Fastening device for mooring a watercraft

Abstract

Fastening device (10) for mooring a watercraft (100) having a side wall (112), an outer side (114), an inner side (116) and at least one opening (118), comprising: a flexible fastening unit (20) having a fastening section (22) for attaching a mooring line and a retaining section (24), a retraction unit (30) connected to the fastening unit (20), wherein the retraction unit (30) is positionable on the inner side (116) and the fastening section (22) is positionable in regions on the outer side (114), and wherein the retraction unit (30) is designed to pull the outer region of the fastening section (22) towards the inner side (116) onto the side wall (112).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device for mooring a watercraft. Furthermore, the invention relates to a watercraft with such a fastening device.

[0002] Electric-powered motorboats offer several advantages over conventional combustion engine propulsion systems. A key advantage is that an electric drive is lighter and can deliver higher torque at lower propeller speeds. This high torque at low propeller speeds allows for smooth and particularly powerful propulsion on the water, allowing the motorboat to plan quickly.

[0003] The planing state of an electric-powered motorboat, or indeed of any boat in general, is reached sooner with lightweight motorboats. Therefore, consistent weight optimization of all components is of great importance. This is supported by a minimalist design that simultaneously creates an elegant and expressive appearance.

[0004] Conventional cleats for mooring watercraft that protrude from the surface have long been known. These are usually made of metal and protrude from the surface. However, this disrupts the minimalist design of the watercraft and also poses a risk of injury. One such cleat is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 7,131,387 B1. Another fixed device for securing objects is known from EP 1 053 933 A2.

[0005] Furthermore, a retrieval device for a water ski line is known from US 5 732 648 A.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating a fastening device that is lightweight and has a reduced design.

[0007] To achieve the object, a fastening device having the features of claim 1 and a watercraft having the features of claim 8 are proposed.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the fastening device and the watercraft are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a fastening device for mooring a watercraft is proposed. The watercraft has a side wall with an outer side, an inner side, and at least one opening. The watercraft further comprises a flexible fastening unit and a retraction unit. The fastening unit comprises a fastening section for attaching a mooring line and a retaining section. The retraction unit is connected to the fastening unit. Furthermore, the retraction unit can be positioned on the inner side, and the fastening section can be positioned in regions on the outer side. The retraction unit is further designed to pull the outer region of the fastening section toward the inner side against the side wall.

[0010] Because the retraction unit exerts a retraction force on the outer area of ​​the fastening section, it is pulled towards the side of the boat when not in use. A state of use is, for example, a state in which a mooring line is attached to the fastening section and the watercraft is moored at a berth. Alternatively, a fender can also be connected to the fastening section when in use. In this state of use, the pull-out force is usually greater than the pull-out force generated by the retraction unit, so that in this state of use the fastening unit can be pulled out until the retaining sections come into contact with, for example, the side of the boat. The stop of the retaining sections with the side of the boat prevents the fastening unit from being pulled out any further.When not in use, however, no significant force acts on the attachment section, so that the retraction force preferentially pulls it against the side of the boat. Accordingly, the outer area of ​​the attachment section rests against the side of the boat. This means that the exterior view of the watercraft is not obstructed by a protruding cleat, and the minimalist design is thus supported by the fastening device according to the invention.

[0011] A flexible fastening unit is, for example, a rope, which can be made of Dyneema with or without a sheath, or a wire. The flexible fastening unit, especially one made of a rope, is characterized by its low weight compared to rigid metal cleats. Furthermore, the flexible fastening unit can adapt to the various curves on the exterior of the vessel. This is particularly advantageous for watercraft, as these typically have a rounded side surface.

[0012] The retraction unit can be a spring or a tension cable, for example. The retraction unit is particularly characterized by the fact that it contracts after being extended. By connecting the retraction unit to the fastening unit, the generated retraction force is transferred to the fastening unit. In addition to a direct connection, an indirect connection is also possible, provided the retraction force is transferred to the fastening unit.

[0013] Preferably, the retraction unit is installed in such a way that it is tensioned both in a non-use state and in a use state. This ensures that the fastening section rests against the side wall even in a non-use state. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the retraction unit in an installed non-use state is elongated by more than 3% relative to the length of the retraction unit in a non-installed state.

