Vessel Raising And Docking Patents (Class 114/44)
  • Patent number: 11926405
    Abstract: A system for providing raw water for cooling of one or more Auxiliary Systems of a Luxury Boat, when the Luxury Boat is in Temporary Dry Storage involves a pump, external to the Luxury Boat, a controller coupled to the external pump and a sensor coupled to a boat-based pump controller on the Luxury Boat. The sensor is configured to sense a trigger signal from the boat-based pump controller indicating that raw water is to be pumped to the one or more Auxiliary Systems and send a signal to the controller that will cause the controller to start the external pump pumping raw water to the Luxury Boat. A related method for controlling raw water supply to one or more Auxiliary Systems of a Luxury Boat, when the Luxury Boat is in Temporary Dry Storage is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Summit Marine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Boettcher, Jeffrey Poole
  • Patent number: 11685488
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting a boat. The apparatus comprises a base frame, a lifting platform engagable upon the bottom surface of a boat, at least one lifting arm rotatably connected to each of the base frame and the lifting platform, wherein the at least one lifting arm is substantially horizontal at a lowered position and substantially vertical at a raised position and at least one linear actuator extending between the frame and a top surface of the at least one lifting arm so as to be extended at the lowered position and retracted at the raised position. The method comprises positioning the boat above the lifting platform in its lowered position and pulling on a top surface of the lifting arm with at least one linear actuator so as to rotate the at least one lifting arm from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: PARADISE DOCK & LIFT INC.
    Inventor: Jan Tadeusz Buksowicz
  • Patent number: 11359802
    Abstract: An illuminated guide pole for a watercraft-supporting structure includes an elongate LED light source enclosed within a waterproof housing mounted to the supporting structure. The housing includes a transparent pipe for surrounding the LED light source. The light source is electrically connected to a source of power and may include an LED whip light device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel Kyle, William Golden
  • Patent number: 11242119
    Abstract: The invention presented is a transformable floating dock system comprising a stationary floating dock section with a pair of movable floating dock sections operatively attached to each end of the stationary dock. The transformable floating dock system can be moved into different configurations by rotating the movable sections around each other and around each end of the stationary dock to form different configurations of the dock system. The configurations can be transformed without entering the water or moving the stationary dock system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Lee Munsell
  • Patent number: 10843773
    Abstract: A system and method of extracting a tube from the water by pulling the tube up a pair of elongated rails extending aft of the stern of a vessel and positioning the tube between a tube containment arm disposed above each of the elongated rails so that the tube is pressure fit therein. The pair of elongated rails can be pivoted up and out of the water for transportation and storage. The elongated rails and the tube containment arms can be telescopic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: John C Mott
  • Patent number: 10453724
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for storing and handling an article at a ceiling, including: an internal rail configured to hang on the ceiling; a storage system configured to hang on the ceiling and including a shelf of a first row and a shelf of a second row disposed on both sides of the internal rail to face each other and a transport in/out port connected to any one of the shelf of the first row and the shelf of the second row; and an internal transfer robot configured to be movably connected to the internal rail and convey the article between any one of the shelf of the first row and the shelf of the second row and the transport in/out port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Gyu Yoo, Jae-Yoon Kim
  • Patent number: 10141213
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for storing and handling an article at a ceiling, including: an internal rail configured to hang on the ceiling; a storage system configured to hang on the ceiling and including a shelf of a first row and a shelf of a second row disposed on both sides of the internal rail to face each other and a transport in/out port connected to any one of the shelf of the first row and the shelf of the second row; and an internal transfer robot configured to be movably connected to the internal rail and convey the article between any one of the shelf of the first row and the shelf of the second row and the transport in/out port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Gyu Yoo, Jae-Yoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9957024
