US20150093197A1 - Boat docking guide - Google Patents
Boat docking guide Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150093197A1 US20150093197A1 US14/503,762 US201414503762A US2015093197A1 US 20150093197 A1 US20150093197 A1 US 20150093197A1 US 201414503762 A US201414503762 A US 201414503762A US 2015093197 A1 US2015093197 A1 US 2015093197A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- boat
- door
- coupled
- slider
- guiding
- 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
- 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
- B63C1/00—Dry-docking of vessels or flying-boats
- B63C1/10—Centring devices
-
- 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
- B63C1/00—Dry-docking of vessels or flying-boats
-
- 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
- B63C3/06—Launching or hauling-out by landborne slipways; Slipways by vertical movement of vessel, i.e. by crane
-
- 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
- B63C3/12—Launching or hauling-out by landborne slipways; Slipways using cradles
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
- E02B3/20—Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
- E02B3/20—Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards
- E02B3/26—Fenders
Definitions
- the embodiments herein generally relate to aeronautical devices, and more particularly to a boat-docking apparatus for a boat lift.
- the boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway, wherein said guide assembly comprises: a beam including a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein the horizontal element includes a first end and a second end; a first vertical frame that is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to said second end of the horizontal element; a slider apparatus coupled to each of the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, wherein the slider apparatus includes a spring hinge and a side slider; a first door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the first door from rotating beyond the second position; a second door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the second door from rotating beyond the fourth position; a first
- a first float may be coupled to the first door.
- the first float may allow the first door to float along with the first vertical frame; and a second float coupled to the second door, wherein the second float allows the second door to float along with the second vertical frame.
- a plurality of hoists that lift the structural platform from the lower position to the elevated position to dock the boat, and lower the structural platform from the elevated position to move the boat out of the structural platform.
- the spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when any of the first door and the second door rotate from the first position to said second position.
- the spring hinge of the slider apparatus may disengage from the side slider when the structural platform is lowered from the elevated position.
- the spring hinge may allow the first door and the second door to return back to the first position from the second position.
- the boat docking apparatus may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the guide assembly.
- a boat docking apparatus in another embodiment, includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway.
- the guide assembly includes a beam including a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein the horizontal element includes a first end and a second end; a first vertical frame that is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element; a slider apparatus coupled to each of the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, wherein the slider apparatus comprises a spring hinge and a side slider; a first door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the first door from rotating beyond the second position; a second door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the second door from rotating beyond the fourth position; a first roller coupled to the first door, wherein the first roller is
- a boat lift that is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly, wherein the boat lift includes a structural platform on which a boat is to be docked, and wherein the structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock the boat at said elevated position.
- a first float coupled to the first door wherein the first float allows the first door to float along with the first vertical frame; and a second float coupled to the second door, wherein the second float may allow the second door to float along with the second vertical frame.
- a plurality of hoists that lift the structural platform from the lower position to the elevated position to dock the boat, and lower the structural platform from the elevated position to move the boat out of the structural platform.
- the spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when any of the first door and the second door rotates from the first position to the second position.
- the spring hinge of the slider apparatus disengages from the side slider when the structural platform is lowered from the elevated position.
- the spring hinge allows the first door and the second door to return back to the first position from the second position.
- the boat docking apparatus may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the guide assembly.
- an approaching and guiding device in particular for a boat, including a guiding assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a boat lift frame.
- the guiding assembly including an I-beam spanning the entranceway of the boat lift frame; an A-frame coupled to each side of the entranceway of the boat lift frame and coupled to said I-beam; a slider apparatus coupled to the A-frame; two guiding doors that together span the entranceway of the boat lift frame, wherein each guiding door is coupled to the A-frame; rollers coupled to each of the guiding doors; and a spring-hinge coupled to one of the guiding doors and the slider, the spring-hinge being dimensioned to permit the guiding doors to permit the boat to enter and exit through the entranceway.
- a first float coupled to the guiding doors wherein the first float allows the guiding doors to float along with the A frame.
- a second float coupled to the guiding doors wherein the second float allows the guiding doors to float along with the A frame.
- the spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when guiding doors rotate from a first position to a second position.
- the spring hinge allows the guiding doors to return back to the first position from the second position.
- the approaching and guiding device may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the boat lift frame.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a boat docking assembly that guides and docks a boat according to an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 2A is a front view of the guiding assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 2B is a front view of an example guiding assembly according to an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a first guiding door which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to a first vertical frame according to an embodiment herein;
- a first position e.g., a starting position, 0°
- FIG. 3B illustrates a position of a first slider apparatus with respect to a first guiding door at a first position according to an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a first guiding door which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to a first vertical frame according to an embodiment herein;
- a first position e.g., a starting position, 0°
- FIG. 5 illustrates a view depicting a boat approaching the entranceway of the guiding assembly according to an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view depicting the boat of FIG. 5 after being dry docked into a structural platform according to an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 7 illustrates a first vertical frame coupled to a beam preventing a first guiding door from rotating beyond a second position according to an embodiment herein;
- FIG. 8 illustrates the boat docking assembly that includes a boat trailer according to an embodiment herein.
- the embodiments herein provide a boat docking assembly that overcomes the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel due to unfavorable weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds and thereby makes it easier to dock a boat in high winds or current. Furthermore, the embodiments herein provide a docking assembly, apparatus, and system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. As used herein, a boat lift is used to dry dock and launch boats of various sizes.
- FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate various views of a boat docking apparatus 100 .
