US20050123351A1 - Floating lift for watercraft with support shoes - Google Patents
Floating lift for watercraft with support shoes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050123351A1 US20050123351A1 US11/041,848 US4184805A US2005123351A1 US 20050123351 A1 US20050123351 A1 US 20050123351A1 US 4184805 A US4184805 A US 4184805A US 2005123351 A1 US2005123351 A1 US 2005123351A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support
- watercraft
- booms
- water
- lift
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F7/00—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts
- B66F7/06—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts with platforms supported by levers for vertical movement
- B66F7/08—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts with platforms supported by levers for vertical movement hydraulically or pneumatically operated
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C3/00—Launching or hauling-out by landborne slipways; Slipways
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F7/00—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts
- B66F7/06—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts with platforms supported by levers for vertical movement
- B66F7/0641—Single levers, e.g. parallel links
Definitions
- the invention relates to lifting devices, and in particular to floating devices for lifting watercraft, for example, boats and sea planes.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914 issued to the inventor of the present invention which is incorporated herein by reference and discloses a watercraft lifting device having a rectangular stationary base formed of two longitudinal parallel beams and two transverse beams, generally described as front and rear transverse beams.
- the rectangular base is submersible under water.
- Pivoting booms connect each of the four comers of the rectangular base to swingable mounting arms positioned parallel to and coplanar with each of the longitudinal beams to form two pairs of pivoting booms, generally described as front and rear pivoting booms.
- the two pair of pivoting booms form with the mounting arms collapsing parallelograms on which watercraft supports extended a predetermined distance above the mounting arms hold the craft during lifting.
- a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to the rear transverse beam and its piston rod is pivotally connected to the two front pivoting booms such that expansive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder extends the piston rod and swings front pair of pivoting booms upward from a collapsed configuration.
- the parallelogram linkage forces the mounting arms and rear pair of pivoting booms to follow the front pair of pivoting booms.
- expansive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder raises the front pair of pivoting booms and lifts the rear pair of pivoting booms, the mounting arms and the watercraft supports attached to the mounting arms upward to lift a watercraft out of the water. Upward movement continues until the pivoting booms pass through a vertical orientation into an over-center orientation whereby the watercraft is supported above the surface of the water.
- Retractive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder retracts the piston rod into the piston jacket of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and reverses the motion of the pivoting booms.
- retractive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder first raises the pivoting booms and lifts the mounting arms and watercraft supports attached to the mounting arms upward. Upward movement causes the pivoting booms to pass back through vertical orientation.
- Continued retraction of the piston rod into the' double-acting hydraulic cylinder combined with the weight of the latching apparatus and the watercraft collapses the parallelograms whereby the watercraft is lowered into the water.
- the piston rod continues to retract into the double-acting hydraulic cylinder collapsing the parallelograms, including the mounting arms and watercraft supports attached to the mounting arms, until contact between the watercraft supports and the watercraft is broken and the watercraft can float free.
- a floating watercraft lifting apparatus that includes a pair of floats, a support frame with support stands, and a lift having a generally rectangular base adapted to be submerged under water.
- the base is formed of two longitudinal beams joined by two transverse beams generally described as front and rear transverse beams.
- Pivoting booms connect each of the four comers of the rectangular base to swingable mounting arms positioned generally parallel with the longitudinal beams to form two pairs of pivoting booms, generally described as a front pair of pivoting booms and a rear pair of pivoting booms.
- the pivoting booms form with the mounting arms collapsing mock parallelograms on which watercraft supports hold the craft during lifting.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the low profile watercraft lifting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in an extended configuration;
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the low profile watercraft lifting apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in a collapsed configuration
- FIG. 3 is a detail view of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder pivotal connection to the rear pivoting booms of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an operational side elevation view of the watercraft apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an isometric projection of another embodiment of a low profile lift for watercraft in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the lift of FIG. 5 in an extended configuration
- FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the lift of FIG. 5 in a retracted configuration
- FIG. 8 is an isometric projection of the lift of FIG. 5 showing optional attachments
- FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of a first attachment bracket in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 10 is an isometric projection of a second attachment bracket in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 11 is a partial top plan view of the accessories of FIG. 8 mounted on the lift with the brackets of FIGS. 9 and 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a partial front plan view of the accessory mounting of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 13 is an isometric projection of a floating lift formed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the floating lift of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the floating lift of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 16 is an enlarged isometric projection from a bottom view of the pontoon attached to the lift.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show isometric views of the low profile watercraft lifting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention in an upright or extended configuration and a collapsed attitude, respectively.
- the watercraft lifting apparatus 10 includes an essentially rectangular base 12 including a front transverse beam 14 and a rear transverse beam 16 connected to opposite ends of spaced-apart longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b .
- longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b are essentially equal in length and parallel with one another and transverse beams 114 , 116 extend beyond the connection points with longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b to form “I”-shaped base 12 .
- base 12 further includes four sleeves 20 .
- One sleeve 20 is connected to each end of transverse beams 14 , 16 .
- Each sleeve 20 receives a support post 22 which is independently adjustable for positioning and leveling base 12 at a desired depth submerged under water.
- Support posts 22 include shoes 24 which rest on the river or lake bed.
- pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b , 26 c , 26 d are attached to rectangular base 12 , one pivoting boom 26 adjacent each of the four comers of rectangular base 12 , with the lower ends of each front boom 26 a , 26 b pivotally joined to base 12 adjacent front ends of each longitudinal beam 18 a , 18 b and the lower ends of each rear boom 26 c , 26 d pivotally joined to base 12 adjacent rear ends of each longitudinal beam 18 a , 18 b .
- longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b are fitted with brackets 28 which include a pivot point 30 extended an off-set distance 32 above the centerline 34 of longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b .
- Brackets 28 pivotally join rear booms 26 c , 26 d to longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b such that rear booms 26 c , 26 d pivot about pivot point 30 relative to longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b .
- pivot point 30 is several inches. above centerline 34 .
- Brackets 28 position rear booms 26 c , 26 d either between longitudinal beams 18 a , I 8 b (shown) or astride longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b (not shown) such that in a fully collapsed attitude, rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d are positioned in a side-by-side orientation with longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b.
- One or more cross supports or cross braces 36 provide structural integrity to front pair of pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b .
- Those of skill in the art will recognize that alternative cross support configurations may provide structural integrity to front pair of pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b .
- the cross supports or cross braces 38 a , 38 b , 38 c , 38 d provide structural integrity to rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d .
- the cross braces 38 may be formed in a hull-clearing convex or channel shape.
- the cross support 38 a is a “V”-shaped member extending between rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d which points generally rearward when watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is in an extended configuration as shown in Figure I and point generally downward when watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is in a collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the hull-clearing “V” shape of cross support 38 a provides increased clearance for watercraft having generally “V”-shaped hulls as compared with the lifting apparatus of the prior art.
- Lower cross support 38 b is a “V”-shaped member which extends between rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d adjacent pivot point.
- cross supports 38 c , 38 d extend between the outer ends of intermediate cross support 38 a and the approximate center of lower cross support 38 b .
- intermediate and lower cross supports 38 a , 38 b may be formed as a straight beam or in a “U” shape or a “C” shape, and the cross supports 38 c , 38 d extending between cross supports 38 a , 38 b may be positioned parallel with the rear booms 26 c , 26 d or at any other suitable orientation whereby the cross supports 38 a , 38 b provide a shape suitable for clearing the bottoms of boats having shaped hulls.
- Two mounting arms 40 a , 40 b are pivotally mounted adjacent the upper ends of pivoting booms 26 to rotate about pivot points 42 a , 42 b and swing with pivoting booms 26 as a mock parallelogram.
- the invention provides an essentially parallel relationship between mounting arms 40 and longitudinal beams] 8 when lifting apparatus 10 is in a fully extended or upright orientation.
- the essentially parallel relationships between mounting arms 40 a , 40 b and longitudinal beams] 8 a , ] 8 b are provided by varying the lengths of front pair of pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b relative to the lengths of rear pair of pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d .
- front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b are adapted to pivot about a pivot axis passing through centerlines 34 of both longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b
- the lengths “A” of front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b are essentially equal to the lengths “B” of rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d plus dimension “C” defined as an off-set distance 32 between rear boom pivot point 30 and centerline 34 of longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b .
- mounting arms 40 a , 40 b are oriented at an angle relative to longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b .
