Modular floating drive-on pontoon boat port

Abstract

A floating drive-on pontoon boat port comprising at least one support section. The at least one support section comprises a one piece base defining right and left portions and right and left pontoon tracks fixed to right and left portions, respectively, of the base. The pontoon tracks having a length equal to a majority of the front-to-back length of the base. Each pontoon track defines a track channel defined at least in part by opposed sloping side walls and having a slide assembly on each wall of said track channel adapted to facilitate movement of a pontoon boat longitudinally along said pontoon track.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND

[0003] This application relates to a floating watercraft port, and in particular, to a floating drive-on port for a pontoon boat.

[0004] Floating watercraft ports provide boat watercraft owners with a convenient way to maintain a watercraft out of the water when the watercraft is not in use. There are a number of designs for floating watercraft ports, including ports used for pontoon boats.

[0005] Pontoon boats are produced in a number of different lengths and widths. It would be desirable to provide a modular floating drive on pontoon boat that can be easily configured to accept pontoon boats of different widths and lengths.SUMMARY

[0006] Briefly, a floating drive-on pontoon boat port is disclosed which defines a port length and a port width, and which comprises at least one support section. The least one support section comprises a one-piece base defining a side-to-side base width substantially equal to said port width and a front-to-back length. The base defines a longitudinal center, a right portion to a right of said longitudinal center and a left portion to a left of said longitudinal center, the right and left portions each having a substantially flat upper surface.

[0007] A right pontoon track fixed to the base right portion and a left pontoon track fixed to the base left portion The right and left pontoon tracks each having a length greater than one-half the front-to-back length of the base. Preferably, the length of the pontoon track is substantially equal to the front-to-back length of the base. The pontoon track also defines a side-to-side width that, preferably, is less than a width of said right and left base portions, respectively. Each of the right and left pontoon tracks defines a track channel defined at least in part by opposed sloping side walls. There is a slide assembly on each wall of the track channel which is being adapted to facilitate movement of a pontoon boat longitudinally along the pontoon track.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the base comprises a center portion between said right and left portions defining a center channel extending the length of said base.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port the slide assembly comprises one or both of (1) a skid fixed in said side wall of said track channel to extend above the side wall of said track channel and (2) a roller mounted in said side wall of said track channel to rotate relative to said pontoon track and having an outer circumferential surface which extends above said wall of said track channel. In a preferred embodiment, a preferred embodiment of the slide assembly, the slide assembly comprises both the roller and the skid, with the skid being fixed to the side surface of the track channel either forwardly or rearwardly of said roller. In a variation, the pontoon track can include a skid both to the front and rear of the roller.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port the base comprises an opening in the upper surface of said each of the right and left sections. The roller of the track channel is positioned above the opening and has a diameter such that at least a portion of said roller extends below a lower surface of said pontoon track into said opening.

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat the support section comprises a buoyancy member positioned beneath said base. Preferably, the buoyancy member being positioned in the opening and is sized to close said opening from said bottom of said base. In an embodiment, the buoyancy member comprises a peripheral flange which extends beneath said bottom surface of said base about said opening to help maintain the buoyancy member in the opening.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the floating drive-on pontoon boat port comprises a plurality of support sections, with the base of each support section of said plurality of support sections being connected to the base of at least one longitudinally adjacent support section.

[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the pontoon boat port further comprises a header member connected to a forward most support member.

[0014] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the pontoon boat port further comprising an entrance member; said entrance member extending from a rear end of a rear-most pontoon track integral with a rear pontoon track member. The entrance member comprises opposed inwardly canted and downwardly sloped ramp surfaces which extend rearwardly from side surfaces of the pontoon channel of the rear pontoon track member. The ramp surfaces having inner edges defining an inverted V-shaped area.

[0015] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the entrance member includes sacrificial entrance elements at a rear ends of the ramp surfaces. The entrance elements including an inner surface and an outer surface canted relative to said inner surface, the inner and outer surfaces both defining generally upwardly convex surfaces.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is plan view of a floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a supporting section of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the supporting section;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the supporting section;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the supporting section;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the supporting section;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the supporting section;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the supporting section taken along line A-A of FIG. 5;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the supporting section taken along line B-B of FIGS. 5 and 9;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a base of the supporting section;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the base;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the base;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line C-C of FIG. 13

[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line D-D of FIG. 13;

[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a header of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pontoon track of the support section;

[0033] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the pontoon track taken along line E-E of FIG. 17 with a roller removed from one side of the pontoon track;

[0034] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the pontoon track taken along line F-F of FIG. 17;

[0035] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the pontoon track with a stop mounted thereto;

[0036] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the stop mounted on the pontoon track member taken along line G-G of FIG. 20;

[0037] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an entrance pontoon track;

[0038] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the entrance pontoon track;

[0039] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the entrance pontoon track ;

[0040] FIG. 25 is an enlarged, partially sectional view taken at the circle H of FIG. 22 showing the connection of a sacrificial end piece of the entrance pontoon track;

[0041] FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the entrance pontoon track without the sacrificial end piece;

[0042] FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the entrance pontoon track without the sacrificial end piece; and

[0043] FIG. 28 is a bottom exploded view of the entrance member pontoon track and the base.

[0044] Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the claimed invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0046] A pontoon boat port 10 is shown generally FIG. 1. The pontoon boat port 10 comprises a header member 12 and one or more support sections 14, shown as 14R, 14M, and 14F in FIG. 1. Each support section 14, as described more fully below, comprises a base 16, right and left pontoon tracks 18, and right and left buoyancy members 20. The track members 18′ of the rear most support section 14R includes entrance members 22. The forward most support section 14F includes stops 24 secured in the pontoon tracks 18 of that forward most support section. If the pontoon boat port would comprise only a single support section, then the pontoon boat port would comprise the header 14, a single support section 14 which would include the right and left track members 18′. The stops 24 would then be mounted to the front of this single support member. More typically, a pontoon boat port will comprise a front support section 14F, a rear support section 14R, and one or more intermediate support sections 14M. Illustratively, the header member 12 and each support section 14 could have a width of about 8½′, and each support section 14 could have a length of about 6′. Thus, the completed pontoon boat port, as shown in FIG. 1, with five support sections would have a length of about 30′. As can be appreciated, a pontoon boat port 10 can be made to a desired length by connecting together a desired number of sufficient support sections to be at least equal the desired length. The noted dimensions are illustrative only, and the components of the pontoon port 10 can be made to most any desired size.

[0047] As used herein, the directional terms “front”, “rear”, “right” and “left” have the meaning as shown in the directional inset of FIG. 1. Thus, as used herein, “front” or “forward” refers to an edge or surface that faces toward the header 12, i.e., the top of the drawing sheet containing FIG. 1. Conversely, “back”, “rear”, and “rearward” refer to an edge or surface that faces toward an entrance of the pontoon boat port, i.e., the bottom of the drawing sheet containing FIG. 1. The terms “right” and “left” refer to the right and left sides of the pontoon boat port as seen in FIG. 1 (i.e., with the header 12 at the front of the pontoon boat port). “Inward” or “inwardly” is a direction going from an outer edge toward a center of the pontoon boat port or an element of the pontoon boat port, and “outward” or “outwardly” is a direction going from the center toward an outer edge of the pontoon boat port or an element of the pontoon boat port. With these directions in mind, the pontoon boat port, and its various parts will now be described.

