AU2007101216B4 - Boat Storage Device - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1991 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Applicant: Storage apparatus Boat Buddy Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement: TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an apparatus used for the storage of a watercraft. In Uparticular, the invention is directed to an on-water storage apparatus that prevents the fouling of a watercrafts hull by organisms, such as algae and/or barnacles.

C 5 BACKGROUND ART SThe fouling of a hull by marine or fresh water organisms, also known as biofouling, represents a significant problem for an owner of a watercraft. The most obvious problem associated with biofouling is corrosion, which may, if unchecked, lead to structural failure. Even before corrosion occurs, growth can increase hull drag resulting in loss of manoeuvrability and increases in fuel consumption. The growth of barnacles and other marine or water organisms on the hull of a watercraft also reduces the efficiency of the passage of the hull through the water during operation. This adversely impacts on fuel usage. The economic consequences of biofouling are, therefore, clearly undesirable.

Solutions to the problem of biofouling have been varied. One solution is to simply scrape the colonizing organisms from the hull. This solution is arduous, expensive and generally ineffective. Another solution is to lift the boat from the water after use and to store the boat out of the water. Another widely practiced solution is to paint the hull with an antifouling coating. Although very effective, many antifouling coatings are highly toxic and are a major pollutant of waterways worldwide. Yet another solution is provided by on-water storage apparatuses that isolate the hull of a watercraft from its environs when it is docked or moored. These apparatuses function by creating an anaerobic zone around the hull that retards growth.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,900 discloses a floating storage apparatus of the type describe above. The storage apparatus includes an inflatable structure into which a watercraft can be driven. The structure has inflatable sides that sit above the waterline and includes a flexible floor that encompasses the hull. The structure also includes a gate that is closed when the watercraft has been maneuvered into position.

Although floating storage apparatuses as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,900, provide a means of preventing and/or controlling biofouling whilst avoiding the use of expensive lifts and supports and/or the use of toxic coatings, it is well known in the art that devices of this general type present a number of problems, limitations and disadvantages. For example, inflatable structures are susceptible to punctures and can take considerable effort to inflate, especially where large inflatable structures are involved. Considerable care must also be exercised in the manufacture of the Sinflatable structures in order to ensure that leak free seals are obtained in the inflatable Spart of the structure.

It is an aim of the invention to provide a storage apparatus for a watercraft that prevents biofouling, and has advantages over the prior art, particularly in the IDprovision of a novel structure that provides greater durability and ease of operation or at the very least provides a consumer with a useful choice.

Throughout the specification, the term "comprising" or its grammatical 10 equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicate otherwise.

The present applicant does not concede that any prior art discussed in the specification forms part of the common general knowledge, whether in Australia or elsewhere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for storing a watercraft on water, said apparatus comprising a generally water impervious sheet arranged, in use, to be positioned in the water and to extend underneath the watercraft, a buoyant portion formed with or connected to the sheet, and a closure means for closing an access part once a watercraft has been positioned above the sheet; the sheet, closure means and buoyant portion substantially preventing flow of fresh water from contacting a hull of the watercraft.

In some embodiments, the buoyant portion comprises a solid buoyant material.

The solid buoyant material may comprise, for example, expanded polystyrene. The solid buoyant material may also be manufactured from or comprise a material that prevents or controls the deterioration of the solid buoyant material. For example, the buoyant material may be coated with a suitable material, such as a resin or paint, to prevent the buoyant material from deteriorating. The buoyant portion suitably does not comprise an inflatable portion In some embodiments, the buoyant portion comprises at least one sealed pipe that extends along a side or front or back of the watercraft. Other arrangements of buoyant material may also be used.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises one or more loops attached to or formed with one or more edges of the sheet, the one or more loops receiving solid buoyant material. The one or more loops may comprise a collar formed around or connected to edges of the sheet of material, the collar receiving and retaining the solid Sbuoyant material.

SIn some embodiments, the buoyant portion extends around both sides and one of the front or back of the watercraft. The access part may comprise the other of the front or back of the watercraft. Desirably, the buoyant portion extends around both O sides and the front of the watercraft, and the access part is positioned such that it is located behind the back of the watercraft when the watercraft is being stored.