- the boat docking apparatus 100 is used to guide and dock a boat 502 .
- the boat docking apparatus 100 includes a guiding assembly 102 and a boat lift 104 .
- the guiding assembly 102 is adapted to guide the boat through an entranceway 106 straight into the boat lift 104 .
- the guiding assembly 102 includes a beam 108 , one or more vertical frames 110 A-N, one or more slider apparatus 112 A-N, one or more guiding doors 114 A-N, one or more rollers 116 A-N, and one or more floats 118 A-N.
- the beam 108 is an I-beam.
- the guiding assembly 102 includes two vertical frames (i.e., a first vertical frame 110 A and a second vertical frame 110 B).
- a first slider apparatus 112 A is coupled to the first vertical frame 110 A.
- a second slider apparatus 112 B (not shown) is coupled to the second vertical frame 110 B.
- a first guiding door 114 A is coupled to the first slider apparatus 112 A, and a second guiding door 114 B is coupled to the second slider apparatus 112 B.
- a first roller 116 A and a first float 118 A are coupled to the first guiding door 114 A.
- a second roller 116 B and a second float 118 B are coupled to the second guiding door 114 B.
- the boat lift 104 is coupled to the guiding assembly 102 through the beam 108 .
- the boat lift 104 includes a structural platform 120 (shown in FIG. 6 ) on which the boat 502 is to be docked.
- a plurality of hoists (not shown) lifts and lowers the structural platform 120 .
- An example of operating the boat lift 104 includes the following: first, the structural platform 120 is lowered underwater 122 , then a boat 502 is floated above the support 124 , and finally the structural platform 120 with the boat 502 is lifted above the water line 126 .
- FIG. 2A is a front view of the guiding assembly 102 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein.
- the beam 108 includes a horizontal element 202 and a vertical element 130 (as shown in the FIG. 7 ).
- the horizontal element 202 includes a first end 204 a second end 206 .
- the first vertical frame 110 A and the second vertical frame 110 B is a part of an A-frame that bears a load (e.g., guiding doors 114 A and 114 B, rollers 116 A and 116 B, and floats 118 A and 118 B).
- the first vertical frame 110 A is coupled to the first end 204 of the horizontal element 202 .
- the second vertical frame 110 B is coupled to the second end 206 of the horizontal element 202 .
- the first slider apparatus 112 A (shown in FIG. 3B ) includes a spring hinge 208 and a side slider 210 (further shown in FIG. 4 ). One end of the spring hinge 208 and the side slider 210 is coupled to the first guiding door 114 A, and the other end is coupled to the first vertical frame 110 A.
- the second slider apparatus 112 B includes a spring hinge and a side slider (not shown). One end of the spring hinge and the side slider is coupled to the second guiding door 114 B, and the other end is coupled to the second vertical frame 110 B.
- the first roller 116 A is adapted to rotate when a boat 502 comes into contact with the first roller 116 A to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway 106 .
- the second roller 116 B is adapted to rotate when a boat 502 comes into contact with the second roller 116 B to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway 106 .
- the first roller 116 A and the second roller 116 B are adapted to guide the boat 502 through the entranceway 106 .
- the first float 118 A is adapted to enable the first guiding door 114 A to float with the tide (e.g., water line 126 ) along the first vertical frame 110 A.
- the second float 118 B is adapted to enable the second guiding door 114 B to float with the tide (e.g., water line 126 ) along the second vertical frame 110 B.
- FIG. 2B is a front view of the guiding assembly 102 of FIG. 1 with example dimensions according to an embodiment herein.
- the dimensions shown in FIG. 2B are strictly meant for illustration and understanding of the embodiments herein, and do not in any way restrict other embodiments herein, as the embodiments herein may be configured in any suitable configuration and dimension to accommodate a particular sized boat/vessel, dock, application, etc.
- the distance between the first vertical frame 110 A and the second vertical frame 110 B may be approximately 120 inches.
- the distance between a front end of the second guiding door 114 B and the second vertical frame 110 B may be approximately 5 inches.
- the vertical distance associated with the first vertical frame 110 A and the second vertical frame 110 B may be approximately 6 feet 7 inches.
- the horizontal length of the beam 108 may be 12 inches.
- the vertical length of the first guiding door 114 A and the second guiding door 114 B may be approximately 38 inches.
- a vertical length of rectangular internal structures of the first guiding door 114 A and the second guiding door 114 B may be approximately 22 inches.
- the vertical distance between a base portion of the first guiding door 114 A and the second guiding door 114 B, and the rectangular internal frames 128 may be approximately 12 inches.
- FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the first guiding door 114 A, which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to the first vertical frame 110 A
- FIG. 3B illustrates a position of the first slider apparatus 112 A with respect to the first guiding door 114 A at the first position, according to an embodiment herein.
- the spring hinge 208 of the first slider apparatus 112 A is adapted to disengage from the side slider 210 , as shown in FIG. 3B , when the first guiding door 114 A is at the first position.
- the first guiding door 114 A is adapted to rotate from the first position to a second position (e.g., 90° from the starting position (0°)), due to external force (e.g., when a boat 502 gently pushes against the first guiding door 114 A).
- a second position e.g., 90°
- the spring hinge 208 and the side slider 210 engage with each other, and prevent the first guiding door 114 A from opening or rotating beyond the second position (e.g., beyond 90°).
- the second guiding door 114 B is coupled to the second slider apparatus 112 B, and adapted to rotate from a first position to a second position.