[0014] A watercraft, for example, includes a motorboat or a sailboat. The side wall is the wall surrounding the watercraft. This can, for example, consist of two side walls and a deck connecting the side walls.

[0015] The fastening device is primarily intended for mooring water sports vehicles. However, it is conceivable that such a fastening device could also be used on a vehicle in general.

[0016] A vehicle in general is, for example, a motor vehicle or an aircraft, in particular an ultralight aircraft or a glider.

[0017] Advantageously, the retraction unit includes a tensioning cable. The tensioning cable is characterized by its low weight and flexible properties.

[0018] Advantageously, the fastening unit has a first retaining section and a second retaining section, wherein the first retaining section is arranged at a first end section of the fastening section and the second retaining section is arranged at a second end section of the fastening section.

[0019] The two retaining sections evenly distribute the load acting on the fastening section. This allows a higher overall force to be transmitted to the side wall via the fastening unit, since each retaining section only transmits a portion of the acting force to the side wall.

[0020] Advantageously, the fastening section and the retaining section are formed as a single piece. This can be achieved, for example, by the retaining section being a knot, such as a figure-eight knot or a splice eyelet, which serves to prevent the fastening unit from being pulled through the openings.

[0021] In an alternative design, the fastening unit forms a closed ring. This also prevents pulling through the openings.

[0022] The fastening section advantageously has a gripping aid. The gripping aid could be a short strap that can be grasped with two fingers. This allows the fastening section to be lifted and grasped underneath, making handling particularly easy.

[0023] The retaining section advantageously has a knot or a clamp. The knot is a particularly light and simple design. A clamp is a possible alternative to a knot.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watercraft with a side wall having an outer side, an inner side, and at least one opening. The watercraft is characterized by the fastening device described above.

[0025] Advantageously, the opening has an opening diameter. Furthermore, the retaining section extends, particularly in the radial direction, over a length greater than the opening diameter. As a result, the retaining section cannot be pulled through the opening, and the fastening unit is firmly connected to the side wall.

[0026] Advantageously, the side wall has a first opening and a second opening. The fastening section extends through the first opening and the second opening. An outer region of the fastening section is formed between the first opening and the second opening. This advantageously distributes the force between the two openings.

[0027] Below, a fastening device and a watercraft, as well as further features and advantages, are explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments, which are schematically illustrated in the figures. Herein: Fig. 1 a watercraft with a fastening device according to the invention, Fig. 2 an enlarged view of section A from Fig. 1 comprising the fastening device according to the invention, Fig. 3 an interior view of a side of the vessel of Fig. 1 with a fastening device in a first embodiment, and Fig. 4 an interior view of a side of the vessel of Fig. 1 with a fastening device in a second embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a watercraft 100 with a fastening device 10 for mooring the watercraft 100.

[0029] The watercraft 100 has a side wall 112 which has an outer side 114 and an inner side 116

[0030] The side wall 112 also extends horizontally in the bow area, which corresponds to the front area of ​​the watercraft 100. In this respect, the side wall 112 encloses an interior space and can thus also be used as a deck.

[0031] Openings 118 are provided in the side wall 112, extending continuously from the outer side 114 to the inner side 116. These openings 118 can, for example, be bores. In an advantageous embodiment, the openings 118 are round and have an opening diameter D-118.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows an external view of area A of Fig. 1, which shows the outer side 114 of the side wall 112 with the fastening device 10. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows a view from the inside onto the inner side 116 of the side wall 112 with the fastening device 10 in two different embodiments. Functionally identical and / or identical features of the two embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0033] The fastening device 10 comprises a fastening unit 20 and a retraction unit 30.

[0034] The fastening unit 20 has a fastening section 22 for attaching a line and a retaining section 24. The fastening section 22 for attaching a line is arranged in regions on the outer side 114. For this purpose, the fastening section 22 is guided through a first opening 118a and a second opening 118b, so that a first end section 23a and a second end section 23b of the fastening section 22 are located on the inner side 116 of the watercraft 100.