[0048] The header 12 (FIG. 16) comprises an upper tread surface 30, a front surface 32 depending from a front edge of the tread surface 30, opposed side surfaces 34 depending from opposed side edges of the tread surface, and a bottom surface (not shown). A rear surface of the of the header comprises an upper rear surface 36a depending from the tread surface and a lower rear surface 36c extending upwardly from the bottom surface of the header 12. The lower rear surface is spaced rearwardly of the upper rear surface 36a, and the two surfaces are separated by a step 36b extending from rearwardly from the bottom of upper rear surface 36a to the top of the lower rear surface 36c. The lower rear surface 36c is parallel to the upper rear surface 36a, and the rear surfaces 36a,c are both generally parallel to the front surface 32 of the header. The upper rear surface 36a and step 36b both have substantially the same side-to-side length, and both are shorter than the overall side-to-side width of the header 12, such that the upper rear surface 36a, the step 36b, and the side surfaces 34, in combination define short rearwardly extending walls 38 which extend upwardly from the opposite edges of the step 36b. The upper surface of the step 36b is parallel to, but spaced vertically below the tread surface 30, by a distance equal to the height of the upper rear surface 36a and the walls 38. Preferably, the walls 38 have a height equal to about one-half the overall height of the side surfaces 34 of the header. Lastly, connector receiving channels 40 are formed in the front surface 32, side surfaces 34, and lower rear surface 36c of the header 12. As will be described below, the connector receiving channels 40 of the front and side surfaces enable the header 12 to be connected to other dock structures. The connector receiving channels 40 of the lower rear surface 36c enable connection of a base 16 of a support section 14 to the header 12. The header 12 is preferably hollow, and is thus buoyant, and will float. The header 12 can be filled with buoyant material to further enhance the buoyancy of the header if desired.

[0049] As noted above, each support section 14 comprises a base 16, a pair of tracks 18, and a pair of buoyancy members 20. The support sections are all identical, and a representative support section 14 is shown in FIGS. 3-10. The base 16 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 10-14; and the pontoon tracks 18 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 17-21.

[0050] Each base 16 comprises a generally horizontal body 42 defining right and left portions 42a,b separated by a center portion 42c. The center portion 42c has an upper surface defining a longitudinally extending concave channel 44. The channels 44 of the bases of the pontoon boat port 10 will form a continuous channel extending the length of the pontoon boat port 10, as seen in FIG. 1, which will help drain water from the top surface of the pontoon boat port. The right and left side portions 42a,b of the base each comprise a side wall 46 having a height and width substantially equal to the height and width of the header walls 38.

[0051] The portion of the base 16 defines an upper surface 50 extending from the walls 46 to the center portion 42c. The upper surface defines an opening 52 which forms front and back arms 48a,b of the base which extend from the side walls 46 to the center portion 42c. Elongate slots 49a,b (FIG. 11) are formed in the upper and lower arms 48a,b, respectively. These slots receive reinforcing members 51 (FIG. 10), which are preferably made of metal, and which provide structural support to the support section 14. The arms 48a,b each have a height equal to the height of the header lower back surface 36c, such that the top surface 50 of the base will be substantially level with the step 36b of the header 12. The arms boarder the front and rear edges of the opening 52, the sides of which are defined by the outer side surfaces 54a of the center portion 42c, the inner side surfaces 54b of the side walls 46, the rear surface 54c of the front arm 48a, and the front surface 54d of the rear arm 48b. Preferentially, the opening 52 is generally square, but could have other shapes if desired. Lastly, a bridge 56 extends through the opening 52 between the side walls 46 and the center portion 42c (to essentially extend between the opposite side walls 54a,b of the opening 52). The bridge 56 of each opening 52 is generally parallel to the front and back arms 48a,b. The bridge 56 has a height substantially shorter than the height of the arms 48a,b, with an upper surface that is generally level with the upper surface 50 of the base 16. The bridge 56 thus defines front and rear entrances 52a,b to the opening 52. As best seen in FIG. 12, the bridges 56 are substantially equally offset from a lateral center line of the openings 52, with the bridge 56 of the left portion 42b being forward of the lateral center line of the opening 52 and the bridge 56 of the right portion 42a being rearward of the lateral center line of the opening 52. Thus, for each opening, the bridges 56 define a smaller opening 52a and a larger opening 52b. For example, the smaller opening 52a can have a front-to-back length that is about one-third the front-to-back length of the larger opening 52b. Lastly, connector receiving channels 40 are formed on the outer surfaces of the side walls 46 and the front and back arms 48a,b. The connector receiving channels 40 receive connectors C (FIG. 1) which connect adjacent bases 16 together and which connect the base 16 pf the front most support section 14F to the header 12. The connector receiving channels 40 on the side walls 46 can be used to connect the bases to the bases of an adjacent pontoon boat port, another boat port, or another dock member. As best seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the front and back arms 48a,b, the center section 42c, and the side walls 46 of the base are hollow, defining a void, making the bases 16 buoyant. If desired, the void could be filled with buoyant material to enhance the buoyancy of the bases 16.

[0052] The buoyancy members 20 (best seen in FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 10) are shown as being generally square and comprise a square central section 70 surrounded by a flange 72 extending from a bottom of side surfaces of the central section 70. The buoyancy members are hollow, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. The central sections 70 are sized to be received in the opening 52 from the underside of the bases 16, with the flange 72 extending over the bottom surfaces of the side walls 46, center portion 42b, and front and back arms 48a,b of the base 16. The buoyancy members 20 thus close the openings 52 from the bottom of the base 16. As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the buoyancy members 20 have a height less than the depth of the openings 52, and thus have a height less than the height of the surfaces 54a-d defining the openings 52. The buoyancy members 20 can be fixed to the bases 16 by any desired means, such as by fasteners or adhesive. Alternatively, the buoyancy members 20 can be retained in place by the frictional engagement of the members with the surfaces defining the openings 52 and / or by the buoyant nature of the buoyancy members which will tend to urge the members 20 up into the openings 52.

[0053] The pontoon tracks 18 (shown in FIGS. 17-19) preferably have an overall end-to-end length substantially equal to the length of the base 16 and a side-to-side width that is narrower than the right and left portions 42a,b of the base. The length of the pontoon tracks 18 could be less than the length of the base portion. However, this would result in a gap between pontoon tracks of adjacent bases. So as not to interfere with the motion of a of a pontoon boat over the tracks, the pontoon tracks have a length that is at least 50% of the length of the base, more preferably at least 75% of the length of the base, and even more preferably, at least 90% of the length of the base. The overall width of the pontoon tracks can be altered if desired. The pontoon tracks 18 have opposed side walls 60, opposed end walls 62, a bottom surface 64, and a top surface 66. The top surface 66 comprises generally flat upper surfaces 68 and a track channel 70 between the side surfaces 68. The track channel 70 is defined by a generally flat center surface 70a which is lower than the upper surfaces 68 and sloping side surfaces 70b which extend from the inner edges of the upper surfaces 68 to the center surface 70a. The side surfaces 70b have a lower portion 70c which is immediately adjacent the center surface 70a and which is steeper than the remainer of the side surfaces 70b. This steeper portion of the side surfaces defines a drainage channel 72 in the track channel 70. When a pontoon boat is resting on the pontoon boat port, this drainage channel 72 will be spaced below the pontoons of the pontoon boat, and will define a channel through which water can pass to drain from the pontoon boat port 10. The pontoon track 18 includes fastener holes 74 which receive fasteners to secure the pontoon track 18 to the base 16.