The buoyant material may, in some embodiments, define a frame extending S 10 around the sides and front of the watercraft. In this manner, the buoyant material Sprovides shape to the apparatus. The buoyant material may comprise a plurality of modules made from buoyant material, the plurality of modules being held in position relative to each other to define the frame. The plurality of modules may be held in position relative to each other by connecting each of the modules to one or more elongated members. Alternatively, the plurality of modules may be held in position relative to each other by connecting adjacent modules to each other.

In one embodiment, adjacent modules positioned at a foremost part of the apparatus are joined by use of a flexible connector. Use of such a flexible connector allows the buoyant frame of the apparatus to flex in the event of rough weather or if another watercraft comes into contact with the apparatus. In this fashion, the likelihood of the frame being broken is minimised.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for storing a watercraft on-water, said apparatus comprising: a buoyant collar that is located about the bow and sides of the watercraft; and a bottom that is connected to or formed with the buoyant collar and is located under the hull of the watercraft; and a closure means that is movable to a closed position once a watercraft is located within the apparatus.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising: a buoyant collar containing at least one buoyant module, wherein the at least one buoyant module comprises at least one elongated member that releasably retains at least one buoyant member; a bottom that is connected to or formed with the buoyant collar and is located under the hull of the watercraft; and Sa closure means that is movable to a closed position once a watercraft is located within the apparatus.

With respect to the second embodiment of the invention, the buoyant collar preferably consists of at least one buoyant module, wherein the at least one buoyant INO module comprises at least one elongated member that releasably retains at least one buoyant member. Preferably, the at least one buoyant module further comprises an enclosure that releasably retains said at least one module. The enclosure is preferably S 10 sealable. A suitable seal may include, but is not limited to a zip or sealable seam. In a preferred embodiment, the edges of the bottom adjacent the sides and bow of the watercraft are arranged to form an enclosure. In other embodiments, the edges of the bottom adjacent the sides and bow of the watercraft are arranged to form more than one enclosure.

The apparatus preferably includes at least one fastening means. It will be appreciated that the apparatus is typically fastened to a dock or mooring. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the watercraft is typically fastened to both the dock and/or apparatus. The fastening means can be any suitable means. This may include, but is not limited to, a cleat, grommet or line.

Watercraft come in varying shapes and sizes. Thus, the buoyant collar is preferably sized and shaped according to the watercraft to be stored. In particular, the bow of a watercraft can be substantially U-shaped or V-shaped. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the buoyant collar may be either U-shaped or V-shaped. For example, a V-shaped collar is best suited for a watercraft having a V-shaped hull, such as runabouts and the like, whereas a U-shaped collar is best suited to a watercraft having a substantially square bow, such as a pontoon. It will also be appreciated by one of skill in the art, that the size and shape of the watercraft may make it necessary for the apparatus to comprise a buoyant collar consisting of a plurality of buoyant modules.

For instance, a buoyant collar shaped to accommodate a pontoon may consist of three buoyant modules, the modules arranged such that two buoyant modules are adjacent and substantially parallel to the sides of the watercraft and another buoyant module located substantially perpendicular and adjacent the bow of the watercraft. In the case of a watercraft having a V-shaped bow, the buoyant collar may consist of two buoyant 6 modules that are located adjacent the sides and bow of the watercraft; the two buoyant modules joined at a point proximal the bow of the watercraft.

SWhere a plurality of buoyant modules are utilised it is preferable that adjoining modules are separated by a joint that allows said modules to move independently or semi-independently from each other. The joint may take any suitable form, but is

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preferably a rubber insert. A sheet of water impervious material may also service.

INO The at least one elongated member is preferably flexible. In a preferred embodiment the at least one elongated member conforms to the shape of the hull, albeit that the at least one elongated member defines an outline that is larger than the 10 watercraft at the waterline. The at least one elongated member can be manufactured Sfrom any suitable material but is typically manufactured from plastics. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one elongated member is a plastic cylinder or a plastic pipe.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one elongated member is manufactured from a lightweight plastic.

The at least one buoyant member is preferably a block of solid buoyant material having at least one recess that releasably retains the at least one elongated member. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one buoyant member is a block comprising two spaced apart recesses that releasably retain two elongated members. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the buoyant member is a block having two spaced apart recesses that are formed in opposing faces of said block and that releasably retain two elongated members. In other embodiments, the at least one buoyant member is a block comprising one recess that releasably retains one elongated member. The at least one buoyant member can be manufactured from any suitable material, but is typically manufactured from buoyant plastics, such as expanded polystyrene.