    Abstract: A boat lifting device for lifting a ship, such as a motorboat, a utility boat, a prefabricated rubber boat, a shipping boat, a cruise yacht, or a dinghy yacht, above the surface or for floating the same on the surface and, more particularly, to a boat lifting device operated by a hydraulic cylinder, air, water pressure, a worm gear, or a rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KSB & SUNGPOONG CO., LTD
    Inventors: Im Cheol Choi, Gyeong Hwa Jeon
  • Patent number: 9789938
    Abstract: A lifting device for lifting and holding a small watercraft in a fixed position and that includes a support structure and a lifting mechanism. The support structure supports the lifting mechanism in a body of water, usually with some form of flotation device. The lifting mechanism is movable between a raised position that holds the watercraft steady and in a fixed position and a lowered position in which the watercraft is floating in the water. A handle bar assembly allows a user to maneuver the lifting mechanism between the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Great Northern Docs, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Richard Hargreaves, Stephen Joel Merriam
  • Patent number: 9376179
    Abstract: A watercraft floating port lift system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the lift system may include a platform frame, one or more floating ports coupled to the platform frame, and a lift mechanism. The lift system may be operatively coupled to and capable of lifting the one or more floating ports, platform frame, and any watercraft that may be positioned thereon out of a body of water and maintain the watercraft, ports, and platform frame above the water for an extended storage period. The lift system may also be capable of subsequently lowering the watercraft, one or more floating ports, and platform frame back to the body of water in a controlled manner, thereby enabling a user to launch and subsequently recover a watercraft from the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: David Austin Jordan
  • Patent number: 9180944
    Abstract: A drive-on watercraft (10) has removable/replaceable bunks (50, 80). The bunks are configured to define two rails (64,66; 94a,b). In one embodiment, one rail (64) is higher than the other rail (66). This bunk with rails of different heights can be positioned on the body of the lift with either rail facing inwardly, such that the lift can be configured to receive watercraft of different sizes. In a second embodiment, the bunk (80) has a ramp (84) positioned to extend rearwardly from the back of the lift body when the bunk is mounted to the lift body. The bunk ramp (84) provides a sacrificial point of first contact for of a watercraft with the lift and provides for a softer ride for the watercraft onto the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: E-Z-DOCK, INC.
    Inventors: Dustin Imel, Adam Strein, Curtis Downs, Dan Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20150096483
    Abstract: A system for refloating a grounded floatable vessel uses cylinder-shaped inflatable buoyant rollers that are placed under the vessel hull, inflated until they support the bottom hull and then caused to roll seaward while carrying the vessel into the water. An independently propelled vehicle pulls the vessel resting on the rollers into the water. An operator wirelessly controls inflation and deflation of the rollers to ensure stability of the vessel during the refloating operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: James Pirtle
  • Patent number: 8979426
    Abstract: A boat lift apparatus includes a base having a first base beam and a second base beam and a moveable boat support platform having a first lifting beam, a second lifting beam, and at least one cradle support connected to and suspended between the first and second lifting beams. At least two first support struts connect the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and at least two second support struts connect the second base beam and the second lifting beam. When the boat support platform is in a lowered position the at least two first support struts are generally parallel to both the first base beam and the first lifting beam, and the at least two second support struts are generally parallel to both the second base beam and the second lifting beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Doig
  • Patent number: 8950973
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose a watercraft vehicle lift. The watercraft vehicle lift may comprise a pivoting hinge configured to rotate around a fixed axis, a lift configured to extend and contract an arm to apply force and a scissor hinge with a plurality of pivoting points configured to extend and contract and receive force from the arm of the lift at an upward angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lone Star Docks
    Inventors: Chad Wilbanks, Christopher J. Corley
  • Patent number: 8857362
    Abstract: A mobile marine service module and method allows for in-water service of marine vessels. The service module permits servicing and repair of a marine vessel without removal from the water. The service module can attach to a marine vessel, against the hull, below the water line. Once in place and sealed against the vessel's hull, water from inside the module can be removed to provide a platform to work on the vessel, such as to provide service to the vessel's outdrive, for example. With the mobile marine service module, the vessel remains afloat during service, with little or no stress on the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jesse Michael Giles
