WO2004103804A1 - Boat launching and retrieval apparatus - Google Patents

Boat launching and retrieval apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004103804A1
WO2004103804A1 PCT/AU2004/000669 AU2004000669W WO2004103804A1 WO 2004103804 A1 WO2004103804 A1 WO 2004103804A1 AU 2004000669 W AU2004000669 W AU 2004000669W WO 2004103804 A1 WO2004103804 A1 WO 2004103804A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
boat
rollers
retrieval apparatus
trailer
launch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/000669
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
William John Thomas
Original Assignee
William John Thomas
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by William John Thomas filed Critical William John Thomas
Publication of WO2004103804A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004103804A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/06—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles
    • B60P3/10—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles for carrying boats
    • B60P3/1033—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for carrying vehicles for carrying boats on a loading frame, e.g. the vehicle being a trailer
    • B60P3/1066—Arrangement of supports, rollers or winches on the vehicle
    • 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
    • B63C3/02—Launching or hauling-out by landborne slipways; Slipways by longitudinal movement of vessel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a boat launching and retrieval apparatus, such as may be associated with a boat trailer.
  • Boat trailers typically have means for assisting the launch of a boat into the water, such as rollers over which the boat can travel. Boat trailers typically have additional means for assisting in retrieval of the boat from the water, such as a winching means which can be attached to the boat.
  • the present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the aforementioned disadvantages of previous boat launch and retrieval apparatus.
  • a boat launch and retrieval apparatus including a plurality of rollers and a driving means, the rollers arranged to engage the underside of a boat, characterised in that the driving means provides a force to at least one roller causing rotation of the roller, whereby the force is transferred as a transporting force to the underside of the boat.
  • the driving means can operate in forward and reverse directions.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a portion of a boat trailer having a boat launching and retrieval apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged view a portion of the boat trailer of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a further enlarged view of a portion of the boat trailer of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is an under view of the boat trailer a portion of the boat trailer of Figure 1.
  • the boat trailer 10 is formed from a structure including longitudinal support members 12 and transverse support members 14. Centrally located transverse support members 14 are curved in a concave manner, thus defining a central channel 15 of the boat trailer 10.
  • a plurality of rollers 16 are located within the central channel 15, aligned to rotate beneath a boat travelling in a longitudinal direction.
  • the boat trailer 10 includes two "C-section" beams 17 arranged longitudinally on opposed sides of the central channel 15.
  • the rollers 16 are situated between the C-section beams 17.
  • Each of the rollers 16 comprises a substantially cylindrical central portion 30 and two frusto-conical outer portions 32.
  • the outer portions 32 increase in diameter away from the central portion 30, thus defining a hollow 34 when the roller 16 is viewed in cross-section.
  • Each roller 16 is mounted on an axle 24.
  • the axle 24 extends from a first bearing 26 located on a C-section beam 17, and is supported by a second bearing 27 on the opposing C-section beam 17.
  • the bearings 26, 27 are attached to their respective C-section beams 17 in an adjustable fashion.