- a spring hinge and a side slider engages with each other, and prevents the second guiding door 114 B from opening or rotating beyond the second position.
- the guide assembly 102 is coupled to the boat lift 104 through one or more clamps 302 secured to the beam 108 , where the beam 108 is coupled to the boat lift 104 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic diagram of the first guiding door 114 A which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to the first vertical frame 110 A with example dimensions according to an embodiment herein.
- the dimensions shown in FIG. 4 are strictly meant for illustration and understanding of the embodiments herein, and do not in any way restrict other embodiments herein, as the embodiments herein may be configured in any suitable configuration and dimension to accommodate a particular sized boat/vessel, dock, application, etc.
- the distance between the beam 108 and a first extension 402 that extends from the first vertical frame 110 A may be approximately 12 inches.
- the distance between the first vertical frame 110 A and a vertical support 404 which is adjacent to the first vertical frame 110 A may be approximately 10 inches.
- One end of the first extension 402 is supported at the vertical support 404 that is a part of the first guiding door 114 A. It is to be understood that the example dimensions depicted for the first guiding door 114 A may also applicable for the second guiding door 114 B.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a view depicting a boat 502 approaching the entranceway 106 , and the front 503 of the boat 502 gently hits the spring loaded first guiding door 114 A and the second guiding door 114 B, and thereby pushes the doors 114 A and 114 B from a first position (e.g., 0° with respect to the beam 108 or boat 502 ) to a second position (90° with respect to the beam 108 or boat 502 ), before the structural platform 120 is lifted according to an embodiment herein.
- the first roller 116 A is coupled to the first guiding door 114 A that is at the second position, and is adapted to engage against the boat 502 .
- the second roller 116 B is coupled to the second guiding door 114 B that is at the second position, and is adapted to engage against the boat 502 , such that both the first roller 116 A and the second roller 116 B rotate and allow the boat 502 to pass through the entranceway 106 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a view depicting the boat 502 of FIG. 5 after being dry docked into a structural platform 120 according to an embodiment herein.
- the guide assembly 102 guides the boat 502 into the boat lift 104 using the rollers 116 A and 116 B.
- the structural platform 120 is adapted to be lifted from a lower position (e.g., below the water level) to an elevated position 602 (e.g., above the water level 126 ) to dock the boat 502 at the elevated position 602 .
- the guide assembly 102 When the structural platform 120 is raised to a dry dock position, the guide assembly 102 remains in an open position. When the structural platform 120 is lowered back into the water, the floats 118 A and 118 B raise doors 114 A and 114 B to a water level position, and as the boat 502 moves out of the structural platform 120 , the spring hinge 208 of the first slider apparatus 112 A and the second slider apparatus 112 B cause doors 114 A and 114 B to return to a closed position (e.g., 0° position).
- a closed position e.g., 0° position
- FIG. 7 illustrates a view depicting the first vertical frame 110 A coupled to the beam 108 preventing the first guiding door 114 A from rotating beyond a second position (e.g., 90°) according to an embodiment herein.
- the first vertical frame 110 A is stationary.
- the first vertical frame 110 A is coupled to the first guiding door 114 A that is at the second position, and engages against the boat 502 .
- the spring hinge 208 and the first vertical frame 110 A engage with each other, and prevent the first guiding door 114 A from opening or rotating beyond the second position (e.g., beyond 90°).
- the second guiding door 114 B is coupled to the second vertical frame 110 B, and engages against the boat 502 .
- the spring hinge 208 and the second vertical frame 110 B engages with each other, and prevents the second guiding door 114 B from opening or rotating beyond the second position.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the boat docking apparatus 100 that includes a boat trailer 802 according to an embodiment herein.
- the boat trailer 802 which is operatively connected to the guiding assembly 102 , guides the boat 502 onto the trailer 802 first because the first guiding door 114 A (shown in FIG. 5 ) and the second guiding door 114 B (shown in FIG. 5 ) door may only open to 90°, thereby forcing the boat 502 straight on the trailer 802 and preventing it from drifting off either to the left or to the right into the pilings.
- the boat 502 even when pushed by the tide or current or other force, the boat 502 always goes on the boat lift 104 guided by the first guiding door 114 A and the second guiding door 114 B.
- the embodiments herein provide a boat docking assembly that overcomes the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel due to unfavorable weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds and thereby makes it easier to dock a boat in high winds or current. Furthermore, the embodiments herein provide a docking assembly, apparatus, and system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.
- the boat lift 104 may be used to dry dock and launch boats of various sizes.
- a boat docking apparatus 100 comprising a guiding assembly 102 .
- the guiding assembly 102 is coupled to a boat lift 104 to support the docking procedure.
- the boat lift 104 comprises a structural platform 120 that is lifted and lowered exactly vertical, synchronously by a number of hoists (not shown).
- An example of operating the boat lift 104 includes the following: first, the platform 120 is lowered underwater 122 , then a vessel (e.g., boat 502 ) is floated above the support 124 , and finally the platform 122 with the vessel support 124 and vessel 502 is lifted above the water line (e.g., water level 126 ).
- doors 114 A, 114 B are spring loaded via spring hinge 208 .
- doors 114 A, 114 B open (e.g., rotate) to 90° from the starting position (0°) and are stopped by side sliders 210 from opening/rotating any further. Doors 114 A, 114 B (assisted by rollers 116 A-N) guide and thereby cause boat 502 to enter straight into the boat lift 104 .
- the guiding assembly 102 is coupled to boat lift 104 through clamps 302 secured to I-beam 108 , where I-beam 108 is coupled to the boat lift 104 .
