Vessel Support (e.g., Bilge Or Keel Block) Patents (Class 405/7)
  • Patent number: 10654548
    Abstract: A bunk for a boat lift includes a bottom portion pivotally configured to attach to one or more lifting beams of the boat lift. A top portion is positionably securable to the bottom portion wherein the top portion comprises includes a boat engaging surface having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is a first distance from a midplane of the top portion and the second end is a second distance from the midplane of the top portion. The top portion is positionable into a first position where the boat engaging surface is in a first position relative to the bottom portion and wherein the top portion is positionable into a second position by moving the top portion end for end relative to the bottom portion wherein boat engaging surface is a second position relative to the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: HEWITT MACHINE & MFG., INC.
    Inventors: Troy L. Hewitt, Kent M. Evans, James A. Lang
  • Patent number: 10387824
    Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods that can identify the location of a consignee and propose one or more alternative delivery location(s). The proposed delivery location may be based on the current location of the consignee, current address on the package to be delivered, information located in a social network (private or public), “to-be” location as determined by the consignee which would be transmitted to the carrier and/or a predicted consignee location. In other embodiments, the consignee or “carrier” may suggest an alternative fixed location or alternative mobile location. In some embodiments, the consignee may indicate an alternative recipient of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gillen, Roberta Walton Hensley
  • Patent number: 8944413
    Abstract: A solar-powered boat winch suited for installation upon boat lifting structures such as those in a remote location. The solar powered boat winch includes an electric motorized winch, a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, a recharger, and mechanical mounts for attaching the solar powered boat winch to a boat lift structure. The solar cell collects sufficient solar energy and converts it into electricity that charges the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery acts as the power source for an electric motor of the winch. The winch assembly also includes remote controlled operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Gary L. Hatch, James Hatch
  • Patent number: 8926217
    Abstract: A boat cradle system for securely supporting boats, even in hurricane conditions, comprising one or more decks anchored to the ground or to an underlying structure. Moveably mounted on the deck or decks is a series of mobile boat supports that move back and forth between an inoperative position and an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Grady F. Smith
  • Patent number: 8814468
    Abstract: A small boat dynamic roll stabilizer. The stabilizer includes two or more pairs of spaced-apart flexible bellows or air bags to receive and support a boat hull during passenger loading and unloading. Dynamic pitch is limited or even stopped for the boat hull by maintaining each of the bellows, which each has a contact surface contacting a portion of the hull from below (within the water), at an internal pressure great enough to support dynamic loading of the boat hull while allowing the water to support the hull's static load. A pressure chamber is provided that has its interior volume linked via ducting or piping with the bellows, and a controller uses a feedback loop to operate an actuator to move a piston within the pressure chamber to maintain the pressure of the chamber and linked bellows as the loading of the boat hull dynamically varies during loading and unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Willcox
  • Patent number: 8770130
    Abstract: A dock-side cradle for providing a safe point of entry into and out of a personal watercraft such as a canoe or kayak launching and landing same. The cradle is trough-shaped and is open at each end, with a slight slope from one end to the other. Preferably the trough is defined by a plurality of support arms in spaced separation from one another which are connected to a pair of guiding elements. The cradle is adapted to be hingedly connected to a dock so that it can be positioned in the water for use, or rotated up onto the dock when not in use. The cradle is equipped with handrails connecting to the support arms and the support arms themselves may be extendable in order to accommodate varying water levels in relation to the dock. The cradle may be sold as a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Richard A Holmes
  • Patent number: 7628564
    Abstract: A method of retrieving a boat from the water by supporting the boat by two lift sections, each of which has an inflatable bunker and a cradle structure that supports and positions the bunker. The lift sections are connected to a mobile support structure which brings these lift sections to a location near the water into which the boat is to be retrieved. The lift sections are lowered and positioned into the water and the boat is floated into the lift region between them. The lift sections are raised upwardly to carry the boat from the water and to another location over a land surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Krause Manufacturing
    Inventors: Herbert Krause, Linda Krause, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7581745
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum trailer bunk having a support housing, a base plate, an aluminum rail, and a protective covering positioned over the aluminum rail. Further disclosed is an aluminum replacement rail for a trailer, including an aluminum rail having a bottom plate and a support member, a plurality of L-brackets, and a protective covering placed over said support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Remedios, Mike Gee
  • Patent number: 7552495
    Abstract: A modular jet ski ramp includes a platform configured to float on water and for attachment to a dock. The platform has a receptacle thereon for a replaceable insert, which has a docking surface and an attachment surface. The docking surface is complementary to a hull of a jet ski. The attachment surface is complementary to the receptacle for attachment thereto. The replaceable insert is configured for removal and replacement such that the platform can accommodate the jet ski and another jet ski of a different size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: L. Keith Rogerson
  • Publication number: 20090044739
    Abstract: A roller for a floating watercraft port or lift is generally circular in radial cross-section and defines a diameter which decreasing from an axial center of the rollers to opposite ends of the rollers; such that the rollers are variable diameter rollers. In a variation, the rollers include circumferential grooves through which watercraft chines can glide. The rollers are received in roller sockets in the watercraft port or lift. The rollers rotate about an axle in the socket, and the sockets includes axle receiving channels which receive the roller axles. The roller axles and roller socket axle channels are sized and shaped such that the roller axles can be snap fitted into the axle channel to allow for removal of the roller from the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: E-Z-DOCK, INC.
