Universal boat mooring device

Abstract

Universal boat mooring device comprises a housing, an mooring arm, and a flexible connector. The mooring arm includes an angle-maintaining mechanism designed to adjust the angle of the flexible connector and keep the connector in a preset upright position during the up-and-down movement of the mooring arm. The device contains a winch that enables connection to the boat without the use of a traditional cable brake, with the hook manually attaching to the boat's hook and locking onto the flexible connector. The weight balance and adjustable spring compensate for the weight of the mooring arm and allow it to be positioned in the upper position when stationary. A shock absorber mitigates sudden movements of the mooring arm upon releasing the hook. One universal device is suitable for smaller boats, while for larger boats several such devices can be used, allowing for quick and efficient mooring with the capability to lock the moored boat.

Description

UNIVERSAL BOAT MOORING DEVICE

[0001] This invention relates to a device used for securing a boat at designated locations, such as docks or jetties (IPC B63B21 / 00).

[0002] Mooring a boat at a dock or jetty can present various challenges. For instance, a boat may be tied to the dock with a rope, but changes in water level, winds, or waves can cause the boat to strike the structure, as the rope cannot adjust to these changes. This can lead to damage to the boat, dock, or other nearby boats. These problems also occur in lakes or rivers that are not subject to tidal changes; for example, passing boats can cause water level fluctuations due to waves, which can also lead to friction or damage to the boat or dock.One solution might be to moor the boat to a buoy away from the dock, but this is impractical due to the difficulty it presents for passenger boarding, which requires additional transport between the boat and the dock. There have been several known attempts to address the issue of vessel mooring, including the use of devices that hang from the boats themselves. These devices are commonly referred to as fenders or protective cushions. They are large, primarily cylindrical cushions made of polymeric materials that are attached to holders on the boats and hang between the boat and the dock. However, positioning fenders at the appropriate heights can be challenging to align properly with the dock.It is well known that docking boats presents numerous challenges that have not been fully resolved to date. The effects of docks or jetties, tides, wind, waves, currents, and neighboring vessels create extreme conditions for operators to ensure safety during passenger boarding or unloading, as well as to protect the vessel itself from damage. The vessel should remain close to the docks or adjacent boats but withouThe American patent No;

[0003] US3108563A reveals improvements in boat mooring devices, specifically concerning a boat mooring device that allows a boat to be secured to a solid structure to prevent it from colliding with pilings or floating docks.

[0004] US5361716A: This invention describes a method and device for controlling the movement of a moored boat, consisting of a mooring device with a base that can be secured to a dock or buoy, an upright post, a spiral spring, and a connecting arm that attaches to the boat. The spring is elastic and can stretch to move the boat towards the dock or bend like a caterpillar to push it away from the dock, depending on the effects of waves or wind. When the device is not in use, the spring automatically retracts the connecting arm to an upright position, ensuring it does not obstruct when docking the boat.

[0005] US3195498A: This invention provides an improved system for mooring small boats to a dock, allowing them to remain distanced from the dock while adjusting to changes in water level and waves. The system protects the boat from damage due to impacts with the dock, securing both the front and rear ends of the boat. Additionally, the simple structure of the framework facilitates mooring and ensures the stability of the boat.

[0006] US5036787A: This invention describes a mooring system designed to secure a boat at a dock. The system uses masts that are supported at their lower ends on the dock via mounting means. The masts extend over the water and at their upper ends are connected to ropes that stretch to the boat. This system allows for stable mooring of the boat while accommodating changing water conditions.

[0007] US2938492A: This invention relates to a boat mooring device that enables a boat to rise and fall with the tide and also move laterally towards the docks within certain limits. The system includes a sleeve fixed along the sides of the boat, which accommodates a flexible spring allowing lateral movement. The spring is connected to a telescopic arm that can be adjusted for the desired distance from the dock. Additionally, the device contains an innovative quick-connect unit to the dock, facilitating easy removal of the boat when necessary.