[0054] The pontoon tracks 18 include roller cavities 76 which receive rollers 78. A roller cavity 76 is formed in each side wall 70b of the track channel 70 and is positioned about midway along the length of the side wall 70b. The roller cavities extend generally perpendicularly to the channel side walls 70b, and thus are canted or angled relative to the top surface 68 and side surface 60 of the pontoon track 18. A slot 80 formed in the upper surface 66 extends from an outer wall of each roller cavity to the side surface 60 of the pontoon track 16. The slot 80 has a lower surface (best seen on the left side of FIG. 18) comprised of a first part 82a which extends away from the outer wall of the roller cavity and is generally perpendicular to the cavity 76. This first part 82a is concave and defines a radius. A second part 82b of the slot 80 slopes downwardly from an outer end of the first part 82a toward the side walls 60 of the pontoon track. The roller cavity includes an axle journal 84 which extends inwardly from the roller cavity inner wall. The axle journal extends generally perpendicular to the inner wall of the roller cavity and is co-linear with the concave surface 82a of the slot 80. An axle 86 extends across the roller cavity 76 and has an inner end received in the axle journal 84 and an outer end which is received on the concave surface 82a of the slot 80. An axle hold down 88 is received in the slot 80 and is shaped complementarily to the surfaces 82a,b of the slot. The axle hold down has an upper portion 88a which extends axially over the axle 86 and a leg portion 88b which extends along the second portion 82b of the slot 80. A fastener extends through the leg portion 88b into the slot surface 82b to secure the axle hold down 88 in place in the slot 80. The axle 86 thus cannot move laterally relative to the roller cavity 76, and friction will substantially prevent the axle 86 from moving axially relative to the roller cavity 62. The roller 78 is supported on the axle 86 and can rotate freely in the roller cavity relative about an axis defined by the axle 86. The roller can either rotate about the axle, or the axle can rotate relative to the axle journal 84 and axle hold down 88. In the former case, the roller 78 can comprise central bearings through which the axle 86 extends. As seen in FIG. 18, the roller has a side-to-side width that is less than the corresponding width of the roller cavity. The outer diameter of the roller 78, however, is approximately equal to the length of the outer wall of the roller cavity, but is greater than the length of the inner wall of the roller cavity. The roller 78 is thus sized so that the circumferential surface of the roller will be above the side surface 70b of the track channel and such that at least a portion of the roller 78 will extend below the lower surface of the pontoon track 18. Further, the roller 78 is positioned such that the circumferential surface of the roller is generally parallel to the surface 70b of the track channel.

[0055] Lastly, the pontoon track 18 includes elongate generally rectangular sacrificial skids 90 mounted in elongate depressions 90a (FIG. 20) in the side walls 70b of the tack channel 72. The skids are sized such that the upper surface of the skids 90 are above the side wall 70b of the track channel 70 and to be generally level with the outer circumference of the roller. There is a skid 90 extending along the wall both before and after the roller cavity 76, such that the skids 90, in combination, extends substantially the full length of the channel side wall 70b. The skids 90 are secured in place, for example, by fasteners. The skids 90 are preferably made from a material (which can be a plastic) that has a low coefficient of friction, so that the pontoons of a pontoon boat can move across the skids relatively easily. The skids 90 and roller 78, in combination define a slide assembly over which the pontoons of a pontoon boat will slide as the pontoon boat is driven onto and off of the pontoon boat port 10. Thus, the pontoons of the pontoon boat will generally not slide directly on the pontoon track, but rather, will slide on the slide assembly. The elements of the slide assembly are wear and / or sacrificial items. Thus, the skids and rollers are mounted so as to be fairly easy to remove and replace.

[0056] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the pontoon tracks 18 rest on the upper surface 50 of the base 16 and have a length that is substantially equal to the length of the base 16. The pontoon track 18 thus overlies the front and back reinforcements 49a,b which extend generally perpendicular to the axis of the pontoon track. A pontoon track 18 is fastened to each portion 42a,b of the base to be substantially equidistant from a longitudinal center of the base 16, such that each base 16 is provided with two pontoon tracks 18. Thus, except for the positioning of the bridges 56, the support sections 14 are substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. The pontoon tracks 18 can be secured using fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) which extend through the fastener holes 74 in the pontoon channel 72 into the top surface 50 of the base 16. The right and left portions 42a,b of the base 16 have a side-to-side width greater than the side-to-side width of the pontoon tracks 18. Hence, the lateral position of the pontoon tracks on the base 16 can be selected to receive a pontoon boat of a selected size. That is, the pontoon tracks can be positioned closer to the center line for a narrower pontoon boat or closer to the walls 46 for a wider pontoon boat. Thus, the pontoon boat port 10 can be configured receive pontoon boats of different sizes. As seen in FIG. 9, when the pontoon track 18 is fixed in place on the base 16, the rollers 78 will extend into the opening 52 of the base. The buoyancy members 20 are sized so that the rollers 76 will be above the top surface of the buoyancy members as seen in FIG. 9. The buoyancy members thus will not interfere with the ability of the rollers to rotate about their axes. Lastly, the side and end walls 60, 62 of the pontoon track 18 have a height generally equal to the height of the base walls 46. Thus, as seen, for example, in FIGS. 7 and 9, the upper surface 68 of the pontoon tracks will not extend above the upper surface of the base walls 46, and preferably are about level with the upper surface of the base walls 46.

[0057] Turning to FIGS. 22-28, the rearmost pontoon tracks 18′ comprise a forward portion identical to the track channels 18 and entrance members 22 which are integral with, and extend rewardly from, the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′. The forward portion is thus substantially equal in length to the length of the base 16, defines a track channel 70, and includes the rollers 78 and at least one skid 90 shown to be forward of the rollers on the walls of the channel 70. The entrance members 22 are integral with the forward portion of the track 18′ and comprise an upper surface 91 which defines a pair of inwardly canted, downwardly sloping ramp surfaces 92 which have a forward end at the rear of the side walls 70b of the track channel 70. Preferably, a skid 90 extends along, and is raised relative to, each ramped surface 92. A downwardly sloping rear channel 94 is between forward portions of the ramped surfaces 92. The channel 94 extends rearwardly from center surface 70a of the track channel 70. The ramp surfaces 92 cant upwardly and away from the channel 92. In a rear portion of the entrance member, the ramp surface 92 are separated, to define an inverted V-shaped entrance to the track channel 70.