- Mounting arms 40 a , 40 b angle downward toward the rear portion of lifting apparatus 10 to provide a self-guiding aspect whereby the bow of a boat is guided into the center of lift apparatus 10 midway between mounting arms 40 by the rising angle of mounting arms 40 leading toward FRONT of lifting apparatus 10 .
- the downward and backward sloping angle of mounting arms 40 is provided in part by the position of pivot point 30 relative to the pivot points of front booms 26 a , 26 b about an axis passing through centerline 34 and in part by the shorter lengths of rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d relative to the lengths of front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b .
- watercraft supports (not shown) attached to mounting arms 40 brace the watercraft during lifting.
- a suitable actuator for example a double-acting hydraulic cylinder 44 , extends diagonally across the mock parallelogram.
- Double-acting hydraulic cylinder 44 comprises a piston rod 46 extending from and retracting into a piston jacket 48 .
- upper end 50 of piston rod 46 is connected to cross rod 52 and cross rod 52 is rotatably fitted in flanges 54 which are attached to front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b adjacent the upper ends of booms 26 a , 26 b .
- upper end 50 of piston rod 46 is connected to a collar (not shown) rotatable on cross rod 52 as disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914.
- FIG. 3 shows a detail view of the pivotal connection between double-acting hydraulic cylinder 44 and rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- a boom extension 56 projects from rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d opposite pivot point 30 whereby a lever is formed.
- the lever includes a first lever arm defined by rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d ; a second lever arm defined by boom extension 56 ; and a fulcrum defined by pivot point 30 positioned between the first and second lever arms.
- boom extension 56 projects downward from the approximate center of lower cross support 38 b and provides a pivot point 58 .
- pivot point 58 is located at a distance 62 from rear boom pivot point 30 .
- Distance 62 provides the lever arm over which the force exerted by hydraulic cylinder 44 acts to rotate rear pair of pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d about pivot point 30 .
- pivot point 58 is located at a distance 62 from rear boom pivot point 30 selected to provide an adequate force movement.
- FIG. 4 shows an operational side elevation view of the watercraft apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- watercraft lifting apparatus 10 To lift a watercraft from the water, watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is positioned in a first retracted or collapsed configuration (shown in solid) with the craft to be lifted (not shown) floating above mounting arms 40 and watercraft supports, if so equipped.
- Piston rod 46 of double-acting hydraulic cylinder 44 is extended by introduction of water under pressure into the lower end 60 of piston jacket 48 as disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914.
- a piston (not shown) inside piston jacket 48 extends piston rod 46 , forcing cross rod 52 and hence front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b to swing upwardly and forwardly from their collapsed configurations to their raised configuration (shown in phantom).
- piston jacket 48 exerts an equal and opposite force on pivot point 58 of boom extension 56 acting over lever arm distance 62 forcing cross supports 38 and hence rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d to swing upwardly and forwardly about pivot point 30 from their collapsed configuration to their raised configuration above the water surface (shown in phantom).
- Pivotally attached mounting arms 40 follow as the mock parallelogram is deployed.
- a craft is lifted out of the water on mounting arms 40 or watercraft supports, if so equipped.
- full extension of watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is achieved when the piston (not shown) inside piston jacket 48 extends piston rod 46 to its fully extended configuration.
- each longitudinal beam 18 a , 18 b may be equipped with boom stops (not shown) located adjacent rear transverse beam 16 and/or adjacent front transverse beam 14 engaging sides of pivoting booms 26 adjacent their lower pivoting ends to brace pivoting booms 26 and mounting arms 40 in their fully extended configuration.
- boom stops located adjacent rear transverse beam 16 and/or adjacent front transverse beam 14 engaging sides of pivoting booms 26 adjacent their lower pivoting ends to brace pivoting booms 26 and mounting arms 40 in their fully extended configuration.
- full extension of hydraulic cylinder 44 may swing booms 26 from a collapsed or retracted attitude through a vertical attitude into an over-center position. When the hydraulic cylinder reaches its full extension, it prevents further travel of the booms and holds the watercraft lifting apparatus 10 in a fully extended configuration.
- Another alternative combines both boom stops and an over-center locking position.
- the present invention provides an over-center locking position including booms stops.
- the present invention provides brackets 66 connected between the ends of each pivoting boom 26 and the ends of each mounting arm 40 .
- Each bracket 66 provides pivot point 42 such that one mounting arm 40 a is oriented in a plane defined by front pivoting boom 26 a and rear pivoting boom 26 c and the other mounting arm 40 b is oriented in a plane defined by front pivoting boom 26 b and rear pivoting boom 26 d .
- Brackets 66 are configured to position pivot points 42 such that a portion of mounting arm 40 contacts the end of each pivoting boom 26 when lifting apparatus 10 is in a fully extended upright and over-center configuration.
- Brackets 66 are further configured such that, when lifting apparatus 10 is oriented in any configuration other than a fully extended upright and over-center configuration, clearance is provided between the ends of each pivoting boom 26 and each mounting arm 40 .
- Retraction of watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is accomplished by positive retractive energization of double-acting hydraulic cylinder 44 which retracts piston rod 46 into piston jacket 48 .
- Retraction of piston rod 46 causes upper piston rod end 50 to pull front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b from their raised configuration back over-center if an over-center lock is used.
- the force exerted by retraction of piston rod 46 acts over lever arm 62 causes lower piston jacket end 60 to pull boom extension 56 upwardly which rotates pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d about pivot points 30 from their raised configuration back over-center.
- longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b are fitted with brackets 70 which include a pivot point 72 extended a distance “0” defined as off-set distance 74 below centerline 34 of longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b .
- Brackets 70 pivotally join front booms 26 a , 26 b to longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b such that front booms 26 a , 26 b pivot relative to longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b at pivot point 72 .
- Brackets 70 position front booms 26 a , 26 b either between longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b (shown) or astride longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b (not shown) such that in a fully collapsed configuration, front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b are positioned in a side-by-side orientation with longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b .
- Positioning of pivot points 72 at offset distance 74 below centerline 34 of longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b accentuates the self-guiding watercraft entry configuration of the invention by accentuating the downwardly and rearwardly sloping angle of mounting arms 40 when lifting apparatus 10 is collapsed.
- front boom pivot points 72 are off-set a total vertical off-set distance “E” defined as vertical off-set distance 76 from rear boom pivot points 30 which accentuates the downwardly and rearwardly sloping angle of mounting arms 40 when lifting apparatus 10 is in a collapsed configuration.
- Off-set distances 32 , 74 in combination with the differing lengths of front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b relative to the lengths of rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d reduces the downwardly sloping angle of mounting arms 40 when booms 26 are fully extended such that mounting arms 40 a , 40 b are essentially parallel with longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b when lifting apparatus 10 is in an upright or extended configuration.
- the essentially parallel relationship between mounting arms 40 a , 40 b and longitudinal beams 18 a , 18 b when lifting apparatus 10 is in an upright or extended configuration is provided by varying the lengths “A” of front pair of pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b relative to the lengths “B” of rear pair of pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d .
- the lengths “A” of front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b minus off-set distance 74 are essentially equal to the lengths “B” of rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d plus off-set distance 32 .
- the relationship between the lengths of front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b and rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d is given by: A′ ⁇ D ⁇ B+C (Eq. 2) where:
- the lengths “B” of rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d plus vertical off-set distance 76 between rear boom pivot points 30 and front boom pivot points 72 are essentially equal to the lengths “A” of front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b .
- the relationship between the lengths of front pivoting booms 26 a , 26 b and rear pivoting booms 26 c , 26 d is alternatively given by: A′ ⁇ B+E (Eq. 3) where:
- the lift 100 includes a rectangular base 112 formed from front and rear transverse beams 114 , 116 , respectively, that are each connected to parallel longitudinal beams 118 a , 118 b .
- a sleeve 120 is connected to each of the transverse beams 114 , 116 .
- Each sleeve 120 is sized and shaped to receive a support post 122 .
- a plurality of openings 123 in each sleeve 120 and each support post 122 enables independent adjustment of the base 12 relative to support shoes 124 , which can rest on a river bed or lake bed.
- pivoting booms 126 a , 126 b , 126 c , 126 d are pivotally attached to the rectangular base 112 at each of the four corners 127 .
- brackets 128 are connected to the rear booms 126 c , 126 d and the longitudinal beams 118 a - b such that the rear booms 126 c , 126 d pivot about a pivot point 130 .