- the floats 118 A-N are coupled to the doors 114 A, 114 B to permit the doors 114 A, 114 B to float with the tide or current along an A-bar (e.g., vertical frames 110 A-N).
- A-bar e.g., vertical frames 110 A-N.
- guiding assembly 102 guides the boat 502 into the boat lift 104 using rollers 116 A-N coupled to doors 114 A, 114 B, where rollers 116 A-N hold doors 114 A, 114 B against boat 502 .
- the guiding assembly 102 remains in an open position (e.g., 90° position).
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Abstract
A boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway. The guide assembly includes a beam with a horizontal and a vertical element which includes a first end and a second end. A first vertical frame is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element. A slider apparatus is coupled to each of the first vertical frame and second vertical frame. A first door and a second door is coupled to the slider apparatus and a first roller coupled to the first door, and a second roller coupled to the second door. A boat lift is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly and includes a structural platform on which the boat is to be docked.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 61/885,200 filed on Oct. 1, 2013, the complete disclosure of which, in its entirety, is herein incorporated by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The embodiments herein generally relate to aeronautical devices, and more particularly to a boat-docking apparatus for a boat lift.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Conventional systems employed to dock a boat into a boat lift generally suffer from the problem of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel. In particular, navigating a vessel into the boat lift to dry dock the boat is typically a difficult and stressful procedure and often requires multiple attempts to position the vessel appropriately so that the vessel can properly fit within the confines of the boat lift's support structure and thereby be lifted into a dry docked position. Moreover, failure to properly position the vessel properly prior to entry into the boat lift's support structure runs a significant risk of damage to the vessel and may cause crushing injuries or other injuries to persons on the vessel due to unexpected jolts during the docking procedure.
- The problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel in conventional systems described above are amplified when docking a vessel in bad weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds.
- Therefore, it is desirable overcome the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel, and those problems which are especially due to bad weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds.
- In view of foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a boat docking apparatus. The boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway, wherein said guide assembly comprises: a beam including a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein the horizontal element includes a first end and a second end; a first vertical frame that is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to said second end of the horizontal element; a slider apparatus coupled to each of the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, wherein the slider apparatus includes a spring hinge and a side slider; a first door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the first door from rotating beyond the second position; a second door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the second door from rotating beyond the fourth position; a first roller coupled to the first door, wherein the first roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the first roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway; and a second roller coupled to the second door, wherein the second roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the second roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway, wherein the first door and the second door provide a guide for the boat through the entranceway, and a boat lift that is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly, wherein the boat lift comprises a structural platform on which the boat is to be docked, and wherein the structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock the boat at the elevated position.
- A first float may be coupled to the first door. The first float may allow the first door to float along with the first vertical frame; and a second float coupled to the second door, wherein the second float allows the second door to float along with the second vertical frame. A plurality of hoists that lift the structural platform from the lower position to the elevated position to dock the boat, and lower the structural platform from the elevated position to move the boat out of the structural platform. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when any of the first door and the second door rotate from the first position to said second position. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus may disengage from the side slider when the structural platform is lowered from the elevated position. The spring hinge may allow the first door and the second door to return back to the first position from the second position. The boat docking apparatus may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the guide assembly.
- In another embodiment, a boat docking apparatus includes a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway. The guide assembly includes a beam including a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein the horizontal element includes a first end and a second end; a first vertical frame that is coupled to the first end of the horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to the second end of the horizontal element; a slider apparatus coupled to each of the first vertical frame and the second vertical frame, wherein the slider apparatus comprises a spring hinge and a side slider; a first door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the first door from rotating beyond the second position; a second door that is coupled to the slider apparatus, wherein the second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein the spring hinge and the side slider prevent the second door from rotating beyond the fourth position; a first roller coupled to the first door, wherein the first roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the first roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway; and a second roller coupled to the second door, wherein the second roller is rotatable when the boat comes into contact with the second roller to allow the boat to pass through the entranceway, wherein the first door and the second door provide a guide for the boat through the entranceway.
- A boat lift that is coupled to the horizontal element of the guiding assembly, wherein the boat lift includes a structural platform on which a boat is to be docked, and wherein the structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock the boat at said elevated position. A first float coupled to the first door, wherein the first float allows the first door to float along with the first vertical frame; and a second float coupled to the second door, wherein the second float may allow the second door to float along with the second vertical frame. A plurality of hoists that lift the structural platform from the lower position to the elevated position to dock the boat, and lower the structural platform from the elevated position to move the boat out of the structural platform. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when any of the first door and the second door rotates from the first position to the second position. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus disengages from the side slider when the structural platform is lowered from the elevated position. The spring hinge allows the first door and the second door to return back to the first position from the second position. The boat docking apparatus may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the guide assembly.
- In yet another embodiment, an approaching and guiding device, in particular for a boat, including a guiding assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a boat lift frame. The guiding assembly including an I-beam spanning the entranceway of the boat lift frame; an A-frame coupled to each side of the entranceway of the boat lift frame and coupled to said I-beam; a slider apparatus coupled to the A-frame; two guiding doors that together span the entranceway of the boat lift frame, wherein each guiding door is coupled to the A-frame; rollers coupled to each of the guiding doors; and a spring-hinge coupled to one of the guiding doors and the slider, the spring-hinge being dimensioned to permit the guiding doors to permit the boat to enter and exit through the entranceway.