[0008] US4250827A: This invention represents a boat mooring device consisting of a base that is secured to a dock or platform on a yacht. The device includes an upright spiral spring with a flexible joint and an extending telescopic framework with a hook at the distal end that connects to the boat. This system allows for flexible mooring that adapts to changes in water level and wave motion, enhancing safety and stability while mooring. While some of the devices in the prior art have attempted to solve these problems, none have successfully addressed the overall issue. Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a universal and user-friendly device that allows for the mooring of vessels while maintaining them at a safe minimum distance from the dock or pier under various wind, current, tide, and wave conditions, and that can be adapted to a wide range of different boats.Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention pertains to an innovative device for mooring various boats, designed to minimize the need for personnel through a combination of mechanical and electrical components. It is adaptable for mooring boats to different existing hooks or to built-in hooks on the desired surface of the boat. The universal device includes an electric or mechanical winch whose hook is manually attached to the boat’s hook, after which the device is directed by remote control or mechanical winch to secure and lock onto the vesselto secure and lock onto the boat. This improved mooring system allows the boat to remain safely distanced from the dock without traditional mooring ropes, thereby reducing the risk of damage to both the boat and the dock. The aim of this invention is to provide a universal mooring device that overcomes the shortcomings of prior art. An additional goal is to develop a device that not only keeps the boat at a safe distance from the dock but also facilitates easy mooring and docking for boarding.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] To complement the description of the invention and contribute to a better understanding of its features, a set of illustrative drawings is attached to the specified description. These drawings are not intended to limit the invention but serve to clarify it.

[0011] shows the universal boat mooring device mounted on the dock, with a side detailed cross-section in the position when not in use.depicts a side cross-section detailing the parts of the device's housing.illustrates a detailed flexible connector (3) shown in side cross-section.demonstrates the movement of the mooring arm (2) up and down when the flexible connector is set in the center of its vertical position (38), viewed in side cross-section of the universal boat mooring device.reveals the movement of the mooring arm up and down when the flexible connector (3) is set to stand off-center from the vertical position (38) diagonally, at position (38b), viewed on the universal boat mooring device from the side.illustrates the method of mooring the boat with the universal device in three positions: the first position when the boat (50) is positioned at the mooring spot, when a crew member (45) has attached the hook to the boat's hook, and the activation position of the winch by remote control for mooring the boat to the universal device.shows a side-moored boat (50) to the universal device at three different water levels (33) during high and low tide.depicts a moored boat with two universal devices connected to an angled surface of the boat, with the flexible connector (3) angled relative to the hook surface on the boat.presents a cross-section of the universal boat mooring device from above.illustrates a detailed cross-section of the mechanism (60) for maintaining the angle.

[0012] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0013] The universal boat mooring device consists of a housing (1), a mooring arm (2), and a flexible connector (3). The mooring arm (2) contains an angle-maintaining mechanism (60) that adjusts the angle of the vertical (38) of the flexible connector (3) and keeps the connection in a predetermined upright position during the up-and-down movement of the arm concerning the housing (1). The mooring arm (2) has an inner open end (2a) that includes a sun gear (12), an outer open end (2b) that includes a planet gear (17), and a central part (2c). The mooring arm is a tubular profile that is either straight or preferably curved downward towards the outer end (2b). The sun gear (12) is rotationally mounted on a primary shaft (11) within the inner open end (2a) mooring arm (2). The planetary half gear (17) is rotationally mounted on a planetary shaft (16) within the outer open end (2b) of the mooring arm (2). Transmission gears (15) are rotationally mounted on their transmission shafts (14) and interconnected, with the first transmission gear (15) connected to the sun gear (12), while the last transmission gear (15) is connected to the planetary half gear (17), enabling synchronized connection of the planetary gear with the sun gear.

[0014] The drive element (18) is rotationally mounted on bearings (19) secured within the housing (1). The drive element (18) features a drive shaft (34) that is positioned crosswise to the primary shaft (11). The drive element has a threaded portion (18a) connected to the sun gear (12) via a worm drive, allowing the sun gear (12) to be rotated using a drive handle (35), with the sun gear (12) unable to rotate the drive element (18). In this way, the sun gear (12) and planetary half gear (17) are connected through a series of transmission gears (15) or longer transmission elements such as a chain or toothed belt, allowing synchronization of the planetary half gear (17) with the sun gear (12). The planetary half gear (17) features a fixed tubular connector (10) perpendicular to its cut end (17a).