  • Each C-section beam 17 has a longitudinal channel 19 passing beneath each bearing 26, 27.
  • a U-bolt 21 passes around the bearing 26, 27, and has outer ends extending through the channel 19. The U-bolt 21 and thus the bearing 26,
  • Each bearing 26, 27 has an externally threaded rod 23 extending from a side portion thereof in a longitudinal direction.
  • the rod 23 passes through a tongue 25 which protrudes upwardly from the C-section beam 17.
  • the rod has nuts 29 arranged on either side of the tongue 25. Tightening of the nuts 29 against the tongue 25 fixes the longitudinal position of the bearing 26, 27.
  • the axle 24 extends through the second bearing 27 to a location outside the C-section beams 17.
  • the axle 24 has a first sprocket wheel 28, and a second sprocket wheel 36, fixed to the axle 14 outside the C-section beams 17.
  • the sprocket wheels 28, 36 are fixed relative to the axle 24 by suitable means such as a keyed configuration or welding.
  • a driven chain 40 is mounted about either the first or second sprocket wheels 28, 36 of adjacent axles 24.
  • the particular sprocket wheel 28, 36 alternates between consecutive linkages.
  • the axle of a front roller 18 is linked with that of a second roller 16a by means of a chain 40 extending between the respective first sprocket wheels 28.
  • the axle of the second roller 16a is linked with that of a third roller 16b by means of a chain 40 extending between the second sprocket wheels 36. This pattern continues through to a rear roller 20. It will thus be appreciated that the rotation of one axle 24 causes the simultaneous rotation of all axles 24.
  • the chains 40 can be tensioned by the longitudinal adjustment of the bearings 26, 27 using the rods 23 as described above.
  • the boat trailer 10 further includes a reversible motor 42 mounted on a transverse support member 14 near the front roller 18.
  • the motor 42 has a drive shaft 44 which is substantially parallel to the axle 24 of the front roller 18.
  • a third sprocket wheel 46 is mounted on the drive shaft 44 by suitable means, and is parallel to the second sprocket wheels 36 of the axles 24.
  • a drive chain 48 is mounted between the fourth sprocket wheel 46 and the second sprocket wheel 36 of the front roller 18. In this way operation of the motor 42 causes rotation of, in turn, the drive shaft 44 and third sprocket wheel 46, the second sprocket wheel 36 and axle 24 of the front roller 18, and consequently each of the axles 24 along the trailer 10.
  • a boat In use, a boat can be transported on the trailer 10 in a usual fashion, with the hull of the boat being supported by the rollers 16.
  • the motor 42 When it is desired to launch the boat, the motor 42 is switched to a launch position. This causes the drive shaft 44 to drive the axles 24 and hence the rollers 16in such a way that the boat is transported towards the rear of the trailer 10, and thence into the water.
  • the motor 42 When it is desired to retrieve the boat, the motor 42 is switched to a retrieval position which causes the drive shaft 44 to rotate in the opposite direction. The boat can thus be transported to the front of the trailer 10.
  • the size and number of teeth on the various sprocket wheels may be varied in order to provide mechanical advantage as appropriate. It will also be appreciated that the motor 42 may be operated by a remote switching device.
  • the motor 42 is connected to a cut-off switch which stops the motor 42 when the boat is in a stowed position. This may be achieved by a switch which is activated when the prow of the boat reaches the front of the trailer 10.
  • a conveyor belt may be mounted about the rollers 16, and the boat transported on the conveyor belt.
  • Means may be arranged to assist in the location of the boat on the conveyor belt, such as the use of loading hook to engage apertures in the conveyor belt.
  • sprockets may be varied.
  • the sprockets may be located within the hollows 34 of the rollers 16.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Rollers For Roller Conveyors For Transfer (AREA)