Preferably, the bottom is a water impervious sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom is a flexible water-impervious sheet that generally conforms to the under water surface of the hull. The sheet may be spaced below the hull. It will be appreciated that the bottom may be connected to the buoyant collar by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the bottom is detachably connected to the buoyant collar, wherein a suitable connection facilitates easy removal and replacement of a fouled bottom. In other embodiments the bottom is permanently connected to the buoyant collar and may even form part of the collar.

The bottom can be made from any suitable water-impervious material, but is typically made from plastics. Plastics may include, but are not limited to, 00 polyvinylchloride, polyolefin, polypropylene and polyethylene. In a particularly Spreferred embodiment, the bottom is made from a flexible light weight water impervious plastic. In other embodiments, the material comprising the bottom retains Sa biocide and/or anti-corrosive substance that inhibits the growth of micro-organisms 00 5 and/or prevents the corrosion of the hull.

The closure means preferably moves between an open position, at which IO position the watercraft can enter and exit the apparatus and a closed position, in which position the watercraft is retained within the apparatus. It will be appreciated that when the closure means is at the closed position the body of water surrounding the S 10 hull of the watercraft is isolated from the body of water in which the apparatus is located. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure means is a section of the bottom located at or near the stem of a watercraft, when the watercraft is positioned within the apparatus, wherein the section of the bottom moves from an open position, at which position the section is below the water line and at a depth that allows the watercraft to enter or exit the apparatus and a closed position, at which position the closure means is releasably fastened to the stem of the watercraft, thereby retaining the watercraft within the apparatus. The closure means may, in one embodiment, simply comprise a flap connected to or forming part of the bottom.

The closure means may be releasably fastened to the stern of the watercraft by any suitable means. This may include, but is not limited to, a cleat, grommet or line or a plurality and/or combination of the above. Alternatively, the closure means may be fastened to part of the buoyant collar in order to retain the closure means in a raised position.

With respect to the third embodiment of the invention, the components of the kit may be pre-assembled. The components of the kit are preferably manufactured from light weight, yet durable materials, allowing ease of assembly, disassembly and storage. In other embodiments, the kit is provided as a number of separate integers with the integers being subsequently connected together to form the apparatus.

Definitions of the specific embodiments of the invention as claimed herein follow.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for storing a watercraft on water, said apparatus comprising a generally water impervious sheet arranged, in use, to be positioned in the water and to extend underneath the watercraft, a buoyant portion formed with or connected to the sheet, 00 wherein the bouyant portion comprises two or more bouyant modules and wherein the two or more bouyant modules are releasably retained by at least one flexible (-i elongated member, and a closure means for closing an access part once a watercraft has been positioned above the sheet; the sheet, closure means and buoyant portion 00 5 substantially preventing the flow of fresh water from contacting a hull of the watercraft.

NOAccording to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for storing a watercraft on-water, said apparatus comprising: a buoyant collar that is located about the bow and sides of the watercraft, wherein the bouyant collar comprises two or more bouyant modules and wherein the two or more bouyant modules are releasably retained by at least one flexible elongated member; and a bottom that is connected to or formed with the buoyant collar and is located under the hull of the watercraft; and a closure means that is movable to a closed position once a watercraft is located within the apparatus.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising: a buoyant collar comprising two or more bouyant modules, wherein the two or more bouyant modules are releasably retained by at least one flexible elongated member; a bottom that is connected to or formed with the buoyant collar and is located under the hull of the watercraft; and a closure means that is movable to a closed position once a watercraft is located within the apparatus.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A shows a top view of the storage apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 1 B shows a side view of the storage apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 2A shows a cross sectional view of a bottom sheet according to the invention.

SFigure 2B shows a perspective views of a buoyant module according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In Figure 1 there is shown an on-water storage apparatus 1 comprising a ISO buoyant portion 2, flexible bottom 3 that is arranged underneath a watercraft 4 and C closure means 5. The apparatus is substantially V-shaped. The buoyant portion 2 Scomprises a collar 6 that extends around the sides and front of the watercraft. The collar 6 comprises two buoyant modules 7 and 8. The buoyant modules comprise buoyant members that are releasably retained by two elongated members (not shown).

