Dock locking system

Abstract

A dock line assembly for docking a vessel comprises a housing, first and second lines connected opposing ends of the housing, and a dampener contained within the housing and adapted to allow for axially extension and retraction of the first line relative to the second line. The first or second lines are configured to be deployable to a selectively adjustable length and lockable thereat in order to accommodate varying lengths between the vessel and the dock or mooring. The dock line assembly may further comprise a biasing element adapted to bias the first and second lines towards one another following axially extension or retraction under the influence of compressive or tensile forces transmitted as a result of wind, weather, tide or wake action.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to co-pending Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 814,455, filed Jun. 19, 2006, the entire contents of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]The present invention relates generally to energy absorbing devices and, more particularly, to a uniquely configured lockable dock line assembly which is specifically adapted for eliminating damage that may occur to a vessel during docking or mooring. The dock line assembly reduces potentially damaging shock forces transmitted to the vessel as a result of vessel movement under the force of wind, tides or large wakes from passing ships. The dock line assembly also improves safety for passengers boarding or disembarking from the vessel by preventing sudden movements of the vessel caused by the above-noted forces.[0004]The conventional practice of securing a ship or bo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Furthermore, the dock line assembly may be adapted to prevent the vessel from contacting the dock by holding the vessel away from the dock. The vessel may be pushed into the dock under the influence of wind or tide action. The housing may be configured in a telescopic arrangement comprising an inner sleeve slidable within an outer sleeve. The dampener is adapted to absorb energy transmitted between the first and second housing ends as the inner sleeve is pushed into the outer sleeve. The second housing end may include a resilient cushion to prevent damage to the vessel hull during contact with the second housing end as may occur when the vessel is pushed into the dock.

[0016]The dock line assembly may further include a locking device for securing the first and / or second lines to a dock cleat and / or to a boat cleat. In this manner, the dock line assembly may prevent theft of the vessel. The locking device may be configured as a combination lock or key lock which is secures the first and / or second line to a cleat after threading a loop formed on the first and second lines to the cleat.

Problems solved by technology

As is known in the art, boat hulls may be fabricated of lightweight materials such as wood and / or fiberglass and are therefore susceptible to cracking upon contact with relatively hard surfaces.

Despite the conventional practice incorporating the use of boat fenders in combination with bow, stern line and spring lines, damage to the vessel is still possible under extreme conditions.

However, it is possible that such docks may be installed in locations where extreme tide changes may sporadically occur or the water levels may rise as a result of tidal surge due to storm or hurricane activity.

Damage to the vessel may therefore occur if the vessel is docked with the bow, stern and spring lines securing the vessel snuggly against the dock bumpers.

As the tide goes out, extreme amounts of tension can develop in the line which can cause the line to break of cause the cleats to partially or fully release from their mounting locations on the dock or vessel.

Once unsecured, the vessel can cause extensive damage to adjacent property as well as damage to the vessel itself.

Another scenario where damage can occur is in the case of adverse weather.

More specifically, high winds acting against the vessel can place extreme amounts of tensile load on the dock lines as the wind tries to push the vessel away from the dock to which it is secured.

Alternatively, the direction of the wind may be such that the vessel is pushed into the dock which may result in damage to the hull should the vessel fenders move out of position.

Damage to the vessel can be fairly substantial if the vessel hull continues to rub and pound against the dock as the vessel moves up and down in choppy water conditions as may occur during a storm.

Another cause of damage to the vessel is a result of large wakes produced by passing ships moving at a high rate of speed.

Although many harbors typically impose a low speed limit for all vessels traveling in and out of the harbor as a means to prevent shoreline erosion and / or damage to moored or docked vessels, many boats violate the speed limit.

In particular, large vessels traveling at high speed produce large wakes which cause a docked vessel to bounce up and down.

The bouncing movement of the vessel can place excessive loads on the dock causing the dock lines to break or the cleats to release from their mountings.

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