[0058] Generally vertical side walls 100 extend downwardly from the outer edges of the upper surface 91. These side walls 100 are generally a continuation of the side surfaces 60′ of the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′ and are thus generally parallel to the side walls of the base 16 when positioned on a base. A generally vertical front wall 98 depends from the bottom surface of the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′ at the rear thereof and extends between the front ends of the side walls 100. The front all 98 has a height substantially equal to the height of the rear arms 48b of the base. Thus, when fixed to a base 16, the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′ will rest on the base 16 (as with the pontoon tracks 18), and the front wall 98 of the entrance member 22 will abut or be proximate the rear wall of the rear arm 48b of the base 16. The entrance member 22 also includes generally vertical inner walls 102 which extend downwardly from the inner edges of the ramped surfaces 92. These inner walls 102 define the inverted V-shape separating the ramped surfaces 92 in the rear portion of the entrance member. At the rear end of the ramped surfaces, the entrance member 22 includes a rear wall 104 and a flange or shelf 106 extending rearwardly from the rear wall 104. A sacrificial entrance element 108 is secured to the rear end of each ramped surface. The sacrificial entrance element 108 comprises a body portion 110 and a neck 112. The neck 112 is sized and shaped complementarily to the rear of the entrance member 22 to effectively be a continuation of the outer and inner walls 100, 102 and the ramped surface 92 of the entrance member. The neck 112 includes fastener holes which receive fasteners (such as screws) to secure the sacrificial entrance element 108 to the entrance member shelf 106. The body 110 includes an upper surface 114 having an inner portion 114a and an outer portion 114b. The inner portion 114a is slightly convex and sloped slightly inwardly. The outer portion 114b is also slightly convex, but is canted inwardly relative to the inner portion 114a, such that a lateral cross-section through the body would be shaped generally as “__ / ”. As can be appreciated, the outer portion 114b will help guide the pontoon boat's pontoon floats onto the ramped surfaces 92, which will then guide the pontoon floats into the channels 70 of the pontoon tracks.

[0059] Lastly, the pontoon boat port 10 includes the stops 24 at the forward end of the forward most support section 14F. The stops 24 will thus be positioned proximate the header 12. The pontoon boat port 10 includes a stop 24 in each pontoon track 18. The stops 24, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, include a generally vertical lower rear surface 120 which defines a curve and a forwardly sloping upper rear surface 122 which is also concave. The lower and upper surfaces are split by a cannel 124 that extends the full length of the rear surfaces 120, 122. Side surfaces 126 slope outwardly from a top 128 of the top. Lastly, the stop 24 includes a bottom surfacer 130 which is shaped complementarily to the shape of the channel 70 of the pontoon track 18. Thus, the stop 24 can sit in the channel and be secured in place by fasteners, as seen in FIG. 21.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 1, as seen, the pontoon boat port 10 will comprise right and left pontoon receiving channels defined by the channels 70 of the pontoon tracks 18, 18′. The pontoon receiving channels extend from the entrance members 22 to the stops 24 and are of a length determined by the number of support sections 14 from which the pontoon boat port 10 is formed. The pontoon boat port 10 is assembled by connecting a desired number of support sections 14 using the connectors C and connecting a header 12 to the front most support section. The pontoon tracks 18 can be fixed to the bases 16 prior to assembly of the pontoon boat port (so that the pontoon boat port is assembled from essentially pre-assembled support sections). Alternatively, the bases 16 can be connected together, and then the pontoon tracks 18, 18′ can be fixed to the bases 16. In either event, if the buoyancy members 20 are held against the bottom of the bases 16 by their buoyant nature, then they are preferably positioned after the pontoon boat port has been assembled. Of course, the parts of the pontoon boat port can be assembled in any desired order.

[0061] In use, a boater will initially line a pontoon boat up with its pontoon floats generally aligned with the entrance members 22. The boater will then drive the pontoon boat forwardly onto the pontoon boat port. The sacrificial entrance members 108 will adjust the position of the boat's pontoon floats to ensure that they track properly into the channels 70 of the pontoon tracks 18. As the boater drives the pontoon boat forwardly the pontoon floats will glide over the skids 90 and rollers 78 until the pontoon floats come into contact with the stops 24. Thus, the skids 90 and rollers 78 of each pontoon track 18 define a slide assembly which facilitates movement of the pontoon boat along said pontoon boat port. It is expected that the rollers 78, the skids 90, and sacrificial entrance members 108 will wear out. They are thus easily replaced.

[0062] As can be appreciated, from the foregoing, we have provided a pontoon boat port which can be built to a desired length and to accommodate a pontoon boat of a desired width.

[0063] As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, the slide assembly could comprise additional rollers, it could comprise a plurality of rollers without the skids or it could comprise skids without the rollers. These examples are merely illustrative.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0045]The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the claimed invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0046]A pontoon boat port 10 is shown generally FIG. 1. The pontoon bo...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND

[0003] This application relates to a floating watercraft port, and in particular, to a floating drive-on port for a pontoon boat.

[0004] Floating watercraft ports provide boat watercraft owners with a convenient way to maintain a watercraft out of the water when the watercraft is not in use. There are a number of designs for floating watercraft ports, including ports used for pontoon boats.

[0005] Pontoon boats are produced in a number of different lengths and widths. It would be desirable to provide a modular floating drive on pontoon boat that can be easily configured to accept pontoon boats of different widths and lengths.SUMMARY

[0006] Briefly, a floating drive-on pontoon boat port is disclosed which defines a port length and a port width, and which comprises at least one support section. The least one support section comprises a one-piece base defining a side-to-side base width substantially equal to said port width and a front-to-back length. The base defines a longitudinal center, a right portion to a right of said longitudinal center and a left portion to a left of said longitudinal center, the right and left portions each having a substantially flat upper surface.

[0007] A right pontoon track fixed to the base right portion and a left pontoon track fixed to the base left portion The right and left pontoon tracks each having a length greater than one-half the front-to-back length of the base. Preferably, the length of the pontoon track is substantially equal to the front-to-back length of the base. The pontoon track also defines a side-to-side width that, preferably, is less than a width of said right and left base portions, respectively. Each of the right and left pontoon tracks defines a track channel defined at least in part by opposed sloping side walls. There is a slide assembly on each wall of the track channel which is being adapted to facilitate movement of a pontoon boat longitudinally along the pontoon track.

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the base comprises a center portion between said right and left portions defining a center channel extending the length of said base.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port the slide assembly comprises one or both of (1) a skid fixed in said side wall of said track channel to extend above the side wall of said track channel and (2) a roller mounted in said side wall of said track channel to rotate relative to said pontoon track and having an outer circumferential surface which extends above said wall of said track channel. In a preferred embodiment, a preferred embodiment of the slide assembly, the slide assembly comprises both the roller and the skid, with the skid being fixed to the side surface of the track channel either forwardly or rearwardly of said roller. In a variation, the pontoon track can include a skid both to the front and rear of the roller.

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port the base comprises an opening in the upper surface of said each of the right and left sections. The roller of the track channel is positioned above the opening and has a diameter such that at least a portion of said roller extends below a lower surface of said pontoon track into said opening.