- A first float coupled to the guiding doors, wherein the first float allows the guiding doors to float along with the A frame. A second float coupled to the guiding doors, wherein the second float allows the guiding doors to float along with the A frame. The spring hinge of the slider apparatus engages the side slider when guiding doors rotate from a first position to a second position. The spring hinge allows the guiding doors to return back to the first position from the second position. The approaching and guiding device may further comprise a trailer operatively connected to the boat lift frame.
- These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
- The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a boat docking assembly that guides and docks a boat according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 2A is a front view of the guiding assembly ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 2B is a front view of an example guiding assembly according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a first guiding door which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to a first vertical frame according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 3B illustrates a position of a first slider apparatus with respect to a first guiding door at a first position according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 4 illustrates an example schematic diagram of a first guiding door which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to a first vertical frame according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a view depicting a boat approaching the entranceway of the guiding assembly according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view depicting the boat ofFIG. 5 after being dry docked into a structural platform according to an embodiment herein; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a first vertical frame coupled to a beam preventing a first guiding door from rotating beyond a second position according to an embodiment herein; and -
FIG. 8 illustrates the boat docking assembly that includes a boat trailer according to an embodiment herein. - The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
- The embodiments herein provide a boat docking assembly that overcomes the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel due to unfavorable weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds and thereby makes it easier to dock a boat in high winds or current. Furthermore, the embodiments herein provide a docking assembly, apparatus, and system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. As used herein, a boat lift is used to dry dock and launch boats of various sizes. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1 through 8 , where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. -
FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate various views of aboat docking apparatus 100. Theboat docking apparatus 100 is used to guide and dock aboat 502. Theboat docking apparatus 100 includes a guidingassembly 102 and aboat lift 104. The guidingassembly 102 is adapted to guide the boat through anentranceway 106 straight into theboat lift 104. The guidingassembly 102 includes abeam 108, one or morevertical frames 110A-N, one ormore slider apparatus 112A-N, one ormore guiding doors 114A-N, one ormore rollers 116A-N, and one or more floats 118A-N. In one embodiment, thebeam 108 is an I-beam. - In one embodiment, the guiding
assembly 102 includes two vertical frames (i.e., a firstvertical frame 110A and a secondvertical frame 110B). Afirst slider apparatus 112A is coupled to the firstvertical frame 110A. A second slider apparatus 112B (not shown) is coupled to the secondvertical frame 110B. A first guidingdoor 114A is coupled to thefirst slider apparatus 112A, and asecond guiding door 114B is coupled to the second slider apparatus 112B. Afirst roller 116A and afirst float 118A are coupled to the first guidingdoor 114A. Asecond roller 116B and asecond float 118B are coupled to thesecond guiding door 114B. - The
boat lift 104 is coupled to the guidingassembly 102 through thebeam 108. Theboat lift 104 includes a structural platform 120 (shown inFIG. 6 ) on which theboat 502 is to be docked. A plurality of hoists (not shown) lifts and lowers thestructural platform 120. Some examples of the type of hoists and systems that may be used in accordance with the embodiments herein are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,958,523; 4,109,896; 4,279,565; 4,364,326; 4,401,335; 4,432,664; RE32,118; 4,595,313; 4,787,327; 4,850,741; 5,108,248; 5,222,830; and 5,287,821, the complete disclosures of which, in their entireties, are herein incorporated by reference. These are merely examples of the types of hoists and systems that could be used in accordance with the embodiments herein, and other hoists and systems used in the industry may also be utilized with the embodiments herein. An example of operating theboat lift 104 includes the following: first, thestructural platform 120 is lowered underwater 122, then aboat 502 is floated above thesupport 124, and finally thestructural platform 120 with theboat 502 is lifted above thewater line 126. -
FIG. 2A , with respect toFIG. 1 , is a front view of the guidingassembly 102 ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment herein. Thebeam 108 includes ahorizontal element 202 and a vertical element 130 (as shown in theFIG. 7 ). Thehorizontal element 202 includes a first end 204 asecond end 206. In one embodiment, the firstvertical frame 110A and the secondvertical frame 110B is a part of an A-frame that bears a load (e.g., guidingdoors rollers vertical frame 110A is coupled to thefirst end 204 of thehorizontal element 202. The secondvertical frame 110B is coupled to thesecond end 206 of thehorizontal element 202. Thefirst slider apparatus 112A (shown inFIG. 3B ) includes aspring hinge 208 and a side slider 210 (further shown inFIG. 4 ). One end of thespring hinge 208 and theside slider 210 is coupled to the first guidingdoor 114A, and the other end is coupled to the firstvertical frame 110A. Likewise, the second slider apparatus 112B includes a spring hinge and a side slider (not shown). One end of the spring hinge and the side slider is coupled to thesecond guiding door 114B, and the other end is coupled to the secondvertical frame 110B. Thefirst roller 116A is adapted to rotate when aboat 502 comes into contact with thefirst roller 116A to allow the boat to pass through theentranceway 106. Similarly, thesecond roller 116B is adapted to rotate when aboat 502 comes into contact with thesecond roller 116B to allow the boat to pass through theentranceway 106. Thefirst roller 116A and thesecond roller 116B are adapted to guide theboat 502 through theentranceway 106. Thefirst float 118A is adapted to enable the first guidingdoor 114A to float with the tide (e.g., water line 126) along the firstvertical frame 110A. Thesecond float 118B is adapted to enable thesecond guiding door 114B to float with the tide (e.g., water line 126) along the secondvertical frame 110B. -