- the pivot point 130 is a distance 132 that is several inches above a longitudinal axis 134 of the longitudinal beams 118 a , 118 b . In one embodiment the pivot point is in the range of five (5) to twelve (12) inches above the axis 134 .
- the brackets 128 position the rear booms 126 c , 126 d inside the longitudinal beams 118 a - b , although the brackets 128 can be mounted astride the longitudinal beams 118 a - b such that when in a fully collapsed configuration, the rear pivoting booms 126 c , 126 d are positioned in a side-by-side orientation with the longitudinal beams 118 a - b .
- a first pair of cross braces 136 provides structural integrity to the front pair of pivoting booms 126 a , 126 b .
- a second pair of cross braces 138 provides structural integrity to the rear pivoting booms 126 c , 126 d .
- the cross braces 138 are formed to have a v-shape, with the vertex 139 pointing downward when the lift 100 is in a collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- This v-shape of the cross support 138 provides increased clearance for a watercraft having generally v-shaped hulls.
- Other configurations of the cross brace 138 may also be used as desired.
- pivoting booms 126 a and 126 c Mounted to the top of pivoting booms 126 a and 126 c is a support rail 140 a ; and similarly mounted to pivoting booms 126 b , 126 d is a support rail.
- Mounting brackets 142 are fixedly attached to pivoting booms 126 a - d and provide a pivot attachment point 143 for attachment of the support rails 140 a - b.
- the length and function of the pivoting booms 126 a - d is the same as described above with respect to the pivoting booms 26 a - d in FIG. 1 , and will not be described in detail herein.
- the support rails 140 a - b are essentially parallel to the longitudinal beams 118 a - b when the lift 100 is in the extended configuration.
- An actuator 144 is connected to the pivoting booms 126 a - d by means of a front T-bar 152 connected to forward pivoting booms 126 a , 126 b and a rear T-bar 154 connected to rear pivoting booms 126 c , 126 d .
- the front T-bar 152 is rotatably mounted to support brackets 156 , each attached to a respective pivoting boom 126 a , 126 b .
- the rear T-bar 154 is similarly pivotally attached to support brackets 158 that are each attached to pivoting booms 126 , 126 d .
- the actuator 144 is attached to the rear T-bar 154 with a sleeve 160 and to the front T-bar 152 by a yolk 162 .
- the T-bars 152 , 154 can be easily replaced to facilitate interchangeability of high-pressure and low-pressure activators.
- a bunk 164 a,b is pivotally mounted to each support rail 166 a,b .
- the bunks 164 a,b can pivot about a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the axis 134 of the longitudinal beams 1 I 8 a - b .
- the bunks I 64 a,b can either freely pivot or be attached to a fixed orientation, thus accommodating hulls of a particular configuration.
- the relationship between the actuator 144 and the pivoting booms 126 a - d is illustrated.
- the lift 100 working in a cantelever arm arrangement, is in an extended configuration wherein the actuator 144 is fully extended.
- the lift 100 is in a collapsed configuration wherein the actuator 144 is retracted.
- the front pivoting booms 126 a,b have a pivot point 129 that is lower than the pivot point 130 of the rear pivoting booms 126 c,d .
- the relative distance between the pivot points 129 , 130 ranges from four inches to ten inches, and in the configuration shown in FIG. 6 , is eight inches. In other words, the rear pivot point 130 is approximately 8 inches higher than the front pivot point 129 . It is to be understood that these distances can vary according to the size of the lift 100 .
- the actuator 144 provides a linkage through the front and rear T-bars 152 , 154 with the pivoting booms 126 a - d .
- the actuator 144 provides a pushing force on the forward and rear booms 126 a - d .
- the pushing action of the actuator 144 in combination with the moving mounting points of the actuator 144 on the pivoting booms 126 a - d , enables lifting of loads with nearly uniform force throughout the travel of the pivoting booms 126 a - d.
- the bunks 164 a,b are angled downward towards the rear of the lift 100 . This facilitates in loading of watercraft, especially in very shallow water.
- FIGS. 8-12 shown therein is the lift 100 of FIG. 5 having optional accessories attached thereto. More particularly, four guide-ons 802 are attached near the free ends of the pivoting booms 126 a - d . In addition, a stern stop 804 is connected to the upper ends of the pivoting booms 126 c,d.
- Each of the guide-ons 802 are formed from tubular members 806 having a 90° bend to create first and second legs 808 , 810 , respectively.
- the first leg 808 is attached to the lift 100 by an attachment bracket 812 , which is shown more clearly in FIG. 10 .
- the attachment bracket 812 comprises a mounting plate 814 having a pair of mounting holes 816 formed therein. Attached to the plate 814 adjacent the holes 816 is a sleeve 818 sized and shaped to slidably receive the first leg 808 of the guide-on 802 .
- a pair of set screws 820 are threadably engaged with the sleeve 818 such that as the screws 820 are threaded into the sleeve 818 , they project into the internal bore 822 of the sleeve 818 and will bear against the guide-on 802 .
- holes may be formed in the guide-on 802 to accept the screws 820 .
- the stem stop 804 is of tubular construction having a U-shaped configuration with two legs 824 joined at a 90° bend by a cross member 826 .
- the stern stop 804 is attached to the bunk support rails 166 a,b with attachment brackets 828 , shown in greater detail in FIG. 9 .
- each attachment bracket 828 includes a mounting plate 830 with openings 832 formed therein, that is attached to or integrally formed with a sleeve 834 .
- the sleeve 834 has a longitudinal axial bore 836 with a circular cross-sectional configuration.
- the mounting plate 830 is attached at a right angle to the sleeve 834 and reinforced with a gusset 838 .
- a pair of set screws 840 (only one shown in 5 FIG. 9 ) are threadably received in the sleeve 834 such that when tightened, they project into the axial bore 836 and will bear against the stem stop 804 or be received in preformed holes in the stem stop 804 , as shown in FIG. 11 .
- FIGS. 11 and 12 show the attachment of the guide-on 802 and stem stop 804 to the bunk support rail 166 b on the pivoting boom 126 d .
- a universal plate 842 is provided to facilitate mounting of the brackets 812 , 828 and the bunk 166 b to the support rail 164 b .
- the universal plate 842 has a substantially rectangular configuration with one of its planar sides attached to the support rail 166 b ⁇ preferably by welding, although other attachment means known in the art may be used.
- Mounting holes 844 centrally located on the universal plate 842 are used for attachment of the brackets 812 , 828 .
- Additional holes 846 are provided near the top of the universal plate 842 for attachment of the bunk 164 b .
- a bunk attachment plate 848 connects the bunk 164 b to the universal plate 842 .
- the bunk attachment plate 848 is connected to the universal plate 842 through one opening 846 (on the right side) to permit rotation of the bunk 164 b about an axis that is parallel with the axis 134 of the longitudinal beam 118 b .
- This permits orienting the bunk 164 b to accommodate different hull shapes.
- the bunk 164 b can be attached to the bunk support rail 166 b in a fixed orientation, or it can be freely rotatable, as desired.
- the top comers 850 of the plate 842 are angled downward as shown. However, the top edge 852 between the comers 850 remains straight to provide a bearing surface for the bottom surface 854 of the bunk bracket 848 . This prevents the bunk 164 b from inadvertently rotating counterclockwise (from the orientation shown in FIG. 12 ) and causing damage to a boat hull.
- the guide-on 802 mounting bracket 812 is first attached to the universal plate 842 followed by the stem stop bracket 828 through the openings 844 with suitable fasteners (not shown).
- the guide-ons 802 and stem stop 804 are inserted into their respected sleeves 818 , 834 where they are slidably received for adjustable positioning to accommodate the watercraft.
- the guide-ons 802 aid in centering the watercraft on the lift 100 , while the stem stop 804 is contacted by the stem drive or outboard drive to position the boat longitudinally on the lift 100 .
- Suitable materials for use in a marine environments can be used to construct the components of the lift 100 , including the accessories described above, i.e., the guide-ons 802 , stem stop 804 , and associated brackets 812 , 828 , and universal plate 842 , and fasteners.
- the guide-ons 802 , as well as the stem stop 804 can be formed from sturdy plastic that will help prevent damage to the exterior of the boat hull and the stern drive or outboard drive components
- FIGS. 13-16 Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13-16 .