[0011] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat the support section comprises a buoyancy member positioned beneath said base. Preferably, the buoyancy member being positioned in the opening and is sized to close said opening from said bottom of said base. In an embodiment, the buoyancy member comprises a peripheral flange which extends beneath said bottom surface of said base about said opening to help maintain the buoyancy member in the opening.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the floating drive-on pontoon boat port comprises a plurality of support sections, with the base of each support section of said plurality of support sections being connected to the base of at least one longitudinally adjacent support section.

[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the pontoon boat port further comprises a header member connected to a forward most support member.

[0014] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the pontoon boat port further comprising an entrance member; said entrance member extending from a rear end of a rear-most pontoon track integral with a rear pontoon track member. The entrance member comprises opposed inwardly canted and downwardly sloped ramp surfaces which extend rearwardly from side surfaces of the pontoon channel of the rear pontoon track member. The ramp surfaces having inner edges defining an inverted V-shaped area.

[0015] In accordance with an aspect of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port, the entrance member includes sacrificial entrance elements at a rear ends of the ramp surfaces. The entrance elements including an inner surface and an outer surface canted relative to said inner surface, the inner and outer surfaces both defining generally upwardly convex surfaces.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is plan view of a floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a supporting section of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the supporting section;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the supporting section;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the supporting section;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the supporting section;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the supporting section;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the supporting section taken along line A-A of FIG. 5;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the supporting section taken along line B-B of FIGS. 5 and 9;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a base of the supporting section;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the base;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the base;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line C-C of FIG. 13

[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line D-D of FIG. 13;

[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a header of the floating drive-on pontoon boat port;

[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pontoon track of the support section;

[0033] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the pontoon track taken along line E-E of FIG. 17 with a roller removed from one side of the pontoon track;

[0034] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the pontoon track taken along line F-F of FIG. 17;

[0035] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the pontoon track with a stop mounted thereto;

[0036] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the stop mounted on the pontoon track member taken along line G-G of FIG. 20;

[0037] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an entrance pontoon track;

[0038] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the entrance pontoon track;

[0039] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the entrance pontoon track ;

[0040] FIG. 25 is an enlarged, partially sectional view taken at the circle H of FIG. 22 showing the connection of a sacrificial end piece of the entrance pontoon track;

[0041] FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the entrance pontoon track without the sacrificial end piece;

[0042] FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the entrance pontoon track without the sacrificial end piece; and

[0043] FIG. 28 is a bottom exploded view of the entrance member pontoon track and the base.

[0044] Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the claimed invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0046] A pontoon boat port 10 is shown generally FIG. 1. The pontoon boat port 10 comprises a header member 12 and one or more support sections 14, shown as 14R, 14M, and 14F in FIG. 1. Each support section 14, as described more fully below, comprises a base 16, right and left pontoon tracks 18, and right and left buoyancy members 20. The track members 18′ of the rear most support section 14R includes entrance members 22. The forward most support section 14F includes stops 24 secured in the pontoon tracks 18 of that forward most support section. If the pontoon boat port would comprise only a single support section, then the pontoon boat port would comprise the header 14, a single support section 14 which would include the right and left track members 18′. The stops 24 would then be mounted to the front of this single support member. More typically, a pontoon boat port will comprise a front support section 14F, a rear support section 14R, and one or more intermediate support sections 14M. Illustratively, the header member 12 and each support section 14 could have a width of about 8½′, and each support section 14 could have a length of about 6′. Thus, the completed pontoon boat port, as shown in FIG. 1, with five support sections would have a length of about 30′. As can be appreciated, a pontoon boat port 10 can be made to a desired length by connecting together a desired number of sufficient support sections to be at least equal the desired length. The noted dimensions are illustrative only, and the components of the pontoon port 10 can be made to most any desired size.

[0047] As used herein, the directional terms “front”, “rear”, “right” and “left” have the meaning as shown in the directional inset of FIG. 1. Thus, as used herein, “front” or “forward” refers to an edge or surface that faces toward the header 12, i.e., the top of the drawing sheet containing FIG. 1. Conversely, “back”, “rear”, and “rearward” refer to an edge or surface that faces toward an entrance of the pontoon boat port, i.e., the bottom of the drawing sheet containing FIG. 1. The terms “right” and “left” refer to the right and left sides of the pontoon boat port as seen in FIG. 1 (i.e., with the header 12 at the front of the pontoon boat port). “Inward” or “inwardly” is a direction going from an outer edge toward a center of the pontoon boat port or an element of the pontoon boat port, and “outward” or “outwardly” is a direction going from the center toward an outer edge of the pontoon boat port or an element of the pontoon boat port. With these directions in mind, the pontoon boat port, and its various parts will now be described.

[0048] The header 12 (FIG. 16) comprises an upper tread surface 30, a front surface 32 depending from a front edge of the tread surface 30, opposed side surfaces 34 depending from opposed side edges of the tread surface, and a bottom surface (not shown). A rear surface of the of the header comprises an upper rear surface 36a depending from the tread surface and a lower rear surface 36c extending upwardly from the bottom surface of the header 12. The lower rear surface is spaced rearwardly of the upper rear surface 36a, and the two surfaces are separated by a step 36b extending from rearwardly from the bottom of upper rear surface 36a to the top of the lower rear surface 36c. The lower rear surface 36c is parallel to the upper rear surface 36a, and the rear surfaces 36a,c are both generally parallel to the front surface 32 of the header. The upper rear surface 36a and step 36b both have substantially the same side-to-side length, and both are shorter than the overall side-to-side width of the header 12, such that the upper rear surface 36a, the step 36b, and the side surfaces 34, in combination define short rearwardly extending walls 38 which extend upwardly from the opposite edges of the step 36b. The upper surface of the step 36b is parallel to, but spaced vertically below the tread surface 30, by a distance equal to the height of the upper rear surface 36a and the walls 38. Preferably, the walls 38 have a height equal to about one-half the overall height of the side surfaces 34 of the header. Lastly, connector receiving channels 40 are formed in the front surface 32, side surfaces 34, and lower rear surface 36c of the header 12. As will be described below, the connector receiving channels 40 of the front and side surfaces enable the header 12 to be connected to other dock structures. The connector receiving channels 40 of the lower rear surface 36c enable connection of a base 16 of a support section 14 to the header 12. The header 12 is preferably hollow, and is thus buoyant, and will float. The header 12 can be filled with buoyant material to further enhance the buoyancy of the header if desired.

[0049] As noted above, each support section 14 comprises a base 16, a pair of tracks 18, and a pair of buoyancy members 20. The support sections are all identical, and a representative support section 14 is shown in FIGS. 3-10. The base 16 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 10-14; and the pontoon tracks 18 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 17-21.

[0050] Each base 16 comprises a generally horizontal body 42 defining right and left portions 42a,b separated by a center portion 42c. The center portion 42c has an upper surface defining a longitudinally extending concave channel 44. The channels 44 of the bases of the pontoon boat port 10 will form a continuous channel extending the length of the pontoon boat port 10, as seen in FIG. 1, which will help drain water from the top surface of the pontoon boat port. The right and left side portions 42a,b of the base each comprise a side wall 46 having a height and width substantially equal to the height and width of the header walls 38.