[0035] The end sections 23a and 23b are connected to a retaining section 24. The retaining section 24 can be, for example, a splice eye, a knot, or a clamp. In the illustrated figures, the retaining section 24 is a splice eye. This is particularly advantageous, for example, in a fastening unit 20 designed as a rope or cable, since it is very lightweight and an integral part of the fastening unit 20.

[0036] As can be seen from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first end portion 23a is connected to a first retaining portion 24a and the second end portion 23b is connected to a second retaining portion 24b.

[0037] In the first embodiment according to Fig. 3, however, in contrast to the second embodiment according to Fig. 4, the first retaining section 24a is connected to the second retaining section 24b, so that the fastening unit 20 forms a closed ring. This is shown in Fig. 3 is implemented, for example, by interlocking the two splice eyes.

[0038] In the second embodiment according to Fig. 4, it is crucial that the retaining section 24 extends radially over a length L-24 and that the length L-24 is greater than the opening diameter D-18. This holds the fastening section 22 outward when a tensile force is applied, since the retaining section 24 cannot be pulled through the opening 118.

[0039] In both embodiments, the force is thus essentially introduced into the side wall 112 through the retaining device 24.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the invention, the fastening unit 20 is connected to a retraction unit 30. The retraction unit 30 is designed to pull the outer region of the fastening section 22 toward the inner side 116.

[0041] For this purpose, the retraction unit 30 is connected to an anchor element 32. The anchor element 32 is fixed to the inner side 116, in particular glued or screwed.

[0042] The retraction unit 30, for example, is a tensioning cable comparable to an expander.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the retraction unit 30 is continuously tensioned so that the fastening section 22 is continuously subjected to a tensile force in the direction of the interior of the watercraft 100.

[0044] The fastening device 10 according to the invention is characterized by its particularly lightweight nature and by the fact that the external fastening section 22 rests against the side wall 112 while underway, creating a tidy and sleek appearance. Only in a moored state, also called the in-use state, in which a mooring line is attached to the fastening section 22, can the fastening section 22 be pulled out until it is held by the retaining section 24, which rests against the inner side 116 of the side wall 112. Reference symbol 10 Fastening device 20 fastening unit 22 Fastening section 23a first end section 23b second end section 24 retention section 24a first retention section 24b second retention section L-24 length 30 retreat unit 32 anchors 100 watercraft 112 side wall 114 Outside 116 Inside 118 Opening 118a first opening 118b second opening D-118 opening diameter

Claims

[1] Fastening device (10) for mooring a watercraft (100) having a side wall (112), an outer side (114), an inner side (116) and at least one opening (118), comprising: a flexible fastening unit (20) having a fastening section (22) for attaching a mooring line and a retaining section (24), a retraction unit (30) connected to the fastening unit (20), wherein the retraction unit (30) is positionable on the inner side (116) and the fastening section (22) is positionable in regions on the outer side (114), and wherein the retraction unit (30) is designed to pull the outer region of the fastening section (22) towards the inner side (116) onto the side wall (112). [2] Fastening device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the retraction unit (30) comprises a tensioning cable. [3] Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the fastening unit (20) has a first retaining section (24a) and a second retaining section (24b), wherein the first retaining section (24a) is arranged at a first end section (23a) of the fastening section (22) and the second retaining section (24b) is arranged at a second end section (23b) of the fastening section (22). [4] Fastening device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the fastening section (22) and the retaining section (24) are formed in one piece. [5] Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening unit (20) forms a closed ring. [6] Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening section (22) has a gripping aid. [7] Fastening device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the retaining portion (24) has a knot or a clamp. [8] A watercraft (100) having a side wall (112) having an outer side (114), an inner side (116) and at least one opening (118), characterized by a fastening device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Watercraft (100) according to claim 8, characterized by that the opening (118) has an opening diameter (D-118) and the retaining section (24) extends in the radial direction over a length (L-24) which is greater than the opening diameter (D-118). [10] Watercraft (100) according to claim 8 or 9 characterized byin that the side wall (112) has a first opening (118a) and a second opening (118b), wherein the fastening section (22) extends through the first opening (118a) and the second opening (118b) and forms an outer region of the fastening section (22) between the first opening (118a) and the second opening (118b).

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