[0015] The flexible connector includes a mounting bracket (4), a flexible spring (9), and a universal joint (5) with a proximal end (5a) and a distal end (5b) attached to adjustable feet (8). The mounting bracket (4) is securely attached to the tubular connector (10) using screws (40), with the inner end of the mounting bracket (4a) inserted into the tubular connector (10). The mounting bracket is positioned below the vertical tubular connector (10).The mooring arm (2) is mounted on a primary shaft (11), which is horizontally positioned in the housing (1) to allow the mooring arm (2) to be rotatably coupled.

[0016] This configuration allows the outer end (2b) to move up and down relative to the housing (1). The housing (1) contains an electric winch (21) equipped with a remote control that serves to connect the vessel (50) to the universal device.

[0017] Due to the variety in size and design of vessels, the Universal Boat Mooring Device is designed to accommodate the use of a mechanical winch instead of an electric winch. The mechanical winch is mounted on a flexible connector (3), allowing a crew member (45) from the vessel to easily reach the handle of the mechanical winch, which is preferably located on the top of the tubular connector (10) or on the universal joint (5). The cable (22) is passed through the channel (37) in the same manner as in the version with the electric winch. This configuration is suitable for producing a universal device for smaller boats at an affordable price.

[0018] This winch system does not use a conventional brake cable; instead, the hook (23) is designed to lock onto the distal end (5b) of the universal joint (5) when attaching the boat (50) to the universal device. The adjustable feet (8) then rest firmly on the boat's surface, ensuring a fixed connection of the distal end (5b) while it is moored and until the hook (23) is unlocked. It is recommended that the adjustable feet (8) be coated with a rubber surface for better grip, preferably with a ribbed washer mounted on the surface of the boat where the adjustable feet (8) rest.

[0019] Further, the housing (1) includes a balance weight (25) connected to the inner open end (2a) of the mooring arm via a rope (26) that passes through a pulley (27), counteracting the weight of the tether arm and the flexible connector (9) suspended above the water's surface (33). The balance weight (25) features at least one adjustable spring (28), which includes a tensioner (31). One end of the adjustable spring (28) is attached to the bottom of the housing (1), while the other end is connected to the upper end of the balance weight (25). The balance weight (25) has a base (29) with a guide (30).

[0020] The combination of the balancing weight and adjustable spring allows for the efficient adjustment of the mooring arm (2). When released from the boat, the mooring arm raises itself into the upper position with the desired weight shifted towards the balancing weight (25), which can be adjusted using the tensioner (31) of the adjustable spring (28).

[0021] The housing (1) includes a shock absorber (20) that is connected at one end to the housing (1) and at the other end to the mooring arm (2). The shock absorber (20) serves to eliminate sudden movements of the mooring arm (2), contributing to a particularly stable hold of the moored boat and ensuring safe unlocking by eliminating abrupt upward movement of the mooring arm during the release of the hook (23) from the distal end of the joint (5b).

[0022] The universal joint (5) can be a ball joint or a cross joint with a hollow center (axial) designated as channel (37) for the passage of the cable (22). This joint enables efficient transfer of rotational power from the boat to the flexible spring (9), while also allowing for flexible bending during the rocking of the boat. In this way, the spring (9), with its flexibility, limits the end of the boat where it is moored, while the opposite end of the boat is restricted in its anchored position by twisting the aforementioned spring. As a result, the anchored boat moves up and down with the rocking of the arm (2). This system allows the boat to adapt in a controlled manner to changes in water level and wave movement, reducing the risk of damage and providing an effective solution for mooring and boarding passengers.

[0023] The electric winch cable (22) is passed through the primary open end (2a), sliding through rollers (41) and emerging through the outer open end (2b) of the mooring arm. The cable (22) further extends through the tubular connector (10), the mounting bracket (4), the flexible spring (9), and the universal joint (5), with the hook (23) fixed to the end of the cable (22) outside the distal end of the universal joint (5b). The hook (23) on its shank is shaped with teeth (24) to lock onto the lock tongue (6) located sideways in a channel (37), connected to a mortise lock (7) or any manual release handle for the lock tongue (6).

