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Boat bumper

a technology for boat bumpers and bumpers, which is applied in the field of boat bumpers, can solve the problems of prior art boat bumpers that do not provide adequate cushioning, structural or cosmetic damage to the boat or to the boat-securing structure, and achieve the effect of restricting the pivotal movement of the bas

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-07-26
BOAT GUARD INT
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides enhanced cushioning and safety by reducing the risk of damage and injury, improving visibility for safe docking, and preventing snagging or pinching hazards, thus addressing the limitations of prior art boat bumpers.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art boat bumpers are problematic and suffer from certain limitations.
In particular, the prior art boat bumpers do not provide adequate cushioning when being contacted by a boat.
Moreover, these bumpers have a tendency to either cause structural or cosmetic damage to the boat or to a boat-securing structure in the event that a boat is berthed at excessive speeds.
The lack of cushioning also tends to promote inadvertent shifting of people or items within the boat upon contact with the bumper and thereby enhances the potential for injury or damage.
Additionally, the prior art boat bumpers can be dangerous and ineffective.
Prior art bumpers, particularly those that incorporate a roller, present locations where fingers or clothing can become unsafely pinched or snagged.
The prior art bumpers are also generally difficult for a boat operator to see and, thus, inhibit safe docking of the boat.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0031] A buffered boat dock 10 floats in a waterway (not shown) and receives a boat as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The boat dock 10, in the usual manner, is useful for securing and supporting a boat therein. While the present invention is depicted and herein described to be in use with the boat dock 10, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to other boat securement mechanisms that berth, secure, or store a boat, such as a boat trailer. The boat dock 10 broadly includes a covered dock 12, a slip 14, dock entry bumpers 16, side bumpers 18, and end bumper 20.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the covered dock 12 is a floating dock that provides a suitable berth for a boat B. The dock 12 includes a buoyant foundation 22 and a frame 24 supported on the foundation 22. The dock 12 further includes an elevated floor 26 supported within the frame 24, and a double sloping roof 28 supported by and fixed to the frame 24. The frame 24 includes lateral structural membe...

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PUM

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Abstract

A boat bumper for use on a boat dock includes a bumper body and a frame. The frame includes uprights and connectors that interconnect the uprights and permit the frame to deflect when a force is applied to the boat bumper. The body includes a base and a roller insert that is rotatably received within the base. The base and roller insert are plastic and include a phosphorescent material that permits the bumper body to be viewed in low-light conditions.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of boat storage devices. More specifically, the present invention concerns a cushioning bumper for use in storing or supporting boats. [0003] 2. Discussion of Prior Art [0004] Cushioning bumpers used in storing, supporting, or securing boats are known in the art. Such bumpers are found on boat trailers and on docks to prevent the underlying structure from damaging an adjacent boat. Prior art bumpers generally include a soft material that is intended for contacting a boat hull without scratching or otherwise damaging the hull. Other prior art bumpers involve a roller that rotates upon engagement with the boat. [0005] Prior art boat bumpers are problematic and suffer from certain limitations. In particular, the prior art boat bumpers do not provide adequate cushioning when being contacted by a boat. Moreover, these bumpers have a tendency to either cause structural ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63B59/02
CPCE02B3/26Y02A30/30
Inventor ATKINSON, DARIN
Owner BOAT GUARD INT