Dock line server

Abstract

A dock line server (1) attachable to a conventional line pole (3) for use in maintaining a loop (8) in a dock line (3) in a horizontal configuration to facilitate placement of the dock line over a mooring piling (9) or cleat when docking a boat. The frame of the server has a pair of prongs (5) which are connected at a proximal end (20) and spaced apart a predetermined distance to form an opening at a distal end (19). At least one pair of horseshoe-shaped clips (6) on top of each prong holds the dock line in a horizontal, open loop configuration during docking. A pair of spacers (7) on each prong may also be used to hold the middle of the loop in a fully open position. The dock line server is preferably hollow and made of lightweight material, such as aluminum.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to boat line handling apparatuses and, more particularly, an apparatus that retains the end of a boat dock line in a loop to facilitate placing the line about a mooring piling or cleat while docking. [0002] During the process of docking a boat, especially when there is no one on the dock to assist, a loop in the dock line must be placed over a piling or cleat to secure the boat. The latter process is often difficult and hazardous, especially in windy or rough weather conditions. The difficulty in performing the task is primarily due to the problem of maintaining a loop in the line in the proper open configuration and horizontal orientation in relation to the mooring piling. The end of the dock line needs to be in a substantially open-loop configuration and horizontal orientation to be easily placed over a mooring piling or cleat. [0003] Conventionally, one method of securing a loop in the dock line to a piling is to throw or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] maintains a dock line loop in a horizontal orientation to allow easy positioning on a mooring piling;

[0010] enables a person on board a boat to easily and quickly secure the lines to dock pilings without assistance from anyone on a dock;

[0012] reduces the likelihood of damage to boats, pilings or docks

[0013] reduces the likelihood of injury to boaters from accidents due to personal contact with pilings and docks or from falling off a boat when attempting to secure the dock line to the mooring piling; reduces stress and humiliation caused by repeated attempts to dock boat in a safe, timely, and professional manner.

[0014] enables a watercraft to be docked using fewer crew members due to more positive and faster control of dock lines.

[0015] The present invention accomplishes the above and other objects by providing a dock line server having a frame consisting of a pair of prongs which are a spaced apart a predetermined distance sufficient to fit over and around a mooring piling. The prongs are open at a distal end and are connected together at a proximal end. The prongs have at least one holding clip on top of the distal end of each prong and at least one holding clip at the proximal end in order to hold a loop in a dock line in an open configuration and horizontal orientation. In order to further assist in maintaining the loop in an open configuration the prongs may also have at least one pair of spacers attached to the top of each prong between the distal end and proximal end. The dock line server of the present invention has a line pole attachment at the proximal end with a spring button to allow it to be attached conveniently to a telescoping line pole.

Problems solved by technology

The latter process is often difficult and hazardous, especially in windy or rough weather conditions.

The difficulty in performing the task is primarily due to the problem of maintaining a loop in the line in the proper open configuration and horizontal orientation in relation to the mooring piling.

Unfortunately, in order to lasso a line over a piling one usually must make several attempts often without success.

However if the loop is not maintained in the proper horizontal orientation and open configuration, this method is often not successful either.

Thus, due to the inefficiency and lack of success of using conventional methods to secure a dock line to the mooring piling, boats may be damaged or people injured during the docking process.

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