[0024] The universal boat mooring device is designed for use as a single mooring device for smaller boats, while two or more identical devices are intended for larger boats. This universal device will be installed on a dock (32) or floating surface, allowing the mooring arm (2) to move up and down in response to the swaying of the boat (50) under the influence of water waves (33) when moored. When not in use, the mooring arm is positioned above the water's surface, with the outer open end (2b) at an angle between 60 and 90 degrees, as shown in. This design ensures effective and flexible mooring tailored to user needs.

Claims

Universal boat mooring device comprising;(a) housing (1) equipped with: - a winch (21), - a drive element (18), - a balancing weight (25), and - a shock absorber (20);(b) the mooring arm (2) of tubular shape, which includes: - an inner open end (2a) where the primary shaft (11) is mounted transversely to the arm (2) with a sun gear (12) rotationally mounted on the mentioned shaft (11); - an outer open end (2b) where a planetary shaft (16), is mounted parallel to the primary shaft (11), with a planetary half gear (17) rotationally mounted on the mentioned shaft (16), and - a central part of the mooring arm (2c) where an angle maintenance mechanism (60) is positioned, whereby the mooring arm (2) is mounted on the housing (1) with the primary shaft (11) horizontally, allowing the mentioned arm with the outer open end (2b) to moving up and down relative to the housing (1), connected at the mentioned inner open end to the balancing weight (25) that moves vertically on its guide (30) in balance with the mentioned arm, whereby the balancing weight (25) is equipped with an adjustable spring (28), which has a tensioner (31) and is connected at one end to the lower part of the housing (1) and at the other end to the upper part of the balancing weight (25), designed to allow adjustment of the strength of the balancing weight (25) to keep the said arm in the upper position when the boat is not moored, whereby the planetary half gear (17) and sun gear (12) are connected by the angle maintenance mechanism (60) that serves to synchronize the mentioned gears via a chain connection or by transmission gears (15) mounted rotatably on the transmission shafts (14), interconnected to allow the mentioned planetary half gear, which has a fixed tubular connector (10) vertically, outside the outer open end (2b), to stay synchronized with the sun gear independently of the position of the mooring arm (2);(c) flexible connector (3) that includes; - a flexible spring (9) designed to stand upright; - a mounting bracket (4) with an inner end (4a) and an opposing outer end (4b), where the inner end (4a) is connected to a tubular connector (10) and the outer end (4b) is connected to the upper end of the flexible spring (9); - a universal joint (5) with a proximal end (5a) and a distal end (5b), connected in the middle by balls or a cross shaft (5c), with the mentioned joint having an axial longitudinal channel (37) through its center, whereby the proximal end (5a) which is fixedly connected to the lower part of the flexible spring (9), and the distal end (5b) is connected to the adjustable feet (8); - a lock (7) positioned at the distal end (5b) with a lock tongue (6) intersecting in said channel (37).Universal boat mooring device according to claim 1, where the drive element (18) and the sun gear (12) are connected through a worm gear, such that the sun gear (12) rotates only by the drive element (18), when it is necessary to move the flexible connector (3) from its vertical position (38).Universal boat mooring device according to claim 1 includes a winch (21) which is:- (A) an electric winch mounted on the housing (1) and equipped with a remote control, whose cable (22) exits the winch and passes through the mooring arm (2) from the primary open end (2a), where it passes through the rollers (41) and exits at the outer open end (2b), then enters the flexible connector (3) through the tubular connector (10) and exits through the channel (37) outside the distal end (5b), fixed to the hook (23); or- (B) a mechanical winch placed on top of the tubular connector (10) or on the universal joint (5), with the cable (22) routed through the channel (37) outside in the manner mentioned in the electric winch version.Universal boat mooring device according to claim 1, wherein the hook (23) at its shank is shaped with teeth (24) for locking with the keeper (6) at the distal end of the universal joint (5).

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