  • Patent number: 8777513
    Abstract: A hydraulic boat lift uses two hydraulic cylinders to pull/release cables attached to a boat cradle. The hydraulic cylinders are operated by attachment to a tandem pump to cause them to operate in a synchronized fashion. Furthermore a switch assembly has a switch associated with each respective hydraulic cylinder, the pair of switches being wired in parallel so that if one side of the boat cradle reaches its fully raised position before the other side, the one side will stop and the other side will continue to move up until it is also disposed in a fully raised position before stopping by turning off the electricity to the tandem pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Midwest Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon W. Devitt
  • Patent number: 8727661
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for controlling a variable speed boat lift motor. The systems, apparatuses, and methods include a user interface for connection to a variable speed boat lift drive. The user interface transmits a signal to a variable speed boat lift drive that causes the variable speed boat lift drive to rise at a first speed set by a user through the user interface and lower at a second speed set by a user through the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Portco Automation, LLC
    Inventor: Lonnie D. Heller
  • Publication number: 20140116312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for recovering a submarine vehicle. The submarine vehicle is pulled by a rope and hauled by means of the rope and a recovery ramp from the body of water on board a ship or onto land. The system comprises the recovery ramp and a wave equalization ramp. The wave compensation ramp can be rotated relative to the recovery ramp about a swivel axis S and is supported by a floating body. The watercraft is picked up by means of the recovery ramp. The wave compensation ramp is hauled together with the picked-up submarine vehicle by means of the recovery ramp. The invention permits the recovery of a submarine vehicle, even in moderate or heavy seas, with less risk of damage to the submarine vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GMBH
    Inventors: Jorg Kalwa, Ralf Richter, Sven-Christian Hesse
  • Patent number: 8683933
    Abstract: The Device object of the present invention is a solid rocket motor integrated into a propulsion system. The system is designed to be effective for most type of transportation including airplanes, submarines, trains, and ships, such as oil tankers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Mario Placido Portela
  • Patent number: 8683934
    Abstract: A free-floating, compact, self-stabilizing, self-monitoring, remote-controlled, shallow-water, solar, high-speed, air displacement watercraft lift constructed of polyethylene tanks, and non-metallic structure. This device provides vertical lifting by inflating 4 or more air tanks at once using a blower for each tank, pushing water out an exit hole on the bottom of each tank. Each tank has an electric valve for filling and another for exhausting air. Pairs of tanks are pivotally connected along the centerline, and pairs of tanks are connected with a union tube inside the axles. A monitoring system fills the air tanks if air leaks. The width of the lift is adjusted by adjusting the center bunk height, or by adding a spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hey
  • Patent number: 8676402
    Abstract: An electric sentry system provides utilities for the welfare of a docked boat. The sentry system serves as boat and lift control, and security, system that has a wireless interface for two-way communications with a mobile wireless device. The system is configured to receive commands sent from the mobile wireless device. The system is also configured to independently monitor conditions involving the boat, the lift, or the premises surrounding the docked boat slip, and provide notifications to the boat owner/relevant user upon the occurrence of certain report-worthy events. This includes having the system monitoring online sources for extreme weather and/or other climatic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Foster
  • Patent number: 8596211
    Abstract: A floating dock mover that utilizes electrically powered devices to aid in relocating a floating dock whenever water levels change in a lake or reservoir. Electrical powered winching mechanisms are used to adjust cables lengths to maintain a position, or aid to obtain a new position of the dock in relation to the shoreline. Additionally, a motorized speed reducer is used to turn the wheels on the dock walkway, which moves the walkway and dock away from, or toward the shore. By electrically powering winch cable lengths, plus electrically powering the walkway wheels, the dock can be relocated horizontally and vertically and maintain a relative desired position in relation to a moving shoreline. An additional electrically motorized unit is used to operate an anchor which aids in maintaining a dock in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lester L. Ramey, Richard H. Dawkins
  • Patent number: 8596906
