WO1998041443A1

WO1998041443A1 - Buoy hook

Info

Publication number: WO1998041443A1
Application number: PCT/FI1997/000699
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralf Karlsson
Original assignee: Oy Millimarin Ab
Priority date: 1997-03-14
Filing date: 1997-11-17
Publication date: 1998-09-24
Also published as: FIU970138U0; AU5053698A

Abstract

The invention relates to a buoy hook solution of a new type which is easy to use. The solution in accordance with the invention is a mooring buoy hook which is reliable and easy to keep at hand on boat trips. The solution in accordance with the invention can be implemented in boats and ships of various types and sizes.

Description

Buoy hook

The invention relates to a mooring buoy hook of a new type which is easy to use. The solution in accordance with the invention is a reliable mooring buoy hook which is easy to take along on boat trips. The solution of the invention can be implemented in boats and ships of various types and sizes.

When the boat is about to dock, and is within reach of the mooring buoy, it is vital that the buoy hook can be gripped with one hand.

Different kinds of buoy hook solutions with different latch solutions are available nowadays. Conventional buoy hook solutions have been based on a long piece including a pole, which have been difficult to keep at hand in the boat. Thus, there has been a need for a reliable buoy hook solution which can be kept readily at hand in the boat.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide such an improved buoy hook solution which allows the problems mentioned above to be resolved and the drawbacks to be eliminated. To achieve this, the buoy hook solution of the invention is characterised by the fact that it comprises sections of plastic tubing, a rope inserted through the sections of tubing and having a spliced loop at one end, a fireman's hook fixed to the other end of the rope, a latch mechanism, a string for releasing the latch mechanism, a mounting hole for the release string in the latch, a protective tube for the release string extending between the first plastic tubing section and the buoy rope, a tube for deflecting the release string, placed between the second plastic tubing section and the buoy rope, a deflecting tube fastening, by means of which the deflecting tube is fixed to the buoy rope, and a release string fastening point in the second tubing section, so that the shape of the first tubing section matches the joint between the fireman's hook, the buoy rope and the release string, the last tubing section comprises a slot enabling the latch to be locked in its open position by releasing the latch with a pull on the rope and by passing the rope through the slot in the last tubing section, so that, when the buoy rope is pulled out of the plastic tube, the release string will be tightened, thus releasing the latch.

The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: figure 1 shows the buoy hook solution of the invention, figure 2 shows the mechanism for releasing the latch in the buoy hook solution of the invention, figure 3 shows the buoy hook of the invention in a folded state, figure 4 shows the buoy hook of the invention in a folded state, figure 5 shows the assembling of the buoy hook of the invention, figure 6 shows the assembling of the buoy hook of the invention, figure 7 shows the release of the latch of the buoy hook of the invention, figure 8 shows the use of the buoy hook of the invention to make the boat fast to the buoy, ffiigguurree 99 shows the first step of the extension of the pole of the buoy hook of the invention, figure 10 shows the second step of the extension of the pole of the buoy hook of the invention, figure 11 shows an alternative latch mechanism of the buoy hook solution of the invention, figure 12 shows a second alternative latch mechanism of the buoy hook solution of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates the buoy hook solution in accordance with the invention. The buoy hook solution in accordance with the invention comprises sections of plastic tubing 1, 2, 3, 4, a rope 5, which is inserted through tubing sections 1 to 4 and has a spliced loop at one end, a fireman'shook 6 attached by splicing to the other end of rope 5, a latch mechanism 7 and a string 8 for releasing the latch mechanism. The first tubing section 1 is shaped to match the joint between fireman's hook 6, buoy rope 5 and release string 8. The last tubing section 4 has been designed such that latch 7 can be locked in its open position by releasing latch 7 with a pull on rope 5 and by passing rope 5 through the slot in the last tubing section 4, as illustrated in the figure.

Figure 2 illustrates the mechanism for releasing the latch of the buoy hook solution of the invention. The figure shows the sections of plastic tubing 1 to 4 of the buoy hook solution, rope 5, fireman's hook 6, latch mechanism 7 and string 8 for releasing the latch mechanism. In addition, the buoy hook solution in accordance with the invention comprises a mounting hole 9 in latch 7 for fastening the release string, a release string protective tube 10 extending between the first plastic tube 1 and buoy rope 5, a tube 11 for deflecting the release string located between the second plastic tube 1 and buoy rope 5, a deflecting tube fastening 12, by means of which deflecting tube 11 is fixed to buoy rope 5, and a release string fastening point 13 in the second tubing section 2. In addition, the figure shows a slot 14 in the last tubing section 4, enabling latch 7 to be locked in its open position by releasing latch 7 with a pull on rope 5 and by passing rope 5 through the slot 14 in the last tubing section 4.

