GB2252757A

GB2252757A - Telescopic mooring spacer

Info

Publication number: GB2252757A
Application number: GB9103026A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Tanat Williams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-02-13
Filing date: 1991-02-13
Publication date: 1992-08-19
Also published as: GB9103026D0

Abstract

A telescopic mooring spacer designed to separate a boat from a quay or dockside and absorb and reduce the movement of the boat caused by external factors, comprises a telescopic strut formed of two concentric tubes or the like A, 8 and damped spring mechanisms D,E. The telescopic mooring spacer is removably attached via points F to boat and shore by either permanent or temporary fastenings which incorporate a locking device. <IMAGE>

Description

This invention relates to "THE TELESCOPIC MOORING SPACER".

People who enjoy their leisure time sailing or motoring in boats often spend their evenings and nights moored to banks, quaysides, jetties or pontoons etc. (Hereinafter collectively called quayside for convenience). The standard method of mooring is via a rope from the bow to the quayside and from the stern to the quayside and by diagonal lines to the quayside. This geometric pattern is designed to prevent excessive movement of the boat against the quayside. The space between the boat and the quayside is protected by fenders of various materials. It is not uncommon for passing craft either pleasure or commercial or wind and waves to draw the boat away from the quayside and back against it in a forcible manner causing quite uncomfortable movement of the boat as well as having the potential to cause damage.

This invention describes a spring loaded telescopic strut to be placed between the boat and the shore. This is designed to absorb progressively the force of the movement of the boat and reduce or prevent abrupt reversals. ~The telescopic strut would be firmly mounted to the side of the boat and to the adjacent quayside. The intention of the mechanism would be for the strut to hold the boat away from the quayside by a small distance so that no contact is made between the boat and the dockside. Any movement of the boat caused by any external force would be progressively damped so that even if eventual contact with the quayside is made the severity would be very much reduced.

By reference to Figure I. the main strut consists of two concentric tubes or a tube and rod (A and B) of sizes so that the inner tube or rod (B) fits inside the outer tube(A).

A damped spring mechanism (D) inside the outer tube allows the inner tube or rod to compress the spring as the inner rod or tube passes into the outer tube and shortens the total combined length. It is envisaged that the damped spring would be progressive in nature so as to gently reduce slow movements but have the capacity to more powerfully withstand more forcible efforts to compress it.

The second spring (E) could be added between the end of the outer tube and the end of the inner tube or rod.

This spring would be compressed when the telescopic strut was extended and would thereby reduce the rate of extension.

Each end of the main strut has attachment points (F) which are removably attached to the boat and quayside mounting points respectively.

The attachment points at the end of the strut (F) include an attachment point at the inboard end of the strut attached to the boat, this could be attached either to a hull mounted permanent attachment point or one temporarily clamped or fixed to the boat. The attachment point at the outboard end of the strut could be fixed to a permanent quayside fixture if the moorings are permanent or otherwise to a temporary mounting point. Each of these mounting points have an easily detachable but secure catchment device.

Claims

1. "THE TELESCOPIC MOORING SPACER" comprising of a telescopic strut containing progressively damped spring mechanisms, one end of the strut removably attached to the boat, the other removably attached to the shore or pontoon.

2. The telescopic mooring spacer as claimed in Claim 1.

each end of which (F) is constructed to be removably attached to mounting points on to the boat or shore or pontoon.

3. The telescopic mooring spacer as claimed in Claim 1.

and Claim 2. has fixing points on the boat and shore or pontoon, these may be permanent or temporary fixing points.

4. The telescopic mooring spacer as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 and Claim 3 has mounting points constructed in such a way that the strut is removable, each has a catchment device to secure the strut in position when it is properly located.

5. The telescopic mooring spacer as claimed in Claim 1 containing progressively damped spring mechanisms to reduce the rate of movement under compression and extension forces.