    Abstract: An assembly for attaching to a boat lift 12 includes a boat lift 12 attachment mechanism 70 for attaching to the boat lift 12; an outer support 24; an inner support 26 slidable within an interior of the outer support 24; a tire 22 attached to the inner support 26; and a stop member 82 extending from the outer support 24 to engage the tire 22 when the inner support 26 is retracted into the outer support 24. An outer surface of the inner support 26 is configured to be mateable with an inner surface of the outer support 24, thereby preventing rotation therein while permitting longitudinal movement with respect to the outer support 24. In another aspect, an assembly includes an axle 54 attached to the inner support 26 for the attachment of a ground engaging member. A method of leveling a boat lift 12 includes causing substantially vertical movements of first and second portions of the boat lift 12 until the boat lift 12 is horizontally level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Smarte Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Dana Haliberg, Dan Coates
  • Patent number: 8590916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automatically connecting a watercraft to a trailer. The invention permits a watercraft to be connected to a submerged trailer so that the watercraft can be withdrawn from a body of water by a single operator. The systems and methods of the invention incorporate a bow target guide which guides the operator of a watercraft to a catch mechanism so that a connection between the trailer and watercraft can be made automatically. The systems of the invention may be provided as a kit for modifying an existing trailer, or they may form an integral component of a trailer. Methods of making and using the present system are within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Velton
  • Patent number: 8430045
    Abstract: An onboard lift leg construction for a pontoon boat has a plurality of movable support legs including rear telescoping tube support legs that are fixed to a frame of a pontoon boat. The telescoping tube support legs each include an outer tube fixed to the frame, and an inner tube slidably mounted within the outer tube. A linear hydraulic actuator is secured to a head member that is supported on the outer tube. The actuator has an extendable and retractable rod that is attached or secured to the lower end of the inner tube such that when the actuator is extended, the inner tube is also extended to effectively lift the pontoon boat to which the outer tube is attached. The forward portions of the pontoon boat frame can be provided with pivoting lift legs for lifting the pontoon boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hewitt Machine & MFG., Inc.
    Inventors: Troy L. Hewitt, Kent M. Evans, Gary D. Hodapp
  • Patent number: 8267620
    Abstract: A boat lift with a rotatable head attached to a bracket securable with respect to environmental structure such as a pier which to be capable of lifting a watercraft from the water and while rotating thereof to a position above an adjacent area such a dock area. The lift includes a rotating head assembly having a mounting fin extendable into the interior of a vertically reciprocating mast. A watercraft supporting cradle is secured to the mast to be movable therewith and includes vessel support members for facilitating retaining of a watercraft thereupon. Vertical movement between the mounting fin and the reciprocating mast is facilitated by sliding wear pads positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hi-Tide Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald M. Wood, II, Ryan Hyde
  • Patent number: 8267621
    Abstract: A floating boatlift assembly includes a cradle assembly suspended between cable handling units arranged on respective spaced parallel float assemblies. An elongated boat is positioned between the float assemblies and over the cradle assembly. The cable handling units are operated to lift the boat into a raised position and permit lowering thereof to float the boat in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. Way
  • Patent number: 8251004
    Abstract: A device for transporting structures on water, as well as dismounting or installation of the structure(s) includes an elongated tilting frame (8) hingedly connected at a pivoting point (10) to a water vessel (6). The tilting frame (8) holds one or more support cribs (5) designed for being displaceable relative to the tilting frame and possibly relative to each other, the tilting frame further being designed to be able to assume an essentially horizontal or slightly tilted position, corresponding to a transport position, and being designed for being able to be tilted about the hinge connection to an essentially vertical position by suitable means, the vertical position corresponding to a lifting or operating position wherein the structure(s) carried by the support crib(s) may be lifted or lowered up from or down into the water, respectively, or up or down above water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Marine Offshore AS
    Inventors: Tor Ole Olsen, Kolbjørn Høyland, Trond Landbø, Arnstein Godejord, Ronald Seim
  • Patent number: 8221028