- a floating lift 200 is provided that includes a watercraft lift 202 attached to a support frame 204 having first and second pontoons 206 , 208 attached thereto.
- the lift 202 is adapted from the design of the lift 100 described above. It is to be understood, however, that this embodiment of the invention can be used with other lifts as well as those described herein.
- the support frame 204 includes two adjustable transverse beams 210 , 212 that are attached to the lift 202 by connectors 214 located on each end 216 of the parallel longitudinal beams 218 a , 218 b on the lift 202 . Attachment to the connectors 214 may be accomplished by welding, fasteners, or other known methods.
- the transverse beams 210 , 212 is formed of tubular metal having a substantially square cross-sectional shape that defines a hollow longitudinal interior 220 that opens at each end 222 .
- the lift 202 holds the transverse beams 210 , 212 in spaced parallel relationship.
- the support frame 204 further includes four support stands 224 located at each end 222 of the transverse beams 210 , 212 .
- each support stand 224 includes a base plate 226 having an upright support member 228 slidably mounted to an attachment post 242 of the base plate 226 attached to a top surface 230 to project at substantially a right angle from the base plate 226 .
- Extending laterally from the upright support member 228 is a lateral beam 232 sized and shaped to be slidably received within the transverse beams 210 , 212 .
- Fasteners 234 at each end 216 of the transverse beams 210 , 212 secure the lateral beams 232 to the transverse beams 210 , 212 , and permit telescopic adjustment in the position thereof.
- the lateral beam 232 is fixedly attached to the upright support 228 .
- a base support 236 is attached to the base plate 226 and the attachment post 242 is sized and shaped to be slidably received within the base support 236 and held in place by a fastener 240 .
- the position of the upright support member 228 can be adjusted by sliding the upright support 238 along the attachment post 242 .
- the upright support member 228 at the end 216 of the first transverse beam 210 slides upward on the adjustment post projecting from the base support 236 to accommodate the pontoons moving up and down with changing water levels.
- the attachment bracket 244 is comprised of a first arcuate bracket member 247 and a second accurate bracket member 248 extending from a channel bracket 250 attached to the upright support 238 .
- a yolk 252 comprising a pair of ears 254 projecting in parallel at approximately a 90° angle from the central member 248 .
- Openings 256 in each ear 254 are provided for attaching the adjustment strap 246 .
- An angle bracket 258 is attached to the second bracket member 248 and includes two openings 260 in a leg 262 of the bracket 258 for attachment to another end of the adjustment strap 246 .
- the attachment straps 246 in one embodiment comprise a nylon strap that over the angle iron and the deck piece 276 , and has a loop in each end. A bolt passes through the loop in one end to attach to the two ears 254 , and a V-bolt is used with the other end to attach to the angle bracket 258 via the openings 260 .
- Each pontoon 206 , 208 is comprised of a center section 264 attached between a first end section 266 and a second end section 268 .
- a first end cap 270 is attached to the exposed end of the first end section 266 and a second end cap 272 is attached to the exposed end of the second end section 268 on each of the pontoons 206 , 208 .
- Each of the sections 264 , 266 , 268 comprises an airtight flotation chamber having a hollow interior formed in a conventional manner known to those skilled in the art and, hence, will not be described in detail herein. Further, each of the sections 264 , 266 , 268 are slidably attached in a conventional manner that will not be described in detail.
- Each pontoon 206 , 208 is held together by angle irons 274 that extend across the central section 264 and substantially across both the first and second end sections 266 , 268 .
- a deck piece 276 is formed on each of the pontoon sections 264 , 266 , 268 to form a longitudinal deck surface 278 that is substantially flat along the entire length of each pontoon 206 , 208 with the exception of the first and second end caps 270 , 272 .
- the angle irons 274 are attached along the two exposed comers 280 of the deck pieces 276 with suitable fasteners (not shown).
- the angle irons 274 are bolted to the pontoons 206 , 208 with bolts that thread into holes having brass or stainless steel inserts molded into the deck pieces 276 .
- the deck pieces 276 are molded, such as roto molding or blow molding, during the formation of the center and end section tanks 264 , 266 , 268 .
- Each tank has one end that is convex and another end that is concave to facilitate interlocking with other tanks to form the pontoons 206 , 208 .
- the end sections 266 , 268 were integrally formed therewith.
- each pontoon 206 On an opposing side of each pontoon 206 , 208 from the deck piece 276 is formed a raised longitudinal rail 282 .
- the rail is integrally formed with each of the pontoon sections 264 , 266 , 268 .
- the channel bracket 250 at the top of each support stand 224 is sized and shaped to receive the rail 282 therein.
- the channel bracket 250 has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration to from a channel 284 that receives the rail 282 having a similar cross-sectional configuration.
- the attachment bracket 244 is integrally formed with the channel bracket 250 so that the adjustment strap 246 holds the pontoons 206 , 208 to the support stand 224 .
- the floating lift 200 is positioned in a body of water with the support frame 204 attached to the floor of the body of water.
- Each base plate 226 is suitably secured in a conventional manner that will not be described in detail herein.
- the support stands 224 are laterally positioned by sliding the lateral beams 232 with respect to the front and rear transverse beams 210 , 212 and affixing them with suitable fasteners. Once the support stands 224 are anchored, the pontoons 206 , 208 are permitted to move vertically along the adjustment post 242 , thus keeping the lift 202 at the right height with respect to the surface of the water.
- the size and shape of the fenders 206 , 208 is such that they will resist pitching under the dock and getting stuck.
- each pontoon section 264 , 266 , 268 is constructed of a pliable material, such as fendering material, so that the pontoons 206 , 208 act as fenders. As such, they can bump off an adjacent dock, and they provide centering for a boat with respect to the bunks 286 on the lift 202 .
- the deck pieces 276 provide a deck upon which users can walk.
- the angle brackets 258 also provide attachment points in the openings 260 for cleats and other accessories.
Abstract
A floating low profile watercraft lifting apparatus comprises a buoyant support apparatus and a watercraft lift attached to the buoyant support apparatus. Depending from the apparatus are support posts terminating in support shoes. When immersed in a body of water of sufficient depth to provide buoyancy, the apparatus operationally floats upon the body of water. When the body of water is too shallow to provide buoyancy, the apparatus remains operational, suspended by the support posts on the support shoes resting on the floor of the body of water.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/816,992, filed Apr. 2, 2004, which is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US01/46253, filed Oct. 23, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/316,928, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,929, filed May 21, 1999, and claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/086,428, filed May 22, 1998, entitled LOW PROFILE LIFT FOR WATERCRAFT.
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention relates to lifting devices, and in particular to floating devices for lifting watercraft, for example, boats and sea planes.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Known is U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914 issued to the inventor of the present invention which is incorporated herein by reference and discloses a watercraft lifting device having a rectangular stationary base formed of two longitudinal parallel beams and two transverse beams, generally described as front and rear transverse beams. The rectangular base is submersible under water. Pivoting booms connect each of the four comers of the rectangular base to swingable mounting arms positioned parallel to and coplanar with each of the longitudinal beams to form two pairs of pivoting booms, generally described as front and rear pivoting booms. The two pair of pivoting booms form with the mounting arms collapsing parallelograms on which watercraft supports extended a predetermined distance above the mounting arms hold the craft during lifting. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to the rear transverse beam and its piston rod is pivotally connected to the two front pivoting booms such that expansive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder extends the piston rod and swings front pair of pivoting booms upward from a collapsed configuration. The parallelogram linkage forces the mounting arms and rear pair of pivoting booms to follow the front pair of pivoting booms. Thus, expansive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder raises the front pair of pivoting booms and lifts the rear pair of pivoting booms, the mounting arms and the watercraft supports attached to the mounting arms upward to lift a watercraft out of the water. Upward movement continues until the pivoting booms pass through a vertical orientation into an over-center orientation whereby the watercraft is supported above the surface of the water.
- Retractive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder retracts the piston rod into the piston jacket of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder and reverses the motion of the pivoting booms. Thus, retractive energization of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder first raises the pivoting booms and lifts the mounting arms and watercraft supports attached to the mounting arms upward. Upward movement causes the pivoting booms to pass back through vertical orientation. Continued retraction of the piston rod into the' double-acting hydraulic cylinder combined with the weight of the latching apparatus and the watercraft collapses the parallelograms whereby the watercraft is lowered into the water. The piston rod continues to retract into the double-acting hydraulic cylinder collapsing the parallelograms, including the mounting arms and watercraft supports attached to the mounting arms, until contact between the watercraft supports and the watercraft is broken and the watercraft can float free.