[0051] The portion of the base 16 defines an upper surface 50 extending from the walls 46 to the center portion 42c. The upper surface defines an opening 52 which forms front and back arms 48a,b of the base which extend from the side walls 46 to the center portion 42c. Elongate slots 49a,b (FIG. 11) are formed in the upper and lower arms 48a,b, respectively. These slots receive reinforcing members 51 (FIG. 10), which are preferably made of metal, and which provide structural support to the support section 14. The arms 48a,b each have a height equal to the height of the header lower back surface 36c, such that the top surface 50 of the base will be substantially level with the step 36b of the header 12. The arms boarder the front and rear edges of the opening 52, the sides of which are defined by the outer side surfaces 54a of the center portion 42c, the inner side surfaces 54b of the side walls 46, the rear surface 54c of the front arm 48a, and the front surface 54d of the rear arm 48b. Preferentially, the opening 52 is generally square, but could have other shapes if desired. Lastly, a bridge 56 extends through the opening 52 between the side walls 46 and the center portion 42c (to essentially extend between the opposite side walls 54a,b of the opening 52). The bridge 56 of each opening 52 is generally parallel to the front and back arms 48a,b. The bridge 56 has a height substantially shorter than the height of the arms 48a,b, with an upper surface that is generally level with the upper surface 50 of the base 16. The bridge 56 thus defines front and rear entrances 52a,b to the opening 52. As best seen in FIG. 12, the bridges 56 are substantially equally offset from a lateral center line of the openings 52, with the bridge 56 of the left portion 42b being forward of the lateral center line of the opening 52 and the bridge 56 of the right portion 42a being rearward of the lateral center line of the opening 52. Thus, for each opening, the bridges 56 define a smaller opening 52a and a larger opening 52b. For example, the smaller opening 52a can have a front-to-back length that is about one-third the front-to-back length of the larger opening 52b. Lastly, connector receiving channels 40 are formed on the outer surfaces of the side walls 46 and the front and back arms 48a,b. The connector receiving channels 40 receive connectors C (FIG. 1) which connect adjacent bases 16 together and which connect the base 16 pf the front most support section 14F to the header 12. The connector receiving channels 40 on the side walls 46 can be used to connect the bases to the bases of an adjacent pontoon boat port, another boat port, or another dock member. As best seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the front and back arms 48a,b, the center section 42c, and the side walls 46 of the base are hollow, defining a void, making the bases 16 buoyant. If desired, the void could be filled with buoyant material to enhance the buoyancy of the bases 16.

[0052] The buoyancy members 20 (best seen in FIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 10) are shown as being generally square and comprise a square central section 70 surrounded by a flange 72 extending from a bottom of side surfaces of the central section 70. The buoyancy members are hollow, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. The central sections 70 are sized to be received in the opening 52 from the underside of the bases 16, with the flange 72 extending over the bottom surfaces of the side walls 46, center portion 42b, and front and back arms 48a,b of the base 16. The buoyancy members 20 thus close the openings 52 from the bottom of the base 16. As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the buoyancy members 20 have a height less than the depth of the openings 52, and thus have a height less than the height of the surfaces 54a-d defining the openings 52. The buoyancy members 20 can be fixed to the bases 16 by any desired means, such as by fasteners or adhesive. Alternatively, the buoyancy members 20 can be retained in place by the frictional engagement of the members with the surfaces defining the openings 52 and / or by the buoyant nature of the buoyancy members which will tend to urge the members 20 up into the openings 52.

[0053] The pontoon tracks 18 (shown in FIGS. 17-19) preferably have an overall end-to-end length substantially equal to the length of the base 16 and a side-to-side width that is narrower than the right and left portions 42a,b of the base. The length of the pontoon tracks 18 could be less than the length of the base portion. However, this would result in a gap between pontoon tracks of adjacent bases. So as not to interfere with the motion of a of a pontoon boat over the tracks, the pontoon tracks have a length that is at least 50% of the length of the base, more preferably at least 75% of the length of the base, and even more preferably, at least 90% of the length of the base. The overall width of the pontoon tracks can be altered if desired. The pontoon tracks 18 have opposed side walls 60, opposed end walls 62, a bottom surface 64, and a top surface 66. The top surface 66 comprises generally flat upper surfaces 68 and a track channel 70 between the side surfaces 68. The track channel 70 is defined by a generally flat center surface 70a which is lower than the upper surfaces 68 and sloping side surfaces 70b which extend from the inner edges of the upper surfaces 68 to the center surface 70a. The side surfaces 70b have a lower portion 70c which is immediately adjacent the center surface 70a and which is steeper than the remainer of the side surfaces 70b. This steeper portion of the side surfaces defines a drainage channel 72 in the track channel 70. When a pontoon boat is resting on the pontoon boat port, this drainage channel 72 will be spaced below the pontoons of the pontoon boat, and will define a channel through which water can pass to drain from the pontoon boat port 10. The pontoon track 18 includes fastener holes 74 which receive fasteners to secure the pontoon track 18 to the base 16.

[0054] The pontoon tracks 18 include roller cavities 76 which receive rollers 78. A roller cavity 76 is formed in each side wall 70b of the track channel 70 and is positioned about midway along the length of the side wall 70b. The roller cavities extend generally perpendicularly to the channel side walls 70b, and thus are canted or angled relative to the top surface 68 and side surface 60 of the pontoon track 18. A slot 80 formed in the upper surface 66 extends from an outer wall of each roller cavity to the side surface 60 of the pontoon track 16. The slot 80 has a lower surface (best seen on the left side of FIG. 18) comprised of a first part 82a which extends away from the outer wall of the roller cavity and is generally perpendicular to the cavity 76. This first part 82a is concave and defines a radius. A second part 82b of the slot 80 slopes downwardly from an outer end of the first part 82a toward the side walls 60 of the pontoon track. The roller cavity includes an axle journal 84 which extends inwardly from the roller cavity inner wall. The axle journal extends generally perpendicular to the inner wall of the roller cavity and is co-linear with the concave surface 82a of the slot 80. An axle 86 extends across the roller cavity 76 and has an inner end received in the axle journal 84 and an outer end which is received on the concave surface 82a of the slot 80. An axle hold down 88 is received in the slot 80 and is shaped complementarily to the surfaces 82a,b of the slot. The axle hold down has an upper portion 88a which extends axially over the axle 86 and a leg portion 88b which extends along the second portion 82b of the slot 80. A fastener extends through the leg portion 88b into the slot surface 82b to secure the axle hold down 88 in place in the slot 80. The axle 86 thus cannot move laterally relative to the roller cavity 76, and friction will substantially prevent the axle 86 from moving axially relative to the roller cavity 62. The roller 78 is supported on the axle 86 and can rotate freely in the roller cavity relative about an axis defined by the axle 86. The roller can either rotate about the axle, or the axle can rotate relative to the axle journal 84 and axle hold down 88. In the former case, the roller 78 can comprise central bearings through which the axle 86 extends. As seen in FIG. 18, the roller has a side-to-side width that is less than the corresponding width of the roller cavity. The outer diameter of the roller 78, however, is approximately equal to the length of the outer wall of the roller cavity, but is greater than the length of the inner wall of the roller cavity. The roller 78 is thus sized so that the circumferential surface of the roller will be above the side surface 70b of the track channel and such that at least a portion of the roller 78 will extend below the lower surface of the pontoon track 18. Further, the roller 78 is positioned such that the circumferential surface of the roller is generally parallel to the surface 70b of the track channel.