Release string 8 is inserted through mounting hole 9 into protective tube 10, from where it is further inserted through the deflecting tube fixed to buoy rope 5 to fastening point 13, to which one end of string 8 has been fixed by tying for instance. When the buoy rope is pulled out from plastic tubes 1 to 4, release string 8 is tightened, thus releasing latch 7.

Figure 3 shows the buoy hook solution of the invention in a folded state. The buoy hook solution of the invention is readily folded so that tubing sections 1 to 4 are apart and that buoy rope 5 passes through sections 1 to 4.

Figure 4 shows the buoy hook solution of the invention in a folded state. The buoy hook in accordance with the invention is easy to carry along, it requires little space, and it is readily reassembled.

Figure 5 illustrates how the buoy hook in accordance with the invention is assembled. The buoy hook kit in accordance with the invention is opened by gripping the first tubing section 1 with one hand and the last tubing section 4 with the other hand, allowing rope 5 to straighten. The central tubing sections have been marked with numerals 2 and 3.

Figure 6 illustrates how the buoy hook in accordance with the invention is assembled. The buoy hook in accordance with the invention is assembled by grasping the last tubing section 4 with one hand and buoy rope 5 with the other hand, and by pulling rope 5 upwards away from the last tubing section 4. Tubing sections 1 to 4 of the buoy hook have been designed so as to move automatically into mutual engagement in this situation, forming a stiff pole. Thus the pole member of the buoy hook forms a unit and the boat operator can make fast the mooring line of the boat to the buoy hook loop.

Figure 7 illustrates how the latch of the buoy hook in accordance with the invention is released. The latch mechanism 7 of the hook member 6 of the buoy hook of the invention is released by tightening rope 5 so that latch 7 is released. The buoy has a design such that, while reaching out for the buoy, the boat operator can keep latch 7 released by bending rope 5 and by holding the grip both of rope 5 and of the last tubing section 4 as shown in the figure. Optionally, the latch of hook member 6 can be kept open for fastening rope 5 to the last tubing section 4 by means of an elastic band.

Figure 8 illustrates the use of the buoy hook in accordance with the invention when the boat is being made fast to the buoy. The buoy hook of the invention is used by bending rope 5 and by firmly gripping both rope 5 and the last tubing section 4 with one hand as illustrated in the figure. This will keep latch 7 released while the boat operator is reaching out for buoy 15. After this, hook 6 is snapped onto buoy 15. The buoy hook has a design such that, with hook 6 snapped onto buoy 15, the operator lets go of tubing section 4 and pulls on rope 5, so that latch 7 is locked. When the boat operator has made the mooring line 16 of the boat fast to the loop of rope 5 of the buoy hook, the boat will be securely attached to the buoy.

Figure 9 illustrates the first step of the extension of the pole member of the buoy hook of the invention. The pole member of the buoy hook of the invention can be extended by tying a thin cord 17 to the loop of rope 5. The thin cord 17 is inserted through an additional tubing section 18.

Figure 10 shows the second step of the extension of the pole member of the buoy hook of the invention. In the second step of the extension of the pole member, rope 5 is pulled through the additional tubing section 18 by means of the thin cord 17.

Figure 11 shows an optional latch mechanism of the buoy hook in accordance with the invention. The figure shows a first tubing section 1, to which fireman's hook 6 has been attached. The optional latch mechanism of fireman's hook 6 comprises an L-shaped latch 19 attached by its angle, the release string 8 of latch mechanism 19 being fastened to the short member of the latch. The long member of latch mechanism 19 locks hook 6. This latch solution 19 has the advantage of latch 19 being released even by a light pull on release string 8.

Figure 12 shows a second optional latch mechanism of the buoy hook in accordance with the invention. The figure shows the first tubing section 1, to which hook 20 has been fastened. A second optional latch mechanism 21 of buoy hook 20 comprises a shackle latch 21. Shackle latch 21 is fastened to buoy hook 20 so as to always resume its original position like a spring, thus preventing rope 5 from being unintentionally unfastened. This has been accomplished by drilling the mounting holes for shackle latch 21 on separate axes in buoy hook 20.

The invention combines the members used in a new manner to form an operational buoy hook design, in which the sections of plastic tubing 1 to 4, 18 act as a stiff pole, while simultaneously transmitting the traction force of release string 8 to the latch 7 of hook member 6 without any separate releasing operation.

The buoy hook solution of the invention is particularly suitable to be operated with one hand only, because in the last tubing section 4 of the buoy hook a slot 14 is provided, into which the rope can be locked with latch 7 remaining in released position.

The invention provides a collapsible buoy hook with reliable function and high tensile strength. The tensile strength of the buoy hook of the invention is only dependent of the tensile strength of the hook and the spliced rope, because the traction is transmitted directly through these, without specific metal structures.