- Although the apparatus of the prior art operates effectively in many practical applications, a need exists for a floating watercraft lifting apparatus that operates effectively in shallow water applications where the typical water depth is minimal and the apparatus of the prior art cannot collapse sufficiently to break contact between the watercraft supports and the watercraft and release the watercraft to float free, and where the depth of the water varies due to tides, seasonal fluctuations, and the like.
- The present invention resolves limitations of the prior art by providing a floating low profile watercraft lifting apparatus. In one embodiment, a floating watercraft lifting apparatus is provided that includes a pair of floats, a support frame with support stands, and a lift having a generally rectangular base adapted to be submerged under water. The base is formed of two longitudinal beams joined by two transverse beams generally described as front and rear transverse beams. Pivoting booms connect each of the four comers of the rectangular base to swingable mounting arms positioned generally parallel with the longitudinal beams to form two pairs of pivoting booms, generally described as a front pair of pivoting booms and a rear pair of pivoting booms. The pivoting booms form with the mounting arms collapsing mock parallelograms on which watercraft supports hold the craft during lifting.
- The foregoing objects, as well as further objects, advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, in addition to methods of operation, function of related elements of structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become apparent upon consideration of the following description and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the low profile watercraft lifting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in an extended configuration; -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the low profile watercraft lifting apparatus ofFIG. 1 shown in a collapsed configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a detail view of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder pivotal connection to the rear pivoting booms of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an operational side elevation view of the watercraft apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an isometric projection of another embodiment of a low profile lift for watercraft in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the lift ofFIG. 5 in an extended configuration; -
FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the lift ofFIG. 5 in a retracted configuration; -
FIG. 8 is an isometric projection of the lift ofFIG. 5 showing optional attachments; -
FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of a first attachment bracket in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 10 is an isometric projection of a second attachment bracket in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 11 is a partial top plan view of the accessories ofFIG. 8 mounted on the lift with the brackets ofFIGS. 9 and 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a partial front plan view of the accessory mounting ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is an isometric projection of a floating lift formed in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the floating lift ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the floating lift ofFIG. 13 ; and -
FIG. 16 is an enlarged isometric projection from a bottom view of the pontoon attached to the lift. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 show isometric views of the low profile watercraft lifting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention in an upright or extended configuration and a collapsed attitude, respectively. InFIGS. 1 and 2 thewatercraft lifting apparatus 10 includes an essentiallyrectangular base 12 including a fronttransverse beam 14 and a reartransverse beam 16 connected to opposite ends of spaced-apartlongitudinal beams longitudinal beams transverse beams 114, 116 extend beyond the connection points withlongitudinal beams shaped base 12. In a preferred embodiment,base 12 further includes foursleeves 20. Onesleeve 20 is connected to each end oftransverse beams sleeve 20 receives asupport post 22 which is independently adjustable for positioning and levelingbase 12 at a desired depth submerged under water.Support posts 22 includeshoes 24 which rest on the river or lake bed. - Four
pivoting booms rectangular base 12, onepivoting boom 26 adjacent each of the four comers ofrectangular base 12, with the lower ends of eachfront boom base 12 adjacent front ends of eachlongitudinal beam rear boom base 12 adjacent rear ends of eachlongitudinal beam longitudinal beams brackets 28 which include apivot point 30 extended an off-set distance 32 above thecenterline 34 oflongitudinal beams Brackets 28 pivotally joinrear booms longitudinal beams rear booms pivot point 30 relative tolongitudinal beams pivot point 30 is several inches. abovecenterline 34.Brackets 28 positionrear booms longitudinal beams 18 a, I8 b (shown) or astridelongitudinal beams rear pivoting booms longitudinal beams - One or more cross supports or cross braces 36 provide structural integrity to front pair of pivoting
booms booms booms cross support 38 a is a “V”-shaped member extending betweenrear pivoting booms watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is in an extended configuration as shown in Figure I and point generally downward whenwatercraft lifting apparatus 10 is in a collapsed configuration as shown inFIG. 2 . The hull-clearing “V” shape ofcross support 38 a provides increased clearance for watercraft having generally “V”-shaped hulls as compared with the lifting apparatus of the prior art.Lower cross support 38 b is a “V”-shaped member which extends betweenrear pivoting booms intermediate cross support 38 a and the approximate center oflower cross support 38 b. Those of skill in the art will recognize that other configurations of cross supports may be employed, for example, intermediate and lower cross supports 38 a, 38 b may be formed as a straight beam or in a “U” shape or a “C” shape, and the cross supports 38 c, 38 d extending between cross supports 38 a, 38 b may be positioned parallel with therear booms - Two mounting
arms booms 26 to rotate about pivot points 42 a, 42 b and swing with pivotingbooms 26 as a mock parallelogram. The invention provides an essentially parallel relationship between mountingarms 40 and longitudinal beams] 8 when liftingapparatus 10 is in a fully extended or upright orientation. The essentially parallel relationships between mountingarms booms booms front pivoting booms centerlines 34 of bothlongitudinal beams front pivoting booms rear pivoting booms distance 32 between rearboom pivot point 30 andcenterline 34 oflongitudinal beams front pivoting booms rear pivoting booms
A=B+C (Eq. 1)
where: - A=lengths of
rear pivoting booms pivot point 42 a and a pivot axis passing throughcenterlines 34 of bothlongitudinal beams - B=lengths of
rear pivoting booms pivot point 42 b andpivot point 30, and - C=off-set
distance 32 as defined by the vertical distance betweenrear pivot point 30 andcenterline 34. - When lifting
apparatus 10 is retracted to a collapsed orientation as shown inFIG. 2 , mountingarms longitudinal beams arms apparatus 10 to provide a self-guiding aspect whereby the bow of a boat is guided into the center oflift apparatus 10 midway between mountingarms 40 by the rising angle of mountingarms 40 leading toward FRONT of liftingapparatus 10. The downward and backward sloping angle of mountingarms 40 is provided in part by the position ofpivot point 30 relative to the pivot points offront booms centerline 34 and in part by the shorter lengths ofrear pivoting booms front pivoting booms arms 40 brace the watercraft during lifting. - In one embodiment of the present invention, a suitable actuator, for example a double-acting
hydraulic cylinder 44, extends diagonally across the mock parallelogram. Double-actinghydraulic cylinder 44 comprises apiston rod 46 extending from and retracting into apiston jacket 48. In a preferred embodiment,upper end 50 ofpiston rod 46 is connected to crossrod 52 andcross rod 52 is rotatably fitted inflanges 54 which are attached tofront pivoting booms booms upper end 50 ofpiston rod 46 is connected to a collar (not shown) rotatable oncross rod 52 as disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914. Lowering and raising of mountingarms 40 and watercraft supports (not shown) is achieved by extension and retraction ofpiston rod 46 of double-actinghydraulic cylinder 44. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced using alternative raising and lowering means or actuator, for example, pneumatic cylinders, opposing single-acting hydraulic cylinders, electrically driven push/pull rods, or other suitable actuator including chain, cable, or rope pulley drives. -
FIG. 3 shows a detail view of the pivotal connection between double-actinghydraulic cylinder 44 andrear pivoting booms boom extension 56 projects fromrear pivoting booms pivot point 30 whereby a lever is formed. The lever includes a first lever arm defined byrear pivoting booms boom extension 56; and a fulcrum defined bypivot point 30 positioned between the first and second lever arms. In one preferred embodiment,boom extension 56 projects downward from the approximate center oflower cross support 38 b and provides apivot point 58. Thelower end 60 of hydrauliccylinder piston jacket 48 is adapted to pivotally connect to boomextension 56 atpivot point 58. According to one preferred embodiment,pivot point 58 is located at adistance 62 from rearboom pivot point 30.Distance 62 provides the lever arm over which the force exerted byhydraulic cylinder 44 acts to rotate rear pair of pivotingbooms pivot point 30. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention,pivot point 58 is located at adistance 62 from rearboom pivot point 30 selected to provide an adequate force movement. -