    Inventors: Dustin Imel, Curtis Downs
  • Patent number: 7413379
    Abstract: A boat support stands. A pair of aligned and mutually opposed beds is pivotally mounted by risers atop a base plate. A cable and spring urge the beds to move together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Tommy C. Creel, Sabrina N. Creel
  • Patent number: 7413378
    Abstract: A boat lifting assembly includes a cradle for carrying a boat mounted between three pilings on each cradle side. A pair of support housings is affixed to the pilings on each cradle side. A pair of hydraulic lifts are housed in the housings and connected to the cradle for moving same vertically. Each lift includes a horizontally extensible piston carrying a piston pulley block and a stationary hydraulic cylinder. Three cables have one end portion threaded between the pulleys of the block and the cradle. Transition pulleys are supported by the housing and direct the cable vertically for moving the cradle when the block is moved. Additional pulleys and various anchor points may be employed to provide for vertical lifts of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 times the distance of movement of the piston. The housings are in the same plane as the cradle deck and/or dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert L. Way
  • Patent number: 7025531
    Abstract: A boat cradle has two pair of channels comprised of two lower channels supporting two upper channels. The lower channel members are each pivotally fixed to its own upright; the upper channels support a plastic pad that rotates to match the bottom and the inclination of the boat. One of the inner ends of the lower channels mounts a transfer block, and the other mounts a transfer plate. The lower channels are kept generally to a horizontal position by a leaf spring; one end bearing against the bottom of the web of the lower channels and the other end fixed to the upright post. A cut out on the upright post limits the lower pair of supports beyond the horizontal in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Oscar A Fournier
  • Patent number: 6964241
    Abstract: A portable mooring device for a small watercraft includes frame means having a pair of opposing side members and a plurality of crossbar members that are assemblable and adjustable by releasably securing telescopic engagements therebetween with removable pins, watercraft-seating means having shoe and support elements that are assemblable and adjustable by releasably securing telescopic engagements therebetween and the watercraft-seating means to the frame means with removable pins, and securing means having a tongue mechanism with a winch wherein the securing means is assemblable and adjustable by releasably securing telescopic engagements thereof and by releasably securing the securing means to the frame means with removable pins. The portable mooring device is easily disassemblable by simply removing all of the removable pins. A method of mooring a small watercraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur D. Krebs
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040126185
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting the hull of a watercraft using a flexible bunk beam and a convex cushion attached to the beam using locking elements. The beam has a longitudinal recess with a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower anchor portion, and the cushion has an elongated cushion locking member lockably insertable into the recess. The cushion locking member has a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower portion sized to snuggly fit within the recess. The cushion includes internal voids and walls. The beam includes sidewalls with bores forming bearing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Edward D. Davidson, Kenneth E. Hey
  • Publication number: 20040018054
    Abstract: A floating dock for use in areas having endangered flora, sensitive to the lack of sunlight, is assembled from modular units in such a manner that sunlight can pass through the dock to impinge on the ecology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: David Rueckert
  • Patent number: 6644231
    Abstract: A third embodiment of the boat landing apparatus includes a pair of roller assemblies, a pair of cross members and a set of four retention brackets. A first embodiment of the retention bracket is a surface pivot bracket. A second embodiment of the retention bracket is a pivot support bracket. A third embodiment of the retention bracket is a cross bracket. A support post may be mounted to a bottom of a cross member with an angle bracket. Two roller assemblies may be connected in series with an in-line connector bracket. A fourth embodiment of the boat landing apparatus includes a plurality of roller axles and a pair of retention members. A fifth embodiment of the boat landing apparatus preferably includes a plurality of bracket support members, a plurality of pivot roller brackets, and a pair of lengthwise rail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventors: Philip A. Crifase, Joy P. Crifase
  • Patent number: 6612775
    Abstract: A watercraft lift having hydraulic cylinders secured to lift towers and pivot axles located above the water surface to raise and lower a cradle that is secured to a surrounding support framework with lift frames that radiate from the framework and cradle corners. Length adjustable legs depend from the framework to appropriately elevate and position the cradle and framework relative to the surface level of the waterway. Brace arms extend from the lift towers to the forward ends of the support framework. The cylinders rotate between a parallel condition to the top of the cradle, when fully elevated, and an inclined condition, when the cradle is fully lowered. The cylinders remain at all times substantially above the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Larry Hewitt