FIG. 2B , with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2A , is a front view of the guidingassembly 102 ofFIG. 1 with example dimensions according to an embodiment herein. The dimensions shown inFIG. 2B are strictly meant for illustration and understanding of the embodiments herein, and do not in any way restrict other embodiments herein, as the embodiments herein may be configured in any suitable configuration and dimension to accommodate a particular sized boat/vessel, dock, application, etc. In one embodiment, the distance between the firstvertical frame 110A and the secondvertical frame 110B may be approximately 120 inches. The distance between a front end of thesecond guiding door 114B and the secondvertical frame 110B may be approximately 5 inches. The vertical distance associated with the firstvertical frame 110A and the secondvertical frame 110B may be approximately 6feet 7 inches. The horizontal length of thebeam 108 may be 12 inches. The vertical length of the first guidingdoor 114A and thesecond guiding door 114B may be approximately 38 inches. A vertical length of rectangular internal structures of the first guidingdoor 114A and thesecond guiding door 114B may be approximately 22 inches. The vertical distance between a base portion of the first guidingdoor 114A and thesecond guiding door 114B, and the rectangularinternal frames 128 may be approximately 12 inches. -
FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the first guidingdoor 114A, which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to the firstvertical frame 110A, andFIG. 3B illustrates a position of thefirst slider apparatus 112A with respect to the first guidingdoor 114A at the first position, according to an embodiment herein. Thespring hinge 208 of thefirst slider apparatus 112A is adapted to disengage from theside slider 210, as shown inFIG. 3B , when the first guidingdoor 114A is at the first position. In one embodiment, the first guidingdoor 114A is adapted to rotate from the first position to a second position (e.g., 90° from the starting position (0°)), due to external force (e.g., when aboat 502 gently pushes against the first guidingdoor 114A). When the first guidingdoor 114A rotates to the second position (e.g., 90°), thespring hinge 208 and theside slider 210 engage with each other, and prevent the first guidingdoor 114A from opening or rotating beyond the second position (e.g., beyond 90°). Although not depicted in the figures, it is to be understood that similar to the first guidingdoor 114A, thesecond guiding door 114B is coupled to the second slider apparatus 112B, and adapted to rotate from a first position to a second position. When thesecond guiding door 114B rotates to the second position, a spring hinge and a side slider engages with each other, and prevents thesecond guiding door 114B from opening or rotating beyond the second position. In one embodiment, theguide assembly 102 is coupled to theboat lift 104 through one ormore clamps 302 secured to thebeam 108, where thebeam 108 is coupled to theboat lift 104. -
FIG. 4 , with reference toFIG. 3A , illustrates an example schematic diagram of the first guidingdoor 114A which is at a first position (e.g., a starting position, 0°) and is coupled to the firstvertical frame 110A with example dimensions according to an embodiment herein. The dimensions shown inFIG. 4 are strictly meant for illustration and understanding of the embodiments herein, and do not in any way restrict other embodiments herein, as the embodiments herein may be configured in any suitable configuration and dimension to accommodate a particular sized boat/vessel, dock, application, etc. The distance between thebeam 108 and a first extension 402 that extends from the firstvertical frame 110A may be approximately 12 inches. The distance between the firstvertical frame 110A and a vertical support 404 which is adjacent to the firstvertical frame 110A may be approximately 10 inches. One end of the first extension 402 is supported at the vertical support 404 that is a part of the first guidingdoor 114A. It is to be understood that the example dimensions depicted for the first guidingdoor 114A may also applicable for thesecond guiding door 114B. -
FIG. 5 , with reference toFIGS. 1 through 4 andFIG. 6 , illustrates a view depicting aboat 502 approaching theentranceway 106, and thefront 503 of theboat 502 gently hits the spring loaded first guidingdoor 114A and thesecond guiding door 114B, and thereby pushes thedoors beam 108 or boat 502) to a second position (90° with respect to thebeam 108 or boat 502), before thestructural platform 120 is lifted according to an embodiment herein. Thefirst roller 116A is coupled to the first guidingdoor 114A that is at the second position, and is adapted to engage against theboat 502. Similarly, thesecond roller 116B is coupled to thesecond guiding door 114B that is at the second position, and is adapted to engage against theboat 502, such that both thefirst roller 116A and thesecond roller 116B rotate and allow theboat 502 to pass through theentranceway 106. -
FIG. 6 , with reference toFIGS. 1 through 5 , illustrates a view depicting theboat 502 ofFIG. 5 after being dry docked into astructural platform 120 according to an embodiment herein. As theboat 502 continues to move forward through theentranceway 106, and theguide assembly 102 guides theboat 502 into theboat lift 104 using therollers boat 502 approaches the boat lift 104 (shown as dotted line inFIG. 6 as it is not visible), thestructural platform 120 is adapted to be lifted from a lower position (e.g., below the water level) to an elevated position 602 (e.g., above the water level 126) to dock theboat 502 at theelevated position 602. When thestructural platform 120 is raised to a dry dock position, theguide assembly 102 remains in an open position. When thestructural platform 120 is lowered back into the water, thefloats doors boat 502 moves out of thestructural platform 120, thespring hinge 208 of thefirst slider apparatus 112A and the second slider apparatus112 B cause doors -
