GB2091842A

GB2091842A - Protective cover for fender

Info

Publication number: GB2091842A
Application number: GB8201494A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: FORSYTH ROBERT M
Current assignee: FORSYTH ROBERT M
Priority date: 1981-01-20
Filing date: 1982-01-19
Publication date: 1982-08-04
Also published as: GB2091842B

Abstract

A protective textile cover for use with marine fenders and other similar devices comprises a tube or sock of preferably elasticated material to enclose the fender and prevent accumulation on the surface of the latter of abrasive material which would otherwise tend to damage a hull against which the fender is used. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Protective cover This invention relates to protective covers for marine fenders, bumpers and similar impact absorbing devices, particularly but not exclusively such devices of the inflated or hollow plastic envelope types as used for example on pleasure craft and small fishing vessels.

A fender or similar device is generally hung fairly loosely over the side of the craft in order to prevent direct contact or impact between the outer surfaces or top sides of the hull and a quay, jetty, pontoon or adjacent craft, or the like, and when in use it is in substantially continuous contact with one or both members.

Abrasive dust, grit or other debris tends to gather on and ahdere to the surface of such fenders, particularly those made of relatively soft plastics material, in which abrasive particles can readily become engrained.

Due to the manner in which such fenders are mounted, there is normally some relative movement between the fender and the hull, and due to such movement any grit or other material adhering to the fender tends to scuff and damage the boat hull or the paint work.

The present invention provides a protective textile cover in the form of a sleeve, sock or tube, or other appropriately shaped cover, having means for securing same over a fender or similar device so as to either absorb or brush aside abrasive debris and prevent it gathering on the fender in such a manner as to cause damage to a craft on which the fender is used.

Thus, use of the textile cover in accordance with the invention prevents or reduces damage to the hull of a vessel due to contact with a fender.

One embodiment of such a device would be constructed of a knitted or woven, elasticated or otherwise stretchy, towelling type material in the form of an open-ended sleeve of suitable length and diameter to give a snug fit over a fender, with an elasticated cuff or drawstring fitted opening at at least one end to provide for secure attachement and ease of removal for washing or replacement.

Such cover provides a means of preventing fenderscuff damage to craft and is readily removable in the event of soiling or unserviceability. The incorporation of such materials in the manufacture of the fender itself would prove impracticable due to the methods of manufacture, and the fact that the fender itself would need to be replaced when the fabric becomes worn.

A protective cover made in accordance with the invention may be formed of natural or synthetic textile materials, or plastic fibres, in any suitable combination to gove the most suitable material to enable the cover to fit snugly a wide range of nominal sizes offender or bumper.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing which shows one embodiment of protective cover as installed on a typical cylindrical fender.

As illustrated, a typical fender 10 comprises a generally cylindrical body having apertured securing lugs 11 at either end, the fender normally being attached to a boat by means of a rope 12 secured to one of the lugs.

In accordance with the invention a textile cover 20 is provided on the fender. This comprises an openended sleeve of a suitably elasticated material. At one end the cover 20 is provided with a collar 22, for example of plastics material, which is so dimensioned as to pass over the uppermost lug 11. The other end of the cover 20 is formed as an elasticated cuff 24so that it adjusts itself to the dimensions of the lowermost lug, as shown.

To assemble the cover 20 on the fender 10 it is necessary only to pull the elasticated cuff 24 along the length of the fender 10 until the collar 22 enages over the uppermost lug 11 whilst the cuff 24 engages on the other lug.

Conveniently, the collar 22 is arranged at the upper end of the fender to enable the cover to be pulled upwardly off the fender, and onto the rope 12, if the craft is to be moored against rough timber or the like which could readily damage the cover. It will be appreciated that if any abrasive material is picked up by the fender when used without the protective cover under such circumstances, re-positioning the cover over the fender after departing from such a mooring would completely mask the abrasive material and prevent subsequent damage to the hull.

Whilst the embodiment illustrated incorporates a fixed collar 22 at one end and an elasticated cuff 24 at the other end, it will be appreciated that there may be an elasticated cuff at both ends. Similarly, such elasticated cuff could be replaced by a neck having a drawstring, or other closure means including pressstuds, buttons, and materials of the type which readily adhere to one another.

By using a suitable elasticated textile material, especially with elastomeric fibres in both warp and weft, a given size of cover may be used with a range offender sizes. However, the cover could also be made from non-elasticated materials in a range of sizes specifically tailored to suit given fenders.

The textile material is preferably in the nature of terry-towelling, or is formed by loop stitch, weaving or knitting so as to be of substantial thickness and soft in texture so as effectively to absorb abrasive or gritty particles and prevent these from damaging the surface of the hull as the fender moves over it.

It will also be appreciated that such materials may be provided in a range of colours designed to match the paint work or other finish of the hull so as not to appear unduly prominent.

Whilst the cover is preferably, as described above, open at both ends, with one or both such ends being capable of constriction so as to fit over the ends of a fender, it would alternatively be possible for a cover in accordance with the invention to be formed with one closed end and one open end which is capable of constriction. In the latter case, the cover would be in the form of a sock having, for example, an elasticated cuff at one end whereby it could be pulled over a fender.

Claims

1. A protective textile cover having means for securing same over a fender or other similar device so as either to absorb or brush aside abrasive debris and prevent the latter accumulating on the fender.

2. A cover according to Claim 1 which is formed with a constrictable opening at at least one end.

3. A cover according to Claim 2 having a constrictable opening at each end.

4. A cover according to Claim 2 having a fixed collar at one end.

5. A cover according to Claim 2 which is closed at one end.

6. A cover according to any of the preceding claims comprising an elasticated material.

7. A cover according to claim 6 comprising a material having elastomeric fibres in both warp and weft.

8. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims comprising material in the nature of terrytowelling, or made by loop stitch, weaving or knitting.

9. A protective textile cover substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.