FIG. 4 shows an operational side elevation view of the watercraft apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. To lift a watercraft from the water,watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is positioned in a first retracted or collapsed configuration (shown in solid) with the craft to be lifted (not shown) floating above mountingarms 40 and watercraft supports, if so equipped.Piston rod 46 of double-actinghydraulic cylinder 44 is extended by introduction of water under pressure into thelower end 60 ofpiston jacket 48 as disclosed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914. A piston (not shown) insidepiston jacket 48 extendspiston rod 46, forcingcross rod 52 and hencefront pivoting booms lower end 60 ofpiston jacket 48 exerts an equal and opposite force onpivot point 58 ofboom extension 56 acting overlever arm distance 62 forcing cross supports 38 and hencerear pivoting booms pivot point 30 from their collapsed configuration to their raised configuration above the water surface (shown in phantom). Pivotally attached mountingarms 40 follow as the mock parallelogram is deployed. Thus, a craft is lifted out of the water on mountingarms 40 or watercraft supports, if so equipped. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, full extension ofwatercraft lifting apparatus 10 is achieved when the piston (not shown) insidepiston jacket 48 extendspiston rod 46 to its fully extended configuration. - Prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,914 discloses various alternative means of defining full extension of
watercraft lifting apparatus 10 which are fully applicable to the present invention. For example, eachlongitudinal beam transverse beam 16 and/or adjacent fronttransverse beam 14 engaging sides of pivotingbooms 26 adjacent their lower pivoting ends to brace pivotingbooms 26 and mountingarms 40 in their fully extended configuration. Alternatively, full extension ofhydraulic cylinder 44 may swingbooms 26 from a collapsed or retracted attitude through a vertical attitude into an over-center position. When the hydraulic cylinder reaches its full extension, it prevents further travel of the booms and holds thewatercraft lifting apparatus 10 in a fully extended configuration. Another alternative combines both boom stops and an over-center locking position. - According to one embodiment, the present invention provides an over-center locking position including booms stops. The present invention provides
brackets 66 connected between the ends of each pivotingboom 26 and the ends of each mountingarm 40. Eachbracket 66 provides pivot point 42 such that one mountingarm 40 a is oriented in a plane defined byfront pivoting boom 26 a andrear pivoting boom 26 c and the other mountingarm 40 b is oriented in a plane defined byfront pivoting boom 26 b andrear pivoting boom 26 d.Brackets 66 are configured to position pivot points 42 such that a portion of mountingarm 40 contacts the end of each pivotingboom 26 when liftingapparatus 10 is in a fully extended upright and over-center configuration.Brackets 66 are further configured such that, when liftingapparatus 10 is oriented in any configuration other than a fully extended upright and over-center configuration, clearance is provided between the ends of each pivotingboom 26 and each mountingarm 40. - Retraction of
watercraft lifting apparatus 10 is accomplished by positive retractive energization of double-actinghydraulic cylinder 44 which retractspiston rod 46 intopiston jacket 48. Retraction ofpiston rod 46 causes upperpiston rod end 50 to pullfront pivoting booms piston rod 46 acts overlever arm 62 causes lowerpiston jacket end 60 to pullboom extension 56 upwardly which rotates pivotingbooms booms 26 pass through their vertical over-center configuration, the weight ofbooms 26, mountingarms 40 and the supported craft lowerwatercraft lifting apparatus 10 into its collapsed or retracted configuration. - According to one embodiment of the present invention,
longitudinal beams brackets 70 which include apivot point 72 extended a distance “0” defined as off-setdistance 74 belowcenterline 34 oflongitudinal beams Brackets 70 pivotally joinfront booms longitudinal beams front booms longitudinal beams pivot point 72.Brackets 70position front booms longitudinal beams longitudinal beams front pivoting booms longitudinal beams distance 74 belowcenterline 34 oflongitudinal beams arms 40 when liftingapparatus 10 is collapsed. Thus, front boom pivot points 72 are off-set a total vertical off-set distance “E” defined as vertical off-setdistance 76 from rear boom pivot points 30 which accentuates the downwardly and rearwardly sloping angle of mountingarms 40 when liftingapparatus 10 is in a collapsed configuration. Off-setdistances front pivoting booms rear pivoting booms arms 40 whenbooms 26 are fully extended such that mountingarms longitudinal beams apparatus 10 is in an upright or extended configuration. - According to this embodiment, the essentially parallel relationship between mounting
arms longitudinal beams apparatus 10 is in an upright or extended configuration is provided by varying the lengths “A” of front pair of pivotingbooms booms front pivoting booms distance 74 are essentially equal to the lengths “B” ofrear pivoting booms distance 32. Thus, the relationship between the lengths offront pivoting booms rear pivoting booms
A′−D≈B+C (Eq. 2)
where: - A′=lengths of
rear pivoting booms pivot point 42 a andpivot point 72, - B=lengths of
rear pivoting booms pivot point 42 b andpivot point 30, - C=off-set
distance 32 as defined by the distance betweenpivot point 30 andcenterline 34, and - D=off-set
distance 74 as defined by the distance betweencenterline 34 andpivot point 72.
In one preferred embodiment,pivot point 72 is several inches belowcenterline 34. - Stated differently, the lengths “B” of
rear pivoting booms distance 76 between rear boom pivot points 30 and front boom pivot points 72 are essentially equal to the lengths “A” offront pivoting booms front pivoting booms rear pivoting booms
A′≈B+E (Eq. 3)
where: - A′=lengths of
rear pivoting booms pivot point 42 a andpivot point 72, - B=lengths of
rear pivoting booms pivot point 42 b andpivot point 30, and - E=off-set
distance 76 as defined by the vertical distance betweenrear pivot point 30 andfront pivot point 72. - Referring next to
FIGS. 5-7 , another embodiment of alift 100 formed in accordance with the invention is shown. Thelift 100 includes arectangular base 112 formed from front and reartransverse beams 114, 116, respectively, that are each connected to parallellongitudinal beams sleeve 120 is connected to each of thetransverse beams 114, 116. Eachsleeve 120 is sized and shaped to receive asupport post 122. A plurality ofopenings 123 in eachsleeve 120 and eachsupport post 122 enables independent adjustment of the base 12 relative to supportshoes 124, which can rest on a river bed or lake bed. - Four pivoting
booms rectangular base 112 at each of the fourcorners 127. Ideally,brackets 128 are connected to therear booms rear booms pivot point 130. Thepivot point 130 is adistance 132 that is several inches above alongitudinal axis 134 of thelongitudinal beams axis 134. In the embodiment shown, thebrackets 128 position therear booms brackets 128 can be mounted astride the longitudinal beams 118 a-b such that when in a fully collapsed configuration, therear pivoting booms booms rear pivoting booms vertex 139 pointing downward when thelift 100 is in a collapsed configuration, as shown inFIG. 7 . This v-shape of thecross support 138 provides increased clearance for a watercraft having generally v-shaped hulls. Other configurations of thecross brace 138 may also be used as desired. - Mounted to the top of pivoting
booms support rail 140 a; and similarly mounted to pivotingbooms brackets 142 are fixedly attached to pivoting booms 126 a-d and provide apivot attachment point 143 for attachment of the support rails 140 a-b. - The length and function of the pivoting booms 126 a-d is the same as described above with respect to the
pivoting booms 26 a-d inFIG. 1 , and will not be described in detail herein. As shown inFIG. 6 , the support rails 140 a-b are essentially parallel to the longitudinal beams 118 a-b when thelift 100 is in the extended configuration. - An
actuator 144, similar to the double-actinghydraulic cylinder 44 described above with respect to Figure I, is connected to the pivoting booms 126 a-d by means of a front T-bar 152 connected to forward pivotingbooms bar 154 connected to rear pivotingbooms bar 152 is rotatably mounted to supportbrackets 156, each attached to arespective pivoting boom bar 154 is similarly pivotally attached to supportbrackets 158 that are each attached to pivotingbooms 126, 126 d. Theactuator 144 is attached to the rear T-bar 154 with a sleeve 160 and to the front T-bar 152 by ayolk 162. Ideally, the T-bars - In a preferred embodiment, a
bunk 164 a,b is pivotally mounted to eachsupport rail 166 a,b. Thebunks 164 a,b can pivot about a longitudinal axis that is parallel to theaxis 134 of the longitudinal beams 1I8 a-b. The bunks I 64 a,b can either freely pivot or be attached to a fixed orientation, thus accommodating hulls of a particular configuration. - Referring again to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , the relationship between the actuator 144 and the pivoting booms 126 a-d is illustrated. InFIG. 6 , thelift 100, working in a cantelever arm arrangement, is in an extended configuration wherein theactuator 144 is fully extended. InFIG. 7 , thelift 100 is in a collapsed configuration wherein theactuator 144 is retracted. - In a preferred embodiment, the
front pivoting booms 126 a,b have apivot point 129 that is lower than thepivot point 130 of therear pivoting booms 126 c,d. The relative distance between the pivot points 129, 130 ranges from four inches to ten inches, and in the configuration shown inFIG. 6 , is eight inches. In other words, therear pivot point 130 is approximately 8 inches higher than thefront pivot point 129. It is to be understood that these distances can vary according to the size of thelift 100. - The
actuator 144 provides a linkage through the front and rear T-bars actuator 144 provides a pushing force on the forward and rear booms 126 a-d. The pushing action of theactuator 144, in combination with the moving mounting points of theactuator 144 on the pivoting booms 126 a-d, enables lifting of loads with nearly uniform force throughout the travel of the pivoting booms 126 a-d. - In addition, as shown in