[0055] Lastly, the pontoon track 18 includes elongate generally rectangular sacrificial skids 90 mounted in elongate depressions 90a (FIG. 20) in the side walls 70b of the tack channel 72. The skids are sized such that the upper surface of the skids 90 are above the side wall 70b of the track channel 70 and to be generally level with the outer circumference of the roller. There is a skid 90 extending along the wall both before and after the roller cavity 76, such that the skids 90, in combination, extends substantially the full length of the channel side wall 70b. The skids 90 are secured in place, for example, by fasteners. The skids 90 are preferably made from a material (which can be a plastic) that has a low coefficient of friction, so that the pontoons of a pontoon boat can move across the skids relatively easily. The skids 90 and roller 78, in combination define a slide assembly over which the pontoons of a pontoon boat will slide as the pontoon boat is driven onto and off of the pontoon boat port 10. Thus, the pontoons of the pontoon boat will generally not slide directly on the pontoon track, but rather, will slide on the slide assembly. The elements of the slide assembly are wear and / or sacrificial items. Thus, the skids and rollers are mounted so as to be fairly easy to remove and replace.

[0056] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the pontoon tracks 18 rest on the upper surface 50 of the base 16 and have a length that is substantially equal to the length of the base 16. The pontoon track 18 thus overlies the front and back reinforcements 49a,b which extend generally perpendicular to the axis of the pontoon track. A pontoon track 18 is fastened to each portion 42a,b of the base to be substantially equidistant from a longitudinal center of the base 16, such that each base 16 is provided with two pontoon tracks 18. Thus, except for the positioning of the bridges 56, the support sections 14 are substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. The pontoon tracks 18 can be secured using fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) which extend through the fastener holes 74 in the pontoon channel 72 into the top surface 50 of the base 16. The right and left portions 42a,b of the base 16 have a side-to-side width greater than the side-to-side width of the pontoon tracks 18. Hence, the lateral position of the pontoon tracks on the base 16 can be selected to receive a pontoon boat of a selected size. That is, the pontoon tracks can be positioned closer to the center line for a narrower pontoon boat or closer to the walls 46 for a wider pontoon boat. Thus, the pontoon boat port 10 can be configured receive pontoon boats of different sizes. As seen in FIG. 9, when the pontoon track 18 is fixed in place on the base 16, the rollers 78 will extend into the opening 52 of the base. The buoyancy members 20 are sized so that the rollers 76 will be above the top surface of the buoyancy members as seen in FIG. 9. The buoyancy members thus will not interfere with the ability of the rollers to rotate about their axes. Lastly, the side and end walls 60, 62 of the pontoon track 18 have a height generally equal to the height of the base walls 46. Thus, as seen, for example, in FIGS. 7 and 9, the upper surface 68 of the pontoon tracks will not extend above the upper surface of the base walls 46, and preferably are about level with the upper surface of the base walls 46.

[0057] Turning to FIGS. 22-28, the rearmost pontoon tracks 18′ comprise a forward portion identical to the track channels 18 and entrance members 22 which are integral with, and extend rewardly from, the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′. The forward portion is thus substantially equal in length to the length of the base 16, defines a track channel 70, and includes the rollers 78 and at least one skid 90 shown to be forward of the rollers on the walls of the channel 70. The entrance members 22 are integral with the forward portion of the track 18′ and comprise an upper surface 91 which defines a pair of inwardly canted, downwardly sloping ramp surfaces 92 which have a forward end at the rear of the side walls 70b of the track channel 70. Preferably, a skid 90 extends along, and is raised relative to, each ramped surface 92. A downwardly sloping rear channel 94 is between forward portions of the ramped surfaces 92. The channel 94 extends rearwardly from center surface 70a of the track channel 70. The ramp surfaces 92 cant upwardly and away from the channel 92. In a rear portion of the entrance member, the ramp surface 92 are separated, to define an inverted V-shaped entrance to the track channel 70.

[0058] Generally vertical side walls 100 extend downwardly from the outer edges of the upper surface 91. These side walls 100 are generally a continuation of the side surfaces 60′ of the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′ and are thus generally parallel to the side walls of the base 16 when positioned on a base. A generally vertical front wall 98 depends from the bottom surface of the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′ at the rear thereof and extends between the front ends of the side walls 100. The front all 98 has a height substantially equal to the height of the rear arms 48b of the base. Thus, when fixed to a base 16, the forward portion of the pontoon track 18′ will rest on the base 16 (as with the pontoon tracks 18), and the front wall 98 of the entrance member 22 will abut or be proximate the rear wall of the rear arm 48b of the base 16. The entrance member 22 also includes generally vertical inner walls 102 which extend downwardly from the inner edges of the ramped surfaces 92. These inner walls 102 define the inverted V-shape separating the ramped surfaces 92 in the rear portion of the entrance member. At the rear end of the ramped surfaces, the entrance member 22 includes a rear wall 104 and a flange or shelf 106 extending rearwardly from the rear wall 104. A sacrificial entrance element 108 is secured to the rear end of each ramped surface. The sacrificial entrance element 108 comprises a body portion 110 and a neck 112. The neck 112 is sized and shaped complementarily to the rear of the entrance member 22 to effectively be a continuation of the outer and inner walls 100, 102 and the ramped surface 92 of the entrance member. The neck 112 includes fastener holes which receive fasteners (such as screws) to secure the sacrificial entrance element 108 to the entrance member shelf 106. The body 110 includes an upper surface 114 having an inner portion 114a and an outer portion 114b. The inner portion 114a is slightly convex and sloped slightly inwardly. The outer portion 114b is also slightly convex, but is canted inwardly relative to the inner portion 114a, such that a lateral cross-section through the body would be shaped generally as “__ / ”. As can be appreciated, the outer portion 114b will help guide the pontoon boat's pontoon floats onto the ramped surfaces 92, which will then guide the pontoon floats into the channels 70 of the pontoon tracks.

[0059] Lastly, the pontoon boat port 10 includes the stops 24 at the forward end of the forward most support section 14F. The stops 24 will thus be positioned proximate the header 12. The pontoon boat port 10 includes a stop 24 in each pontoon track 18. The stops 24, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, include a generally vertical lower rear surface 120 which defines a curve and a forwardly sloping upper rear surface 122 which is also concave. The lower and upper surfaces are split by a cannel 124 that extends the full length of the rear surfaces 120, 122. Side surfaces 126 slope outwardly from a top 128 of the top. Lastly, the stop 24 includes a bottom surfacer 130 which is shaped complementarily to the shape of the channel 70 of the pontoon track 18. Thus, the stop 24 can sit in the channel and be secured in place by fasteners, as seen in FIG. 21.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 1, as seen, the pontoon boat port 10 will comprise right and left pontoon receiving channels defined by the channels 70 of the pontoon tracks 18, 18′. The pontoon receiving channels extend from the entrance members 22 to the stops 24 and are of a length determined by the number of support sections 14 from which the pontoon boat port 10 is formed. The pontoon boat port 10 is assembled by connecting a desired number of support sections 14 using the connectors C and connecting a header 12 to the front most support section. The pontoon tracks 18 can be fixed to the bases 16 prior to assembly of the pontoon boat port (so that the pontoon boat port is assembled from essentially pre-assembled support sections). Alternatively, the bases 16 can be connected together, and then the pontoon tracks 18, 18′ can be fixed to the bases 16. In either event, if the buoyancy members 20 are held against the bottom of the bases 16 by their buoyant nature, then they are preferably positioned after the pontoon boat port has been assembled. Of course, the parts of the pontoon boat port can be assembled in any desired order.