The buoyant modules are retained by two enclosures 9 and 10 that are loops formed around the edges of the flexible bottom 3. The loops 9 and 10 may be formed by the simple expedient of folding edges of the sheet over themselves and sewing or otherwise joining (such as by ultrasonic welding, for example) the free edge to the sheet. The loops 9 and 10 may from pockets for receiving solid buoyant material. The buoyant members and elongated members forming a module are assembled and inserted into an enclosure. A zip, or the like, may be located where the enclosures are joined 11 to facilitate insertion of the buoyant members into the enclosures. The modules may also be connected by a flexible connector (not shown). Alternatively, the buoyant members positioned at the front of the enclosures 9 and 10 may be connected to each other by a flexible connector. It will be appreciated that the flexible connector allows the frame to flex in rough weather or when contacted by another watercraft. This flexing minimizes damage to the apparatus. It will be appreciated that the buoyant portion 2 when arranged in this way provides shape to the apparatus.

The closure means 5 is a part of the flexible bottom 3 and is located at or near the stern of a watercraft 4. In the open position, the closure means 5 is located below the water line thereby allowing the watercraft to enter or exit the apparatus. After the watercraft has been manoeuvred into the apparatus the closure means 5 is simply raised from the water and releasably fastened to the stern of the watercraft. It will be appreciated from Figure 1B that the apparatus 12 effectively isolates a body of water surrounding the hull of the watercraft 13 from a body of water in which the apparatus is located 14. Figure 1B also shows that the bottom 15 is located under the hull of the watercraft and generally conforms to the underwater surface of the hull. It will be appreciated that the apparatus according to the invention does not need to have water- Stight compartments, such as an inflatable compartment. The apparatus can therefore Sbe assembled quickly without having to inflate the buoyant portion. It will also be appreciated that the apparatus according to the invention can be manufactured without having to ensure that seals are air tight.

IND In Figure 2A there is shown a flexible sheet or bottom 17, the edges of which, i form loops 18 and 19 that enclose buoyant modules according to the invention. Figure 2B shows a buoyant module 20 comprising blocks 21 and 22, each block consisting of r- 10 two recesses 23 and 24 formed in opposing faces of the block that releasably retain Stwo elongated members 25 and 26. Once a module has been assembled, it is positioned within an enclosure. The enclosure may then be closed to retain the module within the enclosure. It will be appreciated that an apparatus according to the invention may comprise a plurality of buoyant modules and associated enclosures.

In order to use the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus is first assembled by inserting the buoyant members into the enclosures that form the collar.

Any closures, such as zips or clips, positioned on the collar, are then closed to retain the buoyant members within the collar. The apparatus is then placed in the water.

The bottom sheet is supported in the water by the buoyant portion of the apparatus.

The apparatus is suitably tethered to a mooring position, a dock, a pier or the like.

The closure means is placed in the open position so that it hangs down into the water. A watercraft, such as a boat, may then be moved into the apparatus by travelling through and over the closure means. Once the boat is positioned within the apparatus, the closure means is closed. The combination of the buoyant portions, the bottom sheet and the closure means effectively shield the hull of the boat from any fresh water that may otherwise come into contact with the hull the boat (in this context, "freshwater" refers to water that forms part of the larger body of water on which the boat or watercraft is positioned the freshwater may be salt water or nonsalt water). Effectively, the boat is floating in a small pool of water that is retained by the apparatus. If the boat remains in a pool of water for an extended period, the water will eventually deoxygenate and marine organisms will not be able to survive in the water. Therefore, the growth of marine organisms on the hull of the boat is greatly reduced, thereby minimising biofouling of the hull of the boat.

SWhen it is desired to use the boat again, the closure means is lowered and the Sboat is motored off or sailed off the apparatus.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention that may be Ssusceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims (3)

1. 3. A kit comprising: a buoyant collar comprising two or more bouyant modules, wherein the two or more bouyant modules are releasably retained by at least one flexible elongated member; a bottom that is connected to or formed with the buoyant collar and is located under the hull of the watercraft; and a closure means that is movable to a closed position once a watercraft is located within the apparatus.
2. 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each buoyant module comprises a solid buoyant material.
3. 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, which apparatus is substantially as hereinbefore shown in one or more of the accompanying figures. Dated: 28 May 2008