FIG. 7 , when thelift 100 is in a retracted or collapsed configuration, thebunks 164 a,b are angled downward towards the rear of thelift 100. This facilitates in loading of watercraft, especially in very shallow water. - Referring next to
FIGS. 8-12 , shown therein is thelift 100 ofFIG. 5 having optional accessories attached thereto. More particularly, four guide-ons 802 are attached near the free ends of the pivoting booms 126 a-d. In addition, astern stop 804 is connected to the upper ends of the pivotingbooms 126 c,d. - Each of the guide-
ons 802 are formed fromtubular members 806 having a 90° bend to create first andsecond legs first leg 808 is attached to thelift 100 by anattachment bracket 812, which is shown more clearly inFIG. 10 . - Referring to
FIG. 10 , theattachment bracket 812 comprises a mountingplate 814 having a pair of mountingholes 816 formed therein. Attached to theplate 814 adjacent theholes 816 is asleeve 818 sized and shaped to slidably receive thefirst leg 808 of the guide-on 802. A pair ofset screws 820 are threadably engaged with thesleeve 818 such that as thescrews 820 are threaded into thesleeve 818, they project into theinternal bore 822 of thesleeve 818 and will bear against the guide-on 802. Alternatively, holes may be formed in the guide-on 802 to accept thescrews 820. - The
stem stop 804 is of tubular construction having a U-shaped configuration with twolegs 824 joined at a 90° bend by across member 826. Thestern stop 804 is attached to the bunk support rails 166 a,b withattachment brackets 828, shown in greater detail inFIG. 9 . As shown therein, eachattachment bracket 828 includes a mountingplate 830 withopenings 832 formed therein, that is attached to or integrally formed with asleeve 834. Thesleeve 834 has a longitudinalaxial bore 836 with a circular cross-sectional configuration. The mountingplate 830 is attached at a right angle to thesleeve 834 and reinforced with agusset 838. A pair of set screws 840 (only one shown in 5FIG. 9 ) are threadably received in thesleeve 834 such that when tightened, they project into theaxial bore 836 and will bear against the stem stop 804 or be received in preformed holes in thestem stop 804, as shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIGS. 11 and 12 show the attachment of the guide-on 802 and stem stop 804 to thebunk support rail 166 b on thepivoting boom 126 d. To facilitate mounting of thebrackets bunk 166 b to thesupport rail 164 b, auniversal plate 842 is provided. As shown more clearly inFIG. 12 , theuniversal plate 842 has a substantially rectangular configuration with one of its planar sides attached to thesupport rail 166 b˜preferably by welding, although other attachment means known in the art may be used. Mountingholes 844 centrally located on theuniversal plate 842 are used for attachment of thebrackets Additional holes 846 are provided near the top of theuniversal plate 842 for attachment of thebunk 164 b. As shown here, abunk attachment plate 848 connects thebunk 164 b to theuniversal plate 842. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , thebunk attachment plate 848 is connected to theuniversal plate 842 through one opening 846 (on the right side) to permit rotation of thebunk 164 b about an axis that is parallel with theaxis 134 of thelongitudinal beam 118 b. This permits orienting thebunk 164 b to accommodate different hull shapes. Thebunk 164 b can be attached to thebunk support rail 166 b in a fixed orientation, or it can be freely rotatable, as desired. - To enable the
bunk 164 b to rotate without interference from theuniversal plate 842, thetop comers 850 of theplate 842 are angled downward as shown. However, thetop edge 852 between thecomers 850 remains straight to provide a bearing surface for thebottom surface 854 of thebunk bracket 848. This prevents thebunk 164 b from inadvertently rotating counterclockwise (from the orientation shown inFIG. 12 ) and causing damage to a boat hull. - As shown more clearly in
FIG. 11 , the guide-on 802 mountingbracket 812 is first attached to theuniversal plate 842 followed by thestem stop bracket 828 through theopenings 844 with suitable fasteners (not shown). The guide-ons 802 and stem stop 804 are inserted into theirrespected sleeves ons 802 aid in centering the watercraft on thelift 100, while the stem stop 804 is contacted by the stem drive or outboard drive to position the boat longitudinally on thelift 100. - Suitable materials for use in a marine environments, as known to those skilled in the art, can be used to construct the components of the
lift 100, including the accessories described above, i.e., the guide-ons 802, stem stop 804, and associatedbrackets universal plate 842, and fasteners. The guide-ons 802, as well as thestem stop 804, can be formed from sturdy plastic that will help prevent damage to the exterior of the boat hull and the stern drive or outboard drive components - Another embodiment of the invention is shown in
FIGS. 13-16 . A floatinglift 200 is provided that includes awatercraft lift 202 attached to asupport frame 204 having first andsecond pontoons lift 202 is adapted from the design of thelift 100 described above. It is to be understood, however, that this embodiment of the invention can be used with other lifts as well as those described herein. - The
support frame 204 includes two adjustabletransverse beams lift 202 by connectors 214 located on eachend 216 of the parallellongitudinal beams 218 a, 218 b on thelift 202. Attachment to the connectors 214 may be accomplished by welding, fasteners, or other known methods. Thetransverse beams end 222. Thelift 202 holds thetransverse beams - The
support frame 204 further includes four support stands 224 located at eachend 222 of thetransverse beams base plate 226 having anupright support member 228 slidably mounted to anattachment post 242 of thebase plate 226 attached to atop surface 230 to project at substantially a right angle from thebase plate 226. Extending laterally from theupright support member 228 is alateral beam 232 sized and shaped to be slidably received within thetransverse beams Fasteners 234 at eachend 216 of thetransverse beams lateral beams 232 to thetransverse beams lateral beam 232 is fixedly attached to theupright support 228. - A
base support 236 is attached to thebase plate 226 and theattachment post 242 is sized and shaped to be slidably received within thebase support 236 and held in place by afastener 240. Thus, as shown inFIG. 13 , the position of theupright support member 228 can be adjusted by sliding theupright support 238 along theattachment post 242. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 13 , theupright support member 228 at theend 216 of the firsttransverse beam 210 slides upward on the adjustment post projecting from thebase support 236 to accommodate the pontoons moving up and down with changing water levels. - Each
pontoon attachment bracket 244 and adjustment strap 246. Theattachment bracket 244, as shown more clearly inFIG. 16 , is comprised of a firstarcuate bracket member 247 and a secondaccurate bracket member 248 extending from achannel bracket 250 attached to theupright support 238. At one end of thefirst bracket member 247 is ayolk 252 comprising a pair ofears 254 projecting in parallel at approximately a 90° angle from thecentral member 248. Openings 256 in eachear 254 are provided for attaching the adjustment strap 246. An angle bracket 258 is attached to thesecond bracket member 248 and includes two openings 260 in a leg 262 of the bracket 258 for attachment to another end of the adjustment strap 246. The attachment straps 246 in one embodiment comprise a nylon strap that over the angle iron and thedeck piece 276, and has a loop in each end. A bolt passes through the loop in one end to attach to the twoears 254, and a V-bolt is used with the other end to attach to the angle bracket 258 via the openings 260. - Each
pontoon center section 264 attached between afirst end section 266 and asecond end section 268. Afirst end cap 270 is attached to the exposed end of thefirst end section 266 and asecond end cap 272 is attached to the exposed end of thesecond end section 268 on each of thepontoons sections sections pontoon angle irons 274 that extend across thecentral section 264 and substantially across both the first andsecond end sections deck piece 276 is formed on each of thepontoon sections longitudinal deck surface 278 that is substantially flat along the entire length of eachpontoon angle irons 274 are attached along the two exposedcomers 280 of thedeck pieces 276 with suitable fasteners (not shown). Preferably, theangle irons 274 are bolted to thepontoons deck pieces 276. - In one embodiment, the
deck pieces 276 are molded, such as roto molding or blow molding, during the formation of the center andend section tanks pontoons end sections - On an opposing side of each
pontoon deck piece 276 is formed a raisedlongitudinal rail 282. In one embodiment, the rail is integrally formed with each of thepontoon sections channel bracket 250 at the top of each support stand 224 is sized and shaped to receive therail 282 therein. In other words, thechannel bracket 250 has a substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration to from achannel 284 that receives therail 282 having a similar cross-sectional configuration. Theattachment bracket 244 is integrally formed with thechannel bracket 250 so that the adjustment strap 246 holds thepontoons support stand 224. - In use, the floating
lift 200 is positioned in a body of water with thesupport frame 204 attached to the floor of the body of water. Eachbase plate 226 is suitably secured in a conventional manner that will not be described in detail herein. The support stands 224 are laterally positioned by sliding thelateral beams 232 with respect to the front and reartransverse beams pontoons adjustment post 242, thus keeping thelift 202 at the right height with respect to the surface of the water. The size and shape of thefenders - Ideally, each
pontoon section pontoons bunks 286 on thelift 202. Thedeck pieces 276 provide a deck upon which users can walk. The angle brackets 258 also provide attachment points in the openings 260 for cleats and other accessories. - Although the detailed descriptions above contain many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications are possible within its scope, a number of which are discussed in general terms above.