    Abstract: A boat lift includes a lift frame rotatably mounted to a boat dock. A lower trolley with a buoyant body slides on the frame. An upper trolley slides on the frame and is engaged by the boat as it propels itself forward onto the frame when the latter is in a boat receiving position. A linkage connected between the trolleys causes the lower trolley and the buoyant body to slide rearwardly underneath the boat to rotate the lift frame into a final docking position in which the boat is out of the water. The upper trolley is locked into position, thus holding the lower trolley in position through the linkage. The boat is launched by releasing the upper trolley lock, which permits the upper trolley to slide rearwardly, with concomitant forward sliding movement of the lower trolley that permits the frame to rotate and launch the boat from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Propulsion, Gas Turbine, and Energy Evaluations, LLC
    Inventor: J. Walter Smith
  • Patent number: 8181586
    Abstract: The instant device is a device that when used in a plurality they will support a dry docked pontoon effectively and efficiently. The device has to be used in combination with at least three others to effectively support a dry docked pontoon. The device is manufactured with a grooved top surface allowing the v shaped groove of the bottom of a pontoon to rest within it and thereby preventing damage to the pontoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Roumell
  • Patent number: 8167670
    Abstract: The invention in one variation is a modular recovery apparatus for dispensing a tether spool having a tow line with a float, where the tow line can be used to retrieve an unmanned underwater vehicle and other underwater platforms. The modular recovery apparatus can be triggered underwater or on the surface, and being modular in configuration it is suitable to be fitted to a variety of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The apparatus has a tether spool that is spring loaded, such that when the tether spool is deployed, the spring expels the tether spool with sufficient force to clearly separate it from the UUV. One end of the tow line is typically fastened to a tow point on the UUV, and an opposing end is attached to the float. When the tether spool is deployed, the tow line unwinds from the float, providing a securable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Gibson, Walt Hollis, Robert A. Leasko
  • Patent number: 8155812
    Abstract: This invention relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems increasing operations efficiency and providing accurate, safe control to eliminate man-made accidents. This invention also relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems providing information to safely operate at least one dry dock without over-stressing the metallurgy of the dry dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: David Q. Smith, Alan P. LeVezu
  • Publication number: 20120042818
    Abstract: A device for salvaging a marine or submarine engine, this device comprising: a supple tie line (20) having a first end (21) to be connected to the engine (80), a bobbin (30) to which is connected a second end (22) of the supple tie line (20), the supple tie line being adapted to be wound around the bobbin, and a ballast charge (50) adapted to be combined with the bobbin (30). The bobbin (30) and the ballast charge (50) are such that the bobbin combined with the charge sinks, while the bobbin released from the charge floats; and the supple tie line (20) and the bobbin (30) cooperate such that the bobbin is released from the charge (50) by the unwinding of the supple tie line (20) wound around the bobbin (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: IFREMER-INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHE POUR L' EXPLOITATION DE LA MER
    Inventors: Viorel CIAUSU, Marc LUCCIONI, Vincent RIGAUD
  • Patent number: 8096729
    Abstract: An adjustable lift, such as a boat lift, or an adjustable apparatus mountable to a boat lift, comprising a frame supporting a keyway, a shaft and a screw along which a hub assembly travels. An axle may extend from the hub assembly and support a wheel, such that translation of the hub assembly along screw raises and lowers the wheel with respect to the frame members of the lift. In this way, the lift may be rolled into place, with its wheels then raised, so that frame members and/or feet of the lift rest on a lake bed or other surface. When wanting to move the lift, a user may rotate the screw in an opposite direction, lowering the wheel with respect to the frame member, freeing lift frame members and feet from the lake bed and allowing the user to roll the lift away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Galik
  • Patent number: 8087369
    Abstract: A modular ship complex includes a basic vessel provided with water height adjusting elements for varying the height of the waterline with respect to a pool of water forming a housing. The bottom of the housing is formed by a platform that is moved between a raised position and a submerged position by operating the water height adjusting elements to vary the height of the waterline. The ship complex includes equipped floating modules suitable for being inserted into the housing and to be extracted from the housing when the platform is in the submerged position. The modules rest on the platform when the platform is in the raised position. The modules include active operating elements integrated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: EASTPROJECT S.r.l.