  • Patent number: 6602022
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and storing a boat above the water in the well of a floating dry dock is made up of a frame onto which the boat can be driven under its own power and which pivots on a rear bar mounted across and away from the entrance of the well. After being loaded on the frame, the boat and frame are tilted such that the frame is made to bear on a second bar located further away from the well entrance. A method of forming the apparatus and a kit containing the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: James F. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6575661
    Abstract: A boat lift having a stationary frame and a lifting frame that can be raised and lowered on the stationary frame. The lifting frame has a front cross member and a rear cross member. A pair of bunk rails are adjustably mounted upon the cross members so that the rails can be pre-positioned to better conform to the shape of the hull of a boat being serviced by the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Reimann & Georger
    Inventors: John Phillips, Gregory A. Gorecki, Alfred J. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6520728
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for elevating a watercraft out of a body of water and maintaining the watercraft at a predetermined elevation over the water or removing the watercraft therefrom for towage behind a vehicle. Apparatus (10) includes a forwardly elevated ramp (12) onto which the watercraft may propel itself. Also included is displaceable catch arms (36) which pivot between an engaged position and a released position. Each catch arm (36) is biased toward the engaged position and is constructed and arranged such that it is displaced to the released position when the watercraft is propelling itself up ramp (12). After the watercraft has passed an engagement member (44) attached at the distal end (40) of catch arm (36), catch arm (36) is urged toward the engaged position and engagement member (44) makes contact with the stem of the watercraft and prevents rearward motion thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne Schwitters
  • Patent number: 6139219
    Abstract: The disclosed portable docking/support system has a frame structure including end stands and elongated members connected at opposite ends thereof to and between the end stands. The elongated members include a pair of upper members and a lower member spaced below and laterally between the upper members for strengthening the frame structure. The upper elongated members are laterally spaced apart a distance less than the hull width of a personal water craft to be docked relative to the system and are extended lengthwise at least a portion of the hull length. The end stands have optional structures (casters, wheels or end plugs) suited to be rolled on or rested on a generally horizontal support surface (under water on a lake or river bed or on a nearby beach or land). The upper elongated members are spaced apart horizontally and are vertically higher than the end stands at all locations laterally between the upper elongated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Vinarsky
  • 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: 6079936
    Abstract: A personal watercraft carrier having a watercraft cradle coupled to a support frame wherein the support frame has two vertical leg support members which are pivotally coupled to advance from an essentially horizontal position to an essentially vertical upright position or from an essentially vertical upright position to an essentially horizontal position. When the vertical leg support members are advance to the essentially horizontal position, the cradle is in close proximity to the ground or other horizontal surface which enables the user to easily mount the personal watercraft in the cradle. The pivotal translation of the vertical leg support members from the horizontal position to the vertical upright position lifts the cradle having placed therein the personal watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Watters
  • Patent number: 5941660
    Abstract: A watercraft support structure formed from a plurality of rigid platforms that are coupled together by the use of linking pins or insertion plugs. Each platform having independent buoyancy formed integral therein for support of most any size watercraft. The structure includes multiple ramp, cradle, and flat platforms, allowing an individual to customize a support structure for a particular sized watercraft. The platforms allow the structure to raise or fall with each tidal change. One embodiment of the dock assembly 110 includes a hinge-type connection that promotes ease of loading and unloading of a watercraft. The dock assembly 110 may also be configured to provide a surface to which watercraft may be moored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: David Rueckert
  • Patent number: 5890835
    Abstract: A hydraulic lift for raising a boat out of water into a raised storage position is proposed. Pivoting booms are connected to a frame that is supportable by a bed of a body of water. A boat rack is provided at an upper portion of the pivoting booms. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and a lower portion of the pivoting booms. The pivoting booms are selectively adjustable between a lowered position wherein the rack is submerged in the water and a raised storage position wherein the rack is raised above the water. The position of the pivoting booms is controlled by a ram of the hydraulic cylinder. Importantly, the pivoting booms are maintained in the raised storage position when the ram is in a retracted position which protects the ram from corrosion and fouling. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting booms are rotated over center when they are in the raised storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Samuel T. Basta, Bob Koerselman, Steve Kleinwolterink, Mark Schmeling