FIG. 7 , with reference toFIGS. 1 through 6 , illustrates a view depicting the firstvertical frame 110A coupled to thebeam 108 preventing the first guidingdoor 114A from rotating beyond a second position (e.g., 90°) according to an embodiment herein. In one embodiment, the firstvertical frame 110A is stationary. In one embodiment, the firstvertical frame 110A is coupled to the first guidingdoor 114A that is at the second position, and engages against theboat 502. When the first guidingdoor 114A rotates to the second position (e.g., 90°), thespring hinge 208 and the firstvertical frame 110A engage with each other, and prevent the first guidingdoor 114A from opening or rotating beyond the second position (e.g., beyond 90°). Although not depicted in the figures, it is to be understood that similar to the first guidingdoor 114A, thesecond guiding door 114B is coupled to the secondvertical frame 110B, and engages against theboat 502. When thesecond guiding door 114B rotates to the second position, thespring hinge 208 and the secondvertical frame 110B engages with each other, and prevents thesecond guiding door 114B from opening or rotating beyond the second position. -
FIG. 8 , with reference toFIGS. 1 through 7 , illustrates theboat docking apparatus 100 that includes aboat trailer 802 according to an embodiment herein. In one embodiment, theboat trailer 802, which is operatively connected to the guidingassembly 102, guides theboat 502 onto thetrailer 802 first because the first guidingdoor 114A (shown inFIG. 5 ) and thesecond guiding door 114B (shown inFIG. 5 ) door may only open to 90°, thereby forcing theboat 502 straight on thetrailer 802 and preventing it from drifting off either to the left or to the right into the pilings. Hence, even when pushed by the tide or current or other force, theboat 502 always goes on theboat lift 104 guided by the first guidingdoor 114A and thesecond guiding door 114B. - The embodiments herein provide a boat docking assembly that overcomes the problems of unsafe, unstable, and unpredictable docking of a vessel due to unfavorable weather conditions such as high tides and/or powerful winds and thereby makes it easier to dock a boat in high winds or current. Furthermore, the embodiments herein provide a docking assembly, apparatus, and system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. The
boat lift 104 may be used to dry dock and launch boats of various sizes. - Generally, the embodiments herein provide a
boat docking apparatus 100 comprising a guidingassembly 102. The guidingassembly 102 is coupled to aboat lift 104 to support the docking procedure. Theboat lift 104 comprises astructural platform 120 that is lifted and lowered exactly vertical, synchronously by a number of hoists (not shown). An example of operating theboat lift 104 includes the following: first, theplatform 120 is lowered underwater 122, then a vessel (e.g., boat 502) is floated above thesupport 124, and finally theplatform 122 with thevessel support 124 andvessel 502 is lifted above the water line (e.g., water level 126). - As
boat 502 approaches theboat lift 104, theboat 502 pushes against gates (e.g., first guidingdoor 114A, thesecond guiding door 114B) of guidingassembly 102, aided byrollers 116A-N attached to thedoors doors spring hinge 208. According to one embodiment,doors side sliders 210 from opening/rotating any further.Doors rollers 116A-N) guide and thereby causeboat 502 to enter straight into theboat lift 104. - The guiding
assembly 102 is coupled toboat lift 104 throughclamps 302 secured to I-beam 108, where I-beam 108 is coupled to theboat lift 104. The floats 118A-N are coupled to thedoors doors vertical frames 110A-N). As a result, whenboat 502 approachesboat lift 104, the front ofboat 503 gently hits the spring loaded gates (e.g.,doors doors boat 502 continues to move forward, guidingassembly 102 guides theboat 502 into theboat lift 104 usingrollers 116A-N coupled todoors rollers 116A-N hold doors boat 502. When theboat lift 104 is raised to a dry dock position (e.g.,FIG. 6 ), the guidingassembly 102 remains in an open position (e.g., 90° position). When theboat lift 104 is lowered back into thewater 122, floats 118A-Nraise gates doors water level position 126, and asboat 502 backs out ofboat lift 104,spring hinge 208cause doors - The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A boat docking apparatus comprising:
a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway, wherein said guide assembly comprises:
a beam comprising a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein said horizontal element comprises a first end and a second end;
a first vertical frame that is coupled to said first end of said horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to said second end of said horizontal element;
a slider apparatus coupled to each of said first vertical frame and said second vertical frame, wherein said slider apparatus comprises a spring hinge and a side slider;
a first door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said first door from rotating beyond said second position;
a second door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said second door from rotating beyond said fourth position;
a first roller coupled to said first door, wherein said first roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said first roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway; and
a second roller coupled to said second door, wherein said second roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said second roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway, wherein said first door and said second door provide a guide for said boat through said entranceway, and
a boat lift that is coupled to said horizontal element of said guiding assembly, wherein said boat lift comprises a structural platform on which said boat is to be docked, and wherein said structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock said boat at said elevated position.
2. The boat docking apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first float coupled to said first door, wherein said first float allows said first door to float along with said first vertical frame; and
a second float coupled to said second door, wherein said second float allows said second door to float along with said second vertical frame.
3. The boat docking apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of hoists that lift said structural platform from said lower position to said elevated position to dock said boat, and lower said structural platform from said elevated position to move said boat out of said structural platform.
4. The boat docking apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus engages said side slider when any of said first door and said second door rotate from said first position to said second position.
5. The boat docking apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus disengages from said side slider when said structural platform is lowered from said elevated position.
6. The boat docking apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said spring hinge allows said first door and said second door to return back to said first position from said second position.
7. The boat docking apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a trailer operatively connected to said guide assembly.