The buoy hook solution in accordance with the invention can optionally comprise a flat rope with adequate tensile strength. To increase safety, the plastic sections 1 to 4 of the buoy hook can also be equipped wtih reflective tapes. Plastic tubing sections 1 to 4 can also be replaced with light metal sections 1 to 4.

As accessories, the buoy hook of the invention can be equipped with for instance a float, a collecting net, a bucket or a brush. This allows the buoy hook of the invention to be utilised for many purposes of use.

The buoy hook of the invention can be provided with any logos or advertisements. The buoy hook can be used as a boathook or as an auxiliary pole for the studding sail. The buoy hook withstands pile traction of up to approx. 2,500 kg.

The buoy hook solution in accordance with the invention provides ease of use, durability and reliable function. Moreover, the buoy hook has easy maintenance, its pole member is made of flexible material, and it is very rapidly assembled. The size of the buoy hook can be varied if necessary, and thus it is extremely reliable in use.

Claims

1. A buoy hook, characterised in that it comprises

- sections (1, 2, 3, 4) of e.g. plastic tubing which can be assembled,

- a rope (5) inserted through the tubing sections (1 to 4) and having a loop at one end, and

- a hook (6, 20) attached to the other end of the rope (5) and provided with

- a latch mechanism (7, 21).

2. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that it comprises

- sections (1, 2, 3, 4) of plastic tubing, - a rope (5) inserted through the tubing sections (1 to 4) and having a spliced loop at one end,

- a fireman's hook (6) attached to the other end of the rope (5) by splicing,

- a latch mechanism (7),

- a string (8) for releasing the latch mechanism, - a mounting hole (9) in the latch (7) for the release string,

- a protective tube (10) for the release string extending between the first plastic tube

(1) and the buoy rope (5),

- a deflecting tube (11) for the release string located between the second plastic tube

(2) and the buoy rope (5), - a deflecting tube fastening (12), by means of which the deflecting tube (11) is fastened to the buoy rope (5), and

- a fastening point (13) of the release string in the second tubing section (2) so that

- the first tubing section (1) is shaped to match the joint between the fireman's hook (6), the buoy rope (5) and the release string (8), - the last tubing section (4) comprises a slot (14) so that the latch (7) can be locked in released position by pulling the latch (7) into released position with the rope (5) and by passing the rope (5) into the slot (14) in the last tubing section (4) and that

- when the buoy rope (5) is pulled out from the plastic tubes (1 to 4), the release string (8) is tightened, thus releasing the latch (7).

3. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the buoy hook is well collapsible so that the tubing sections (1 to 4) are apart and that the buoy rope (5) runs through the tubes (1 to 4).

4. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the tubing sections (1 to 4) of the buoy hook have a design such that, when assembled, they move automatically into mutual engagement and provide a stiff pole.

5. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the design of the buoy hook is such that, when reaching out for the buoy, the boat operator can keep the latch (7) released by bending the rope (5) and holding his grip of both the rope (5) and of the last tubing section (4).

6. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the buoy hook comprises an elastic band, by means of which the rope (5) is fastened to the last tubing section (4).

7. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, characterised in that the design of the buoy hook is such that, when the hook (6) has been snapped onto the mooring buoy (15) and the operator lets go of the tubing section (4) and pulls on the rope (5), the latch (7) will be locked.

8. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the pole member of the buoy hook can be extended by tying a thin cord (17) to the loop of the rope (5), by inserting the thin cord (17) through the additional tubing section (18) and by pulling the rope (5) through the additional tubing section (18) with the aid of the thin cord (17).

9. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the latch mechanism of the buoy hook comprises an L-shaped latch (19) fastened at its angle, the release string (8) of the latch mechanism (19) being fastened to the short member of the latch and the long member of the latch mechanism (19) locking the hook (6).

10. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the latch mechanism (21) comprises a shackle latch (21), which is fastened to the buoy hook (20) so as to always resume its original position.

11. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the mounting holes for the buoy hook (20) in the shackle latch (21) have been drilled on separate axes.

12. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, characterised in that the buoy hook solution comprises a flat rope.

13. A buoy hook as claimed in claim 8, 9, 10, 1 1 or 12, characterised in that the sections of plastic tubing (1 to 4) of the buoy hook have been equipped with reflective tapes.

14. A buoy hook as claimed in any of preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the sections of plastic tubing (1 to 4) have been replaced with light metal sections (1 to 4).

15. A buoy hook as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that a float has been provided as an accessory in the buoy hook solution.

16. A buoy hook as claimed in any of preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that a collecting net has been provided as an accessoiy in the buoy hook solution.

17. A buoy hook as claimed in any of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that a bucket has been provided as an accessory in the buoy hook solution.

18. A buoy hook as claimed in any of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that a paddle blade has been provided as an accessory in the buoy hook solution.

19. A buoy hook as claimed in any of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterised in that a brush has been provided as an accessory in the buoy hook solution.