    Inventor: Sandro Foce
  • Patent number: 7856936
    Abstract: An anti-theft security system for boats on boat lifts, which also provides for stability to eliminate boat swaying on the lift during wind storms. The system includes two opposing secondary side rails configured to move laterally along an underside of the primary boat lift I-beams. The side rails are interlocked within receiving brackets mounted to the boat lift posts, using a locking device that locks one of the side rails to the post mounted brackets on the dock pier side. The opposite secondary side rail includes an attached pull bar that allows a person to place the rail in position for locking or to pull the opposite side rail away from the lift posts to lower the boat into the water. The pull bar handle is interlocked with the rail nearest the dock pier side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Nemethy
  • Patent number: 7850412
    Abstract: A system and method for the safe storage of boats wherein a storage structure is provided having a first section in which boats are stored in vertically oriented cells with each boat being carried within a boat storage unit such that the units may be stacked one upon another and wherein at least one transfer vehicle is provided for selectively engaging and conveying the boat storage units along an overhead grid track system between the first section and a second section wherein the grid track system is at least partially oriented over a body of water such that the at least one transfer vehicle may be used to either lift or lower a boat contained within a boat storage unit relative to the body of water and move the storage unit to and from a storage position in one of the vertical storage cells of the first section of the storage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: BEC Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Benedict, Brian G. Pfeifer, Christian A. Yates, Scott K. Bladen, Richard E. Lackinger, James R. Dobbs
  • Publication number: 20100212567
    Abstract: An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further provide means for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: IPO LLC
    Inventor: Samuel T. Basta
  • Patent number: 7765945
    Abstract: This document is directed toward a stabilizing system that is engageable with a watercraft lift assembly. The system includes a piling bracket, at least one piling bracket keyhole in the piling bracket, a lift-block having at least one keyhole pin extending from a first side of said lift-block toward said at least one piling bracket keyhole, and a stabilizing beam, for supporting a watercraft lift assembly cradle. The stabilizing beam is attached to a second side of said lift-block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Tracy Radcliff
  • Patent number: 7726247
    Abstract: A dual-use automobile-boat storage pallet, having a structural support framework of generally rectangular shape with first and second side members and a plurality of cross-members. The storage pallet includes an apparatus for holding a boat that is width adjustable and height adjustable and includes a plurality of folding bunks that are mounted on and supported by two or more of the cross-members. The storage pallet includes an apparatus for holding a car, which includes a first automobile tread plate and a second automobile tread plate supported by the first and second side members of the structural support framework. The dual-use automobile storage pallet can include an optional pair of forklift tine guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard L. Neland
  • Patent number: 7712425
    Abstract: An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further allow for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel T. Basta
  • Publication number: 20100107950
    Abstract: An anti-theft security system for boats on boat lifts, which also provides for stability to eliminate boat swaying on the lift during wind storms. The system includes two opposing secondary side rails configured to move laterally along an underside of the primary boat lift I-beams. The side rails are interlocked within receiving brackets mounted to the boat lift posts, using a locking device that locks one of the side rails to the post mounted brackets on the dock pier side. The opposite secondary side rail includes an attached pull bar that allows a person to place the rail in position for locking or to pull the opposite side rail away from the lift posts to lower the boat into the water. The pull bar handle is interlocked with the rail nearest the dock pier side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Nemethy
  • Patent number: 7707955
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a lift arm for carrying a platform or cradle and is pivotally attached to a base for movement between lowered and raised positions. A crank arm is pivotal with the base and a connector arm is pivotal with the lift arm. The crank arm and connector arm are pivotally connected to each other for rotation about a common pivot axis. Rotation of the crank arm by an actuator moves the crank arm and connector arm combination through a top dead center alignment a lowered over center alignment with the lift arm movable from the lowered position to the raised position during operating positions of the apparatus, and to a raised over center alignments with limited movement of the lift arm in the raised position for providing a locking position of the apparatus thus eliminating a need for typical additional locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Sealift, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl E. Johns, Jr., Stephen G. Johns