  • Patent number: 5888019
    Abstract: A walking hoist has a pair of elongated parallel laterally spaced side members with opposite ends. A downwardly extending leg with upper and lower ends is rigidly secured to the ends of each side member. A pair of U-shaped crank members are rotatably secured to and extend between adjacent ends of the side members. The U-shaped cranks each have a bearing member secured to the upper ends of the legs. The crank arms are secured to the bearings and extend radially therefrom in a parallel direction and terminate in an outer end. A horizontal shaft extends between pairs of said crank arms at each end of the legs of the side members. The crank arms are longer than the legs. A circular drive disk is rigidly and operatively secured to the lower ends of the crank arms adjacent the opposite ends of at least one of the side members. A rotational drive assembly is operatively connected to the drive disk to rotate the drive disk in unison in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Donald D. Quastad
  • Patent number: 5860765
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple system for in-water dry docking pleasure boats using existing boat slips. The system includes a dry-dock basin having one or more ballast tanks mounted below the bottom surface of the basin. The basin is submerged along guide pipes below the boat slip where the boat is typically stored. The basin comprises a port hull half and a starboard hull half that abuttingly engage at a seam which preferably comprises an insert. The insert is preferably flexible and may be formed as a keel well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventors: Albert Cruchelow, Rodney H. Masters
  • Patent number: 5839851
    Abstract: A lift is provided for a personal watercraft and includes two relatively elongated channel members each of a generally C-shaped transverse cross-section. A carriage carrying a platform upon which the personal watercraft can be supported is mounted for sliding movement between the elongated channel members through a cable, winch, reversible electric drive motor and associated gears and pulleys. When the carriage is located within the upper channel member, the latter, the platform and the personal watercraft can be swung about a vertical axes to rotate the personal watercraft between two different positions 180.degree. removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Norfolk Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn P. Norfolk, David Charles Peterson, Jr., Ronald Price Ranere, Russell V. Welton, Martin Johnson, John David Augustine
  • Patent number: 5795098
    Abstract: A watercraft support structure formed from a plurality of rigid platforms that are coupled together by the use of linking pins. Each platform having independent buoyancy formed integral therein for support of most any size watercraft. The structure includes multiple ramp, cradle, and flat platforms, allowing an individual to customize a support structure for a particular sized watercraft. The platforms allow the structure to raise or fall with each tidal change and include a hinge-type connection that promotes ease of loading and unloading of a watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: David Rueckert
  • Patent number: 5641242
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a boat from water and storing in a position above water includes a stationary frame with a pivoting frame attached thereto. An end of the pivoting frame extends into the water, allowing engagement with a boat. The stationary frame is secured to the side of a floating dock or marina so that it extends laterally therefrom. Flotation devices keep the stationary frame level with the dock or marina when not storing a boat, while minimizing the amount of tilt by the dock or marina when a boat is in the stored position. Angled rollers positioned on the pivoting and stationary frame guide the boat to a central position. An alternative preferred embodiment has the stationary frame secured to pilings by a plurality of rings that slidingly fit thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Rhett C. Riviere
  • Patent number: 5622447
    Abstract: A boat hull support has a pair of support members each pivotally attached to a respective upright. The inner ends of the support members oppose each other. One of the inner ends mounts a pair of cam plates having aligned banana-shaped cam openings. The other inner end mounts a follower rod received in the cam openings. The cam openings are shaped so that movement of one of the support members about its pivot will be translated into an equal and opposite movement of the other. The support members are urged to a generally horizontal position by leaf springs or elastomer blocks bearing against the underside of the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Oscar A. Fournier
  • Patent number: 5460112
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a movable work object relative to a substantially amorphous mass, the apparatus having a frame; a penetrating member adapted to be received in the amorphous mass; a member for interconnecting the penetrating member and the frame to retain the frame on the amorphous mass; and means for releasably securing the work object on the frame to secure the work object relative to the amorphous mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Lee C. Travioli
  • Patent number: 5449247