8. A boat docking apparatus comprising a guide assembly adapted to guide a boat through an entranceway, wherein said guide assembly comprises:
a beam comprising a horizontal element and a vertical element, wherein said horizontal element comprises a first end and a second end;
a first vertical frame that is coupled to said first end of said horizontal element and a second vertical frame that is coupled to said second end of said horizontal element;
a slider apparatus coupled to each of said first vertical frame and said second vertical frame, wherein said slider apparatus comprises a spring hinge and a side slider;
a first door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said first door is rotatable from a first position to a second position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said first door from rotating beyond said second position;
a second door that is coupled to said slider apparatus, wherein said second door is rotatable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein said spring hinge and said side slider prevent said second door from rotating beyond said fourth position;
a first roller coupled to said first door, wherein said first roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said first roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway; and
a second roller coupled to said second door, wherein said second roller is rotatable when said boat comes into contact with said second roller to allow said boat to pass through said entranceway, wherein said first door and said second door provide a guide for said boat through said entranceway.
9. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising a boat lift that is coupled to said horizontal element of said guiding assembly, wherein said boat lift comprises a structural platform on which said boat is to be docked, and wherein said structural platform is adapted to be lifted from a lower position to an elevated position to dock said boat at said elevated position.
10. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising:
a first float coupled to said first door, wherein said first float allows said first door to float along with said first vertical frame; and
a second float coupled to said second door, wherein said second float allows said second door to float along with said second vertical frame.
11. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of hoists that lift said structural platform from said lower position to said elevated position to dock said boat, and lower said structural platform from said elevated position to move said boat out of said structural platform.
12. The boat docking apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus engages said side slider when any of said first door and said second door rotate from said first position to said second position.
13. The boat docking apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus disengages from said side slider when said structural platform is lowered from said elevated position.
14. The boat docking apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said spring hinge allows said first door and said second door to return back to said first position from said second position.
15. The boat docking apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising a trailer operatively connected to said guide assembly.
16. An approaching and guiding device, in particular for a boat, comprising a guiding assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a boat lift frame, said guiding assembly comprising:
an I-beam spanning said entranceway of said boat lift frame;
an A-frame coupled to each side of said entranceway of said boat lift frame and coupled to said I-beam;
a slider apparatus coupled to said A-frame;
two guiding doors that together span said entranceway of said boat lift frame, wherein each guiding door is coupled to said A-frame;
rollers coupled to each of said guiding doors; and
a spring-hinge coupled to one of said guiding doors and said slider, said spring-hinge being dimensioned to permit said guiding doors to permit said boat to enter and exit through said entranceway.
17. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16 , further comprising:
a first float coupled to said guiding doors, wherein said first float allows said guiding doors to float along with said A frame; and
a second float coupled to said guiding doors, wherein said second float allows said guiding doors to float along with said A frame.
18. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16 , wherein said spring hinge of said slider apparatus engages said side slider when guiding doors rotate from a first position to a second position.
19. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16 , wherein said spring hinge allows said guiding doors to return back to said first position from said second position.
20. The approaching and guiding device of claim 16 , further comprising a trailer operatively connected to said boat lift frame.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/503,762 US20150093197A1 (en) | 2013-10-01 | 2014-10-01 | Boat docking guide |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US201361885200P | 2013-10-01 | 2013-10-01 | |
US14/503,762 US20150093197A1 (en) | 2013-10-01 | 2014-10-01 | Boat docking guide |
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US20150093197A1 true US20150093197A1 (en) | 2015-04-02 |
Family
ID=52740339
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US14/503,762 Abandoned US20150093197A1 (en) | 2013-10-01 | 2014-10-01 | Boat docking guide |
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Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US117223A (en) * | 1871-07-18 | Improvement in floating-docks | ||
US2744483A (en) * | 1954-08-11 | 1956-05-08 | Walter H Rhindress | Floating boat house |
US5911189A (en) * | 1998-07-02 | 1999-06-15 | Ryan; John Michael | Boat guide for use in guiding a boat into or out of a boat slip |
US5915877A (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 1999-06-29 | Quality Boat Lift, Inc. | Positive drive boat lift |
US20040089213A1 (en) * | 2002-11-08 | 2004-05-13 | Godbersen Byron L. | Load guide system for pleasure craft |
US20080105184A1 (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2008-05-08 | Laurence Nixon | Port security barrier |
US8662000B2 (en) * | 2009-11-08 | 2014-03-04 | Ssp Technologies, Inc. | Stable offshore floating depot |
-
2014
- 2014-10-01 US US14/503,762 patent/US20150093197A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US117223A (en) * | 1871-07-18 | Improvement in floating-docks | ||
US2744483A (en) * | 1954-08-11 | 1956-05-08 | Walter H Rhindress | Floating boat house |
US5915877A (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 1999-06-29 | Quality Boat Lift, Inc. | Positive drive boat lift |
US5911189A (en) * | 1998-07-02 | 1999-06-15 | Ryan; John Michael | Boat guide for use in guiding a boat into or out of a boat slip |
US20040089213A1 (en) * | 2002-11-08 | 2004-05-13 | Godbersen Byron L. | Load guide system for pleasure craft |
US20080105184A1 (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2008-05-08 | Laurence Nixon | Port security barrier |
US8662000B2 (en) * | 2009-11-08 | 2014-03-04 | Ssp Technologies, Inc. | Stable offshore floating depot |
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Owner name: DOCKER, LLC, MARYLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RIZZO, ROSARIO D.;GROVES, WILLIAM;REEL/FRAME:033884/0120 Effective date: 20141002 |
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