  • Patent number: 7707954
    Abstract: A floatable dry dock includes a lifting cradle having two spaced arms pivotally mounted on a buoyant base and, one or more flotation tanks interconnecting the arms. A platform is mounted on the arms and a platform support is operable to ensure that the platform remains horizontal when the arms pivot about their pivotal attachment to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Welcome Inn Investments NV
    Inventors: Donald Scot Thom, Denis Ganley, Denise Ganley, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7637690
    Abstract: A programmable boatlift system having a cable extending up from one end of a boatlift cradle, across through a shaft attached to a motor, and down to an opposite end of the boatlift cradle. A position sensor having an idler sheave is placed on the cable, or a position sensor having a collar is placed on the shaft. The motor turns the shaft to cause the cable to move across the roller sheave, or to cause the collar to rotate, to raise or lower the boatlift cradle. The position sensor produces an output signal proportional to the distance the cable travels over the idler sheave or proportional to the number of rotations of the collar. An electronic control circuit uses the output signal to infer the vertical position of the boatlift cradle and to position the boatlift cradle as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Calyle Custom Builders, LLC
    Inventor: James C. Stanley
  • Patent number: 7618223
    Abstract: A personal transfer device for transferring a boater from a dock to a boat moored in a boat lift adjacent the dock, and back again. A cantilevered support is secured to an upper part of the boat lift frame, the support's free end extending out over the dock at a height that does not interfere with normal use of the dock. A hoist carriage, for example a monorail trolley hoist, is movably secured on the cantilever support, and is connected to a transport chair that can be located over the dock at a convenient height for a handicapped boater to seat and/or secure himself. A controller is accessible to the boater seated in the transport chair to raise himself off the dock to a height sufficient to clear any intervening boat lift structures or frame members, and to then transport himself horizontally along the support through the boat lift structure to the boat, where he then lowers himself onto the boat using the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Handicaptain Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Adam Begley
  • Patent number: 7614829
    Abstract: The extendible building post includes a telescoping hydraulic cylinder integrated within a construction member externally configured and dimensioned essentially identically to a conventional building construction member, e.g., a four-by-four or six-by-six length of lumber, or alternatively a plastic column. The hydraulic system may be formed of stock plastic pipe and fittings, and may use water as the working fluid. The device may include insulation and a heating system to prevent freezing when used in such an environment, with certain types of insulation also providing additional rigidity for the hydraulic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Samuel M. Thomas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090217852
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and mounting wind generators onto support structures is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a wind generator from an onshore location onto a water vessel. In addition, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for mounting a wind generator, located on a water vessel, onto a support structure. The method an apparatus is capable of transporting and mounting one or more assembled or partially assembled wind generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: WINERGY LLC
    Inventor: Mohammad Sharifuz Zaman
  • Publication number: 20090220300
    Abstract: A programmable boatlift system having a cable extending up from one end of a boatlift cradle, across to a shaft attached to a motor, and down to an opposite end of the boatlift cradle. The cable passes through a hole in the shaft. A position sensor having an idler sheave is placed on the cable. The motor winds or unwinds the cable around the shaft to cause the cable to move across the roller sheave to raise or lower the boatlift cradle. The position sensor produces an output signal proportional to the distance the cable travels over the idler sheave as the cable causes the idler sheave to rotate. An electronic control circuit uses the output signal to infer the vertical position of the boatlift cradle and to position the boatlift cradle as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: James C. Stanley
  • Patent number: 7547159
    Abstract: An add-on structure for cradle boat lifts incorporating a piling brace that, when hurricane winds threaten, provides for the interconnection of the pilings to the cradle of a cradle boat lift. One or more piling braces span the distances between the inboard pilings and the cradle beams. The outboard piling braces are similarly configured. Cradle brackets attach to the cradle and provide for the crosswise attachment of the piling brace to the cradle beam. The piling braces are permanently attached to the piling or intermittently secured by U-bolt to piling pads, which are permanently secured to the pilings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Helen Doro Warters