    Abstract: A boat mooring station comprises frame members connected to define a mooring station frame. The mooring station frame is positioned above a waterline of a body of water and oriented generally parallel to the surface of the body of water. An extensible front leg is connected with the frame near a front end and a pair of back legs are connected with the frame near a back end. The back legs extend at least generally downward to stand on a bottom of the body of water and support the frame. The front leg extends to raise the mooring station front to a launch position for launching or receiving a boat and retracts to lower the mooring station front to a storage position for storing the boat. The mooring station includes a boat support connected with the frame to receive and support the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Delbert G. Smith
  • 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: 5290124
    Abstract: Boat stand assemblies for dry dock maintenance or storage of boats with and without keels including two or more rigid frames of adjustable width each including a pair of struts of adjustable height, the frames being connectable by cross braces to provide a complete stand and further including a keel stand assembly similarly constructed of height and spacing adjustable struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Waco International Corporation
    Inventor: James J. Pavlescak
  • 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: 5259694
    Abstract: An improved personal watercraft launcher is disclosed having a deployable carriage mounted upon a dock surface and movable in a guided path between a stowed and deployed position. A cradle assembly affixed to the dock surface near to the water is equipped with a pair of opposed rollers inwardly directed to engage open channels of longitudinal rails on each side of the carriage. Guided by the roller engagement of the side rail channels and limited in travel by roller stops fixed along the side rails, the carriage is moved longitudinally through the cradle assembly along the dock surface from its stowed position with the watercraft carried directly upon adjustable support members secured to the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: David J. Byrne
  • Patent number: 5186576
    Abstract: The invention concerns a boat hull support that includes a pair of hull support members spaced from each other and each pivotally mounted intermediate its ends to spaced uprights. A guide post is mounted for vertical movement in the space between the support members, and sliding rods join the support members to the guide post so that vertical movement of the guide post will be translated into substantially equal movement of the support members about their pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Oscar A. Fournier
  • Patent number: 4944633
    Abstract: Boat cradle and storage construction including a plurality of substantially identical support units each availing of a central column comprising a support element and brace parts connected to the column and a base member of chevron shape with an adjustable ram in the column extending upwardly, and a pad at its end to engage the bottom of a boat or the like, the arrangement of the column and brace parts being such as to reduce space required for storage of the units when not in use and yet the base member shape provides stability, the arrangement of the brace parts being important from the standpoint of the overall assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Jos. Dyson & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank B. Robb
  • Patent number: 4861192
    Abstract: An apparatus for elevating objects and consisting of a frame for bearing on a subjacent support surface for the apparatus, a platform having an upwardly facing surface for bearing against an object to be elevated and laterally spaced sides and mounted to the frame for movement relative to the frame in a vertical direction between a lowered position and a raised position, a flexible cord, a winch mounted on the frame for selectively retrieving and paying out the cord, an elongate hollow conduit with spaced opposite ends mounted to the platform so that the conduit length is aligned laterally with respect to the platform, and wherein the cord extending from the spaced opposite ends of the conduit is connected to the winch and frame so that as the line is retrieved by the winch a lifting force is exerted on the conduit to elevate the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Glenn A. Porter
  • Patent number: 4850741
    Abstract: A boat hoist for raising and storing boats mounted on legs resting on the bottom and a pair of parallel angled swing leg assemblies raising a boat support rail member mounted on the upper ends thereof, with a fluid pressure actuator powering elevation of a swing leg assembly to raise a boat on cradle supports mounted on the rail member. A bow post carrying cradling rollers is pivoted to the forward end of the rail member, spring biased into an upright position to facilitate centering of the boat during the approach to the hoist. Adjustable height inwardly inclined feet support the support frame on the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: William D. L. Timmerman
  • Patent number: 4808028
    Abstract: A boat lift for installation in a boat well in a boat dock between the opposing sides of the boat well to lift a boat out of the water and lower a boat into the water. The boat lift comprises a frame adapted to receive and support a boat, at least one pontoon mounted on the frame and adapted to be flooed and evacuated to lower and raise the frame, and a pair of forward and rearward supports on the frame. Each of the supports is supported between a pair of rollers on a mounting bracket on the side of the boatwell, the brackets supporting the supports so that the frame is sloped with the back of the frame being elevationally above the front of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Charles J. White
  • Patent number: 4759660
    Abstract: A boat shoring system for cradling and supporting a boat in dry storage comprising two or more interconnected sub-system assemblies. Each sub-system comprises a central load bearing post and two laterally spaced outside supporting stands securely interconnected with laterally adjustable and angularly directed cable or chain means tautly stretched and preferably in tension to stabilize lateral movement. Two adjacent sub-systems are further stabilized by tautly stretched center cable means. The load bearing posts and outside supporting stands are vertically adjustable and transversely movable both laterally as well as forwardly and rearwardly. The boat shoring system can be easily assembled for use or dismantled into individual components and compactly stored during non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventor: Reg D. Corbett
  • Patent number: 4756642
    Abstract: A system for storage and shipping of boats availing of a series of adjustable support units which are connected by flexible elements to each other to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the boat with respect to its supported location, the support units likewise providing for fastening of a boat to the units by other flexible elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Jos. Dyson & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell C. Quinn, Frank B. Robb
  • Patent number: 4507016
    Abstract: Marine rail system including a rail assembly of parallel ramped rails, a winch supporting a steel cable at one end, a carriage including a forward carriage and a rearward carriage with a torque tube of three members, two of the members being telescoping with respect to the third member, connecting said front and rear carriages, and the cable pulling through a front strap the front carriage as well as through a place affixed to the rear carriage through the torque tube. The torque tube provides for flexing of the front carriage and the rear carriage with respect to the watercraft as well as with respect to the rail. The guide bars as well as the length of the torque tube are adjustable to accommodate any width of beam as well as any length of watercraft. Bunk supports slide on an I-beam, providing for adjustability of the bottom of the hull, especially for V-hulled watercraft. The rail sections are in convenient lengths and secured with splicers providing for easy shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Inventor: John H. Honour, VII
  • Patent number: 4468150
    Abstract: The present invention entails an adjustable boat cradle for supporting a boat. There is disclosed a rectangular base frame structure with a plurality of adjustable vertical support assemblies strategically located and connected to the base frame structure. Typically said vertical support assemblies extend generally upwardly from at least the corner areas of the base frame structure and includes an upper cradle pad that actually engages a side portion of the boat's hull while the keel of the boat is directly supported by an underlying support. To accommodate hulls of various sizes and shapes, the effective length and angle of orientation of the vertical support assemblies can be conveniently adjusted. In addition, the cradle pads are universally mounted about the vertical support assemblies such that they will rest adjacent the hull irrespective of the orientation of the support structure comprising the respective vertical support assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: James W. Price
  • Patent number: 4449846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transverse saddle type boat cradle for transversely supporting a boat at fore-and-aft positions. A rectangular base frame structure is provided with a vertical support frame assembly at each end. Each vertical support frame assembly is adapted to assume an upright supporting position. A detachable hull support panel is secured transversely within each vertical support frame assembly. To provide direct engagement and support for the boat, the hull support panel includes an upper support surface or edge that is selectively shaped and configured to generally conform to the shape of a particular boat hull. Thus in a supported position, a hull support panel underlies and engages the supported boat at fore-and-aft positions. Further to stabilize the boat and prevent rotation of the same within the hull support panels, there is provided a keel restraining device that is operative to prevent the keel from moving laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Inventor: James W. Price
  • Patent number: 4391550
    Abstract: In combination with a boat lift of the type having a plurality of opposed floatation tanks being affixed to a main structure and an horizontally disposed intermediate platform extending therebetween; a gunnel supporting system which comprises a plurality of paired stabilizing arms, and a crossbeam for each pair of stabilizing arms horizontally and transversely disposed beneath the platform; each pair of stabilizing arms consists of a first stabilizer arm and a second stabilizer arm transversely spaced from each other, each stabilizer arm being vertically disposed and extending through the platform so as to be pivotally connected to its associated crossbeam; a flange for pivotally connecting each stabilizer arm to its crossbeam, a retainer bolt for maintaining each stabilizer arm in a relative vertical position, a winch and a tension cable attached to the lower ends of the stabilizer arms for pivoting the same toward each other in a transverse plane thereby engaging the sides of a boat within the stabilizer ar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: National Hydro-Hoist Company
    Inventor: Henry A. Rutter