[0061] In use, a boater will initially line a pontoon boat up with its pontoon floats generally aligned with the entrance members 22. The boater will then drive the pontoon boat forwardly onto the pontoon boat port. The sacrificial entrance members 108 will adjust the position of the boat's pontoon floats to ensure that they track properly into the channels 70 of the pontoon tracks 18. As the boater drives the pontoon boat forwardly the pontoon floats will glide over the skids 90 and rollers 78 until the pontoon floats come into contact with the stops 24. Thus, the skids 90 and rollers 78 of each pontoon track 18 define a slide assembly which facilitates movement of the pontoon boat along said pontoon boat port. It is expected that the rollers 78, the skids 90, and sacrificial entrance members 108 will wear out. They are thus easily replaced.

[0062] As can be appreciated, from the foregoing, we have provided a pontoon boat port which can be built to a desired length and to accommodate a pontoon boat of a desired width.

[0063] As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, the slide assembly could comprise additional rollers, it could comprise a plurality of rollers without the skids or it could comprise skids without the rollers. These examples are merely illustrative.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0045]The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the claimed invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the claimed invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0046]A pontoon boat port 10 is shown generally FIG. 1. The pontoon bo...

Claims

1. A floating drive-on pontoon boat port defining a port length and a port width; said floating drive-on pontoon boat comprising at least one support section; said at least one support section comprising:a one-piece base defining a side-to-side base width substantially equal to said port width and a front-to-back length; said base defining a longitudinal center, a right portion to a right of said longitudinal center and a left portion to a left of said longitudinal center; said right and left center portions each having a substantially flat upper surface;a right pontoon track fixed to said base right portion and a left pontoon track fixed to said base left portion; said right and left pontoon tracks each having a length that is at least 50% of the front-to-back length of the base and a side-to-side width that is less no greater than one-half of said port width, respectively; each said right and left pontoon track defining a track channel defined at least in part by opposed sloping side walls; said pontoon track including a slide assembly on each wall of said track channel, said slide assembly being adapted to facilitate movement of a pontoon boat longitudinally along said pontoon track.

2. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 1 wherein aid slide assembly comprises a skid fixed in said side wall of said track channel to extend above the side wall of said track channel and / or a roller mounted in said side wall of said track channel to rotate relative to said pontoon track, said roller extending above said wall of said track channel.

3. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 2 wherein said slide assembly comprises said roller and said skid, said skid being fixed to said side surface of said track channel either forwardly or rearwardly of said roller.

4. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 2 wherein said base comprises an opening in said upper surface of said right and left sections; said roller of said track channel having a diameter and being mounted in said pontoon track such that at least a portion of said roller extends below a lower surface of said pontoon track; said pontoon track being positioned on said base such that said roller extends into said opening.

5. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 1 wherein said support section comprises a buoyancy member; said buoyancy member being positioned beneath said base.

6. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 5 wherein said base comprises an opening in said upper surface of said right and left sections; said opening extending through said base; said buoyancy member being positioned in said opening; said buoyance member preferably being sized to close said opening from said bottom of said base.

7. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 1 wherein said floating drive-on pontoon boat port comprises a plurality of support sections, the base of each support section of said plurality of support sections being connected to the base of at least one longitudinally adjacent support section.

8. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 1 further comprising a header member connected to a forward most support member.

9. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 1 further comprising an entrance member; said entrance member extending from a rear end of a rear-most pontoon track member; said entrance member comprising opposed inwardly canted and downwardly sloped ramp surfaces; said ramp surfaces extending rearwardly from side surfaces of said pontoon channel; said ramp surfaces having inner edges defining an inverted V-shaped area.

10. The floating drive-on pontoon boat port of claim 9 including sacrificial entrance elements at a rear ends of said ramp surfaces; said entrance elements including an inner surface and an outer surface canted relative to said inner surface; said inner and outer surfaces both defining generally upwardly convex surfaces.

11. A support section for a floating drive-on pontoon boat port; said support section comprising:a one-piece base defining a side-to-side base width and a front-to-back length; said base defining a longitudinal center, a right portion to a right of said longitudinal center and a left portion to a left of said longitudinal center; said right and left center portions each having a substantially flat upper surface;a right pontoon track fixed to said base right portion and a left pontoon track fixed to said base left portion; said right and left pontoon tracks each having a length substantially equal to the front-to-back length of said base and a side-to-side width that is less than a width of said right and left base portions, respectively;each said right and left pontoon track defining a track channel defined at least in part by opposed sloping side walls; said pontoon track including a slide assembly on each wall of said track channel, said slide assembly being adapted to facilitate movement of a pontoon boat longitudinally along said pontoon track.

12. The support section of claim 11 wherein said base comprises a center portion between said right and left portions, said longitudinal axis extending through said center portion; said center portion defining a center channel extending the length of said base.

13. The support section of claim 11 wherein said slide assembly comprises a skid fixed in said side wall of said track channel to extend above the side wall of said track channel and / or a roller mounted in said side wall of said track channel to rotate relative to said pontoon track, said roller extending above said wall of said track channel.

14. The support section of claim 13 wherein said slide assembly comprises said roller and said skid, said skid being fixed to said side surface of said track channel either forwardly or rearwardly of said roller.

15. The support section of claim 13 wherein said base comprises an opening in said upper surface of said right and left sections; said roller of said track channel having a diameter and being mounted in said pontoon track such that at least a portion of said roller extends below a lower surface of said pontoon track; said pontoon track being positioned on said base such that said roller extends into said opening.

16. The support section of claim 11 wherein said support section comprises a buoyancy member; said buoyancy member being positioned beneath said base.

17. The support section of claim 16 wherein said base comprises an opening in said upper surface of said right and left sections; said opening extending through said base; said buoyancy member being positioned in said opening; said buoyance member preferably being sized to close said opening from said bottom of said base.

18. The support section of claim 17 wherein said buoyancy member comprises a peripheral flange; said peripheral flange being positioned beneath said bottom surface of said base about said opening.

19. The support section of claim 13 further comprising an entrance member; said entrance member extending from a rear end of a rear-most pontoon track member; said entrance member comprising opposed inwardly canted and downwardly sloped ramp surfaces; said ramp surfaces extending rearwardly from side surfaces of said pontoon channel; said ramp surfaces having inner edges defining an inverted V-shaped area.

20. The support section of claim 19 including sacrificial entrance elements at a rear ends of said ramp surfaces; said entrance elements including an inner surface and an outer surface canted relative to said inner surface; said inner and outer surfaces both defining generally upwardly convex surfaces.

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