- While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it should be recognized that elements thereof may be altered by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be reasonably included within the scope of the invention. The invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims (6)
1. A floatable apparatus for lifting watercraft in a body of water, comprising:
a buoyant support apparatus having a support frame and a floatable frame mounted on the support frame; and
a lift attached to the buoyant support apparatus, the lift comprising:
a base;
a lifting mechanism for lifting watercraft, the lifting mechanism joined to the base; and
a plurality of support posts depending from the base, each support post terminating in a support shoe at the end distal the base,
whereby, when the apparatus is immersed in a body of water of sufficient depth to provide buoyancy to the floatable frame, the apparatus is buoyantly supported by the support frame and when the depth of water is not sufficient to provide buoyancy, the apparatus is supported by the support posts on the support shoes resting on the floor of the body of water.
2. The floatable watercraft lifting apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a means of adjusting the length of the support posts.
3. The floatable watercraft lifting apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a means of independently adjusting the length of each support post.
4. A floatable apparatus for lifting watercraft in a body of water, comprising:
a buoyant support apparatus having a support frame and a floatable frame mounted on the support frame;
a plurality of support posts depending from the support frame, each support post terminating in a support shoe at the end distal the support frame; and
a lift attached to the buoyant support apparatus, the lift comprising:
a base and a lifting mechanism for lifting watercraft, the lifting mechanism joined to the base,
whereby, when the apparatus is immersed in a body of water of sufficient depth to provide buoyancy to the floatable frame, the apparatus is buoyantly supported by the support frame and when the depth of water is not sufficient to provide buoyancy, the apparatus is supported by the support posts on the support shoes resting on the floor of the body of water.
5. The floatable watercraft lifting apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising a means of adjusting the length of the support posts.
6. The floatable watercraft lifting apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising a means of independently adjusting the length of each support post.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/041,848 US20050123351A1 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2005-01-24 | Floating lift for watercraft with support shoes |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US8642898P | 1998-05-22 | 1998-05-22 | |
US09/316,928 US6318929B1 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 1999-05-21 | Low profile lift for watercraft |
PCT/US2001/046253 WO2003035463A1 (en) | 1999-05-21 | 2001-10-23 | Low profile floating lift for watercraft |
US10/816,992 US7021861B2 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2004-04-02 | Low profile floating lift for watercraft |
US11/041,848 US20050123351A1 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2005-01-24 | Floating lift for watercraft with support shoes |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/816,992 Division US7021861B2 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2004-04-02 | Low profile floating lift for watercraft |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050123351A1 true US20050123351A1 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
Family
ID=34068977
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/816,992 Expired - Lifetime US7021861B2 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2004-04-02 | Low profile floating lift for watercraft |
US11/041,848 Abandoned US20050123351A1 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2005-01-24 | Floating lift for watercraft with support shoes |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/816,992 Expired - Lifetime US7021861B2 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2004-04-02 | Low profile floating lift for watercraft |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US7021861B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
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US20100189502A1 (en) * | 2009-01-22 | 2010-07-29 | Basta Samuel T | Watercraft lift system |
US20100212567A1 (en) * | 2005-12-31 | 2010-08-26 | Ipo Llc | Floating drive on boat docking apparatus |
US20130279982A1 (en) * | 2012-04-24 | 2013-10-24 | ShoreMaster, LLC | Watercraft Lift System |
US20150321730A1 (en) * | 2014-05-09 | 2015-11-12 | Sunstream Corporation | Watercraft lift and automatic watercraft cover |
CN106081012A (en) * | 2016-06-17 | 2016-11-09 | 无锡红旗船厂有限公司 | A kind of buoyancy tank |
US10059412B1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2018-08-28 | Basta Inc. | Boat lift systems and methods |
US20190118694A1 (en) * | 2017-05-22 | 2019-04-25 | Clayton Melrose | Boat-Lift Moving Suspension System |
US10858083B1 (en) | 2017-01-22 | 2020-12-08 | Basta Ip Inc. | Bunk mounting systems and methods for watercraft lifts |
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US20060153643A1 (en) * | 1998-05-22 | 2006-07-13 | Basta Samuel T | Modular floating dock with inflatable pontoons |
US7246970B2 (en) * | 2004-10-25 | 2007-07-24 | Sunstream Corporation | Shallow water watercraft lift |
US20060225635A1 (en) * | 2005-04-01 | 2006-10-12 | Basta Samuel T | Frameless modular floating dock with inflatable pontoons |
US20080056871A1 (en) * | 2006-07-10 | 2008-03-06 | Morgan Edwin M | Lift dolly |
US8627778B2 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2014-01-14 | Jeff Wright | Elevated dock |
US8950973B2 (en) | 2012-12-25 | 2015-02-10 | Lone Star Docks | Watercraft vehicle lift and method of using |
NO3000808T3 (en) * | 2013-09-12 | 2018-02-24 | ||
US9598271B2 (en) * | 2013-09-16 | 2017-03-21 | BendPak, Inc. | Portable automobile lift |
US10717497B2 (en) * | 2017-11-09 | 2020-07-21 | Lippert Components, Inc. | Expandable pontoon boat |
US11834852B2 (en) * | 2020-08-07 | 2023-12-05 | Peri Se | Striking tool and method |
EP3984875B1 (en) * | 2020-10-16 | 2023-10-04 | TotalEnergies OneTech | Launch and recovery platform for a boat and associated method for floating and removal from the water |
CN116374086B (en) * | 2023-04-10 | 2024-04-02 | 华中科技大学 | Ship folding and unfolding system based on curved surface flexible guiding and double redundant self-locking |
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US20100212567A1 (en) * | 2005-12-31 | 2010-08-26 | Ipo Llc | Floating drive on boat docking apparatus |
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US10059412B1 (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2018-08-28 | Basta Inc. | Boat lift systems and methods |
US20150321730A1 (en) * | 2014-05-09 | 2015-11-12 | Sunstream Corporation | Watercraft lift and automatic watercraft cover |
US9527552B2 (en) * | 2014-05-09 | 2016-12-27 | Sunstream Corporation | Watercraft lift and automatic watercraft cover |
US10011326B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2018-07-03 | Sunstream Corporation | Watercraft lift and automatic watercraft cover |
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US10858083B1 (en) | 2017-01-22 | 2020-12-08 | Basta Ip Inc. | Bunk mounting systems and methods for watercraft lifts |
US20190118694A1 (en) * | 2017-05-22 | 2019-04-25 | Clayton Melrose | Boat-Lift Moving Suspension System |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US7021861B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 |
US20040184883A1 (en) | 2004-09-23 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |