when the piston moves in the cylinder the boat will move up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Brammall, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence A. Penick, Jr., Darrel Walters
  • Patent number: 5078541
    Abstract: Method for launching and retrieving a boat by attaching a hook on a constant tension line connected to a reel. The reel includes a length of retractable line which is reeled out to a predetermined point, and a button on the reel housing engages the reel to set the length of line on the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Daniel B. Gola
  • Patent number: 5067428
    Abstract: A portable boat dock consisting of a modified "H" shaped platform adapted to reside substantially underwater, the platform having attached to it two upwardly protruding arms with cradle members attached to engage opposite sides of a boat to be docked. The platform lower portion consists of a pair of spaced apart angled legs adapted to penetrate a distance into the lake bottom to secure the platform. Holding the platform upright is an attached elongated tongue, the tongue also operably attached to a front holding stake driven into the ground at the shoreline of the lake, the stake also containing a ring to receive a rope from the bow of the boat to secure the boat. The invention may be easily placed into the lake and removed by utilizing connecting pins which permit separation of the platform from the tongue and from the front stake. Various lake depths are accounted for by telescoping legs and various sized boats are accommodated by spreading or narrowing the angle between the upright cradle members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventors: Mack F. Dickerson, Curt J. Hendricks, Gregory A. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 5037237
    Abstract: A pair of opposed protectors for protecting the hull of a boat from abrasion or other contact damage by a sling used in lifting the boat during launching, haul out or the like, each protector being in the form of an elongate member which is positioned between the boat hull and the portion of the sling which would otherwise engage the hull, each protector being affixed at one end thereof to the boat by reverse U-shaped members which releasably engage the lifeline of the boat to permit the position of the protector to be adjusted longitudinally of the boat for alignment with the sling, each protector having a polyvinyl chloride hull contacting face with a layer of cellular polyvinyl chloride or cellular polyethylene backing material bonded thereto, a two sided pressure sensitive tape being affixed to each protector adjacent the opposed end thereof for further releasably affixing each protector to the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Paul D. Anteau
  • Patent number: 4972791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved boat protection device. The boat protection device includes a pair of plates that are pivotally attached together. The boat protection device plates may have attached thereto a plurality of attachment lines which facilitate securing the boat protection device to the underside of a boat. Each plate has a plurality of wedges on the bottom surface thereof. The wedges are designed to engage a ground surface, thereby configuring the plates in a V-shape to cradle and support a boat on a ground surface or in shallow water. The plates may also have a protective covering thereon to further protect the underside of the beached or moored boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Gary P. Williams
  • Patent number: 4803942
    Abstract: A landing apparatus is disclosed for use during the landing or beaching of a boat, a vessel, or the like to protect the keel and hull bottom from injury and abrasion. The apparatus (12) employs an elongated semi-rigid member (20) disposed longitudinal to the bottom surface of the boat. Rigid and resilient upper support blocks (4) are provided on member 2 or and are angled in such a way (2) and spaced in such a way (6) to accept and cradle the keel of a boat and have surface contact with the hull so as to offer complete protection during the beaching of the latter. Said apparatus (12) also employs strips of material (8) spaced (16) on the underside of the apparatus so as to provide a non-slip surface on the bottom side of apparatus (12) for engagement with the contact surface of the beach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventors: Joseph Dren, Allen Dren
  • Patent number: 4786210
    Abstract: An offshore facility for use in an arctic body of water to produce, store, and offload hydrocarbons. The facility comprises a main structure which includes storage tanks, production equipment, etc., and which has a marine docking slip constructed therein and adapted to receive and moor a vessel, e.g., a tanker ship, therein to protect the vessel against moving ice. To protect the vessel while it is moored in the slip, a means is provided to keep the water in the slip from freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Williams
  • Patent number: 4714375
    Abstract: A watercraft lift supported on one or a pair of stanchions that include a sleeve assembly mounted for slidable movement on the stanchions. A platform is mounted on forks carried by a cross arm inserted into the sleeve assemblies which protrude out from the stanchions. Upright members mounted on the platform carry fender members.In a modified form of the invention a single stanchion with a similar sleeve assembly, a cross arm and twin forks, lifts a floating dock.In a further modified form, a single stanchion with a similar sleeve assembly, a cross arm and twin forks, lifts a non-floating dock.In still another modified form a single stanchion with a sleeve assembly cross arm and twin forks carries a spaced frame for receiving a seaplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Levitator, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest W. Stevenson, Randall E. Nahas
  • Patent number: 4696250
    Abstract: A portable boat ramp having a frame supporting a cradle having protective support pads thereon. The frame also includes ground stakes for securing the ramp in a temporary position on the waterbed. A boat may be temporarily moored with the forward portion of the hull in the cradle in a position near the shoreline but with the boat out of contact with the waterbed, thus preventing damage to the boat hull from such contact and the buffeting and wave action normally encountered when the boat is beached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventor: John E. Antonides
  • Patent number: 4678366
    Abstract: A boat lift includes a vertical H-beam driven into the floor of a body of water adjacent a pier. A shaft housing surrounds the H-beam and slides up and down it on rollers mounted within the channels defined between the opposed flanges and web of the H-beam. A fork lift-like boat support is mounted to the shaft housing for vertical movement therewith to raise and lower a boat to and from the water. Forces are transferred from the shaft housing to the H-beam by the rollers engaging the web surfaces and the inner flange surfaces. A hoist, supported by the pier and the top of the H-beam, raises and lowers the shaft housing and boat support therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventor: James W. Williamson
  • Patent number: 4662780
    Abstract: A method for docking of a floating structure, e.g. a concrete offshore platform. According to a first embodiment, a pit (3) separated from the sea by means of sand or gravel deposits (1; 4) is excavated, whereupon the structure (7) is erected entirely or partly in the pit (3). The depth of the pit (3) is increased by building the upper edge of the pit upwards to an upper level, whereupon the pit is filled with water (10) in order for the structure to become floating. The deposits (12) situated at the bottom of the pit (3) and under the structure (7) are next removed by means of suitable techniques in order to lower the bottom of the pit (3) to a lowest level, while the level (11) of the water (10) in the pit (3) is maintained. Then the level of the water (10) is lowered to a lower level (14) corresponding to the level of the sea (2) on the outside and the dike ( 4; 8) separating the pit from the sea is removed, whereupon the structure may be floated away from the pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Selvaag-Bygg A/S
    Inventor: Ola O. Thorsnes
  • Patent number: 4653706
    Abstract: An emergency aircraft landing device is shown of the type having a base with a concave upper surface for receiving and supporting the fuselage of an aircraft. A plurality of resilient, elongate members are arranged in rows at spaced intervals along the upper surface and the rows are oriented normal to the upper surface for stopping the forward progress of an aircraft landing on the upper surface. An inflatable bag on either side of each of the rows supports the elongate members normal to the plane of the upper surface. The base is mounted on wheels and is powered by an electric motor for moving down a runway. A second electric motor is remotely controlled by a radio signal and operates a worm gear to position the front wheel of the device control the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Youssef Ragiab
  • Patent number: 4601606
    Abstract: A boathouse loading device for loading a boat out of a body of water and into a boathouse, using in part the motive power of the boat. The device includes a pivotable, slidable carriage for receiving the hull of a boat, outriggers for stabilizing the boat during its movement, a tensionable latching mechanism for initially inhibiting movement of the carriage and a winch for sliding the carriage and for tensioning the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Beatle Eason
  • Patent number: 4549835
    Abstract: A docking apparatus comprises a drive truck adapted to run along a side wall of a dock approximately horizontally, a surface treating truck connected to the drive truck at all times and having a hull surface treating device, and a docking truck connectable to and separable from the drive truck and having a retractable hull suction disk. The drive truck only is provided with drive units for running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiro Ando, Shuji Miyake, Osamu Murakami, Takashi Kawabata, Shigeo Hayashi, Michiyasu Otonari, Toyoaki Kato
  • Patent number: 4548152
    Abstract: A system for maritime transportation and distribution of bulk raw materials includes a series of containers, a carrier vessel, a container unloading dock for unloading material from each container, and a loading dock for loading material into each container, each container having openings in the stern and bow walls for loading and unloading materials, provided with watertight covers and/or valves, and having no hatches on deck so that the containers can be stacked one on the other, the vessel having a hold provided with a port for the flotation loading and unloading of the containers into and out of the hold, the hold comprising retention devices to lock each container to the structure of the carrier vessel, in the stowage position the containers being stacked one on the other in a multilayer arrangement, the unloading dock being a sloping bed graving dock which includes a tunnel located underneath the same in communication with the floor of the dock through openings provided with watertight covers, and a con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Emanuele Iozza
  • Patent number: 4505619
    Abstract: A wheeled boat trailer of the type used to tow a boat to a body of water is provided with a walkway leading to a dock ramp hingedly coupled to the rear end of the trailer for rearward extension into the body of water after the boat has been launched. Downwardly extendable support legs are mounted to the end of the dock ramp furthest from the trailer to support the dock ramp above the water surface. A pulley mounted atop a mast removably secured to the trailer near the rear portion thereof allows a conventional front-mounted trailer winch to elevate the dock ramp while the trailer is backed into or pulled from the water. When not in use, the dock ramp may be pivoted about its hinged coupling to a stowed position extending forwardly across the trailer. The dock ramp may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and the underside of the dock ramp may incorporate rollers for engaging and supporting the keel of the boat when the dock ramp is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventor: Harold L. Sargent
  • Patent number: 4482268
    Abstract: A boat lift supported on a single stanchion that includes a sleeve assembly mounted for slidable movement on the stanchion. A cross arm mounted on the sleeve assembly carries fork members which protrude out from the cross member. Blocks on the forks cradle the hull of a boat for lifting. Standards mounted on the cross member carry bumper floats and docking eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Levitator, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest W. Stevenson, Randall E. Nahas
  • Patent number: 4361105
    Abstract: An improvement in a barge-carrying flotation-loaded waterborne vessel. A hollow interior defines upper and lower longitudinal barge holds arranged in vertical rows of aligned tiers, each hold being flooded during the time it is loaded and unloaded. There is at least one loading lock at one end of the vessel for enabling flotation loading of each vertical row of barge holds; each lock has a pair of side bulkheads and a bottom, and gate means for separating the lock from and opening it to the outside for flotation loading and unloading of one barge at a time. There is also a separate lock gate for each tier of each row for connecting a hold of each row to a lock. In each lock there are sets of barge support panels, each pivotally attached by a horizontal longitudinally extending pivot to one of the side bulkheads, at least one set being disposed on each side of the lock adjacent to and approximately on a level with each upper longitudinal barge hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: Wharton Shipping Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Kirby, David J. Seymour
  • Patent number: 4337704
    Abstract: A turbulent waterway, having boats guided in a trough made from bargrating, individual plates of which are connected with each other, the side of the trough being covered with a dense synthetic plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Mannesmann DeMag A.G.
    Inventors: Klaus Becker, Jurgen Cittrich, Karl E. Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 4300854
    Abstract: A float movable along a ramp for launching trailerable boats so that the float remains adjacent the water line of the ramp responsive to changes in water level. The float is moved by a line extending from the deep water end of the float, downwardly to a stationary underwater sheave, upwardly to a shore mounted powered drive mechanism and downwardly to the shallow water end of the float. The drive mechanism is controlled by a water level sensor to move the float along the ramp as the water level changes so that the float remains in the water near the water line of the ramp as the water level fluctuates. The water level sensor includes an ultrasonic level detector mounted in a vertical tube communicating with the water through an equalizing tube. The float moves along a guide mechanism running alongside one end of the ramp to prevent transverse movement of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Builders Concrete, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley W. Sluys
  • Patent number: 4260282
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a portable boat ramp adapted for use by skiers, fishermen, campers and the like to protect the bottom and bow of a boat when beaching the like and includes protecting means in the form of a bottom wall and a pair of hollow upstanding walls disposed in generally converging relationship to each other upon and between which is adapted to be disposed the bow of a boat whereby the latter is protected when the boat ramp is resting upon a supporting surface such as a shore, the bed of a body of water, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventors: Charles L. Dorsey, Donald L. Dorsey, Sam M. Richardson, III
  • Patent number: H3
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a large ship from water to a pre-determined area for repair thereof comprising: lifting means for lifting the ship out of the water; guidance means to guide the ship while it is on the lifting means to the pre-determined repair area; and means for enabling the lifting means to be emplaced on the ship; said enabling means having an entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America
    Inventor: Michael Yachnis