Abstract

A boat launch and retrieval apparatus, as applied to a boat trailer (10), comprises a plurality of rollers (16) arranged to be driven by a motor (42). Torque is applied from the motor (42) to the rollers (16) via a chain drive (48) to provide for the simultaneous driving of all rollers (16) to effect the launch or retrieval of a boat.

Description

BOAT LAUNCHING AND RETRIEVAL APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a boat launching and retrieval apparatus, such as may be associated with a boat trailer.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
It is known to use a trailer to transport a boat over land. Boat trailers typically have means for assisting the launch of a boat into the water, such as rollers over which the boat can travel. Boat trailers typically have additional means for assisting in retrieval of the boat from the water, such as a winching means which can be attached to the boat.
Use of a winching means can be awkward, as it requires the boat to be correctly oriented relative to the trailer. Similarly, use of rollers to launch a boat can be difficult, particularly where the rollers have deteriorated and a significant force is required to be exerted on the boat.
The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the aforementioned disadvantages of previous boat launch and retrieval apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a boat launch and retrieval apparatus including a plurality of rollers and a driving means, the rollers arranged to engage the underside of a boat, characterised in that the driving means provides a force to at least one roller causing rotation of the roller, whereby the force is transferred as a transporting force to the underside of the boat. Preferably, the driving means can operate in forward and reverse directions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a portion of a boat trailer having a boat launching and retrieval apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 2 is an enlarged view a portion of the boat trailer of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a further enlarged view of a portion of the boat trailer of Figure 1 ; and
Figure 4 is an under view of the boat trailer a portion of the boat trailer of Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the Figures, there is shown a portion of boat trailer 10. The boat trailer 10 is formed from a structure including longitudinal support members 12 and transverse support members 14. Centrally located transverse support members 14 are curved in a concave manner, thus defining a central channel 15 of the boat trailer 10. A plurality of rollers 16 are located within the central channel 15, aligned to rotate beneath a boat travelling in a longitudinal direction. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the boat trailer 10 includes two "C-section" beams 17 arranged longitudinally on opposed sides of the central channel 15. The rollers 16 are situated between the C-section beams 17. Each of the rollers 16 comprises a substantially cylindrical central portion 30 and two frusto-conical outer portions 32. The outer portions 32 increase in diameter away from the central portion 30, thus defining a hollow 34 when the roller 16 is viewed in cross-section.
Each roller 16 is mounted on an axle 24. The axle 24 extends from a first bearing 26 located on a C-section beam 17, and is supported by a second bearing 27 on the opposing C-section beam 17.
The bearings 26, 27 are attached to their respective C-section beams 17 in an adjustable fashion. Each C-section beam 17 has a longitudinal channel 19 passing beneath each bearing 26, 27. A U-bolt 21 passes around the bearing 26, 27, and has outer ends extending through the channel 19. The U-bolt 21 and thus the bearing 26,
27 is fixed in position by the tightening of nuts on the outer ends of the U-bolt 21, beneath the channel 19.
Each bearing 26, 27 has an externally threaded rod 23 extending from a side portion thereof in a longitudinal direction. The rod 23 passes through a tongue 25 which protrudes upwardly from the C-section beam 17. The rod has nuts 29 arranged on either side of the tongue 25. Tightening of the nuts 29 against the tongue 25 fixes the longitudinal position of the bearing 26, 27.
The axle 24 extends through the second bearing 27 to a location outside the C-section beams 17. The axle 24 has a first sprocket wheel 28, and a second sprocket wheel 36, fixed to the axle 14 outside the C-section beams 17. The sprocket wheels 28, 36 are fixed relative to the axle 24 by suitable means such as a keyed configuration or welding. A driven chain 40 is mounted about either the first or second sprocket wheels 28, 36 of adjacent axles 24. The particular sprocket wheel 28, 36 alternates between consecutive linkages. In the embodiment of the drawings the axle of a front roller 18 is linked with that of a second roller 16a by means of a chain 40 extending between the respective first sprocket wheels 28. The axle of the second roller 16a is linked with that of a third roller 16b by means of a chain 40 extending between the second sprocket wheels 36. This pattern continues through to a rear roller 20. It will thus be appreciated that the rotation of one axle 24 causes the simultaneous rotation of all axles 24.
The chains 40 can be tensioned by the longitudinal adjustment of the bearings 26, 27 using the rods 23 as described above.
The boat trailer 10 further includes a reversible motor 42 mounted on a transverse support member 14 near the front roller 18. The motor 42 has a drive shaft 44 which is substantially parallel to the axle 24 of the front roller 18. A third sprocket wheel 46 is mounted on the drive shaft 44 by suitable means, and is parallel to the second sprocket wheels 36 of the axles 24.
A drive chain 48 is mounted between the fourth sprocket wheel 46 and the second sprocket wheel 36 of the front roller 18. In this way operation of the motor 42 causes rotation of, in turn, the drive shaft 44 and third sprocket wheel 46, the second sprocket wheel 36 and axle 24 of the front roller 18, and consequently each of the axles 24 along the trailer 10.
In use, a boat can be transported on the trailer 10 in a usual fashion, with the hull of the boat being supported by the rollers 16. When it is desired to launch the boat, the motor 42 is switched to a launch position. This causes the drive shaft 44 to drive the axles 24 and hence the rollers 16in such a way that the boat is transported towards the rear of the trailer 10, and thence into the water.
When it is desired to retrieve the boat, the motor 42 is switched to a retrieval position which causes the drive shaft 44 to rotate in the opposite direction. The boat can thus be transported to the front of the trailer 10.
It will be appreciated that the size and number of teeth on the various sprocket wheels may be varied in order to provide mechanical advantage as appropriate. It will also be appreciated that the motor 42 may be operated by a remote switching device.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the motor 42 is connected to a cut-off switch which stops the motor 42 when the boat is in a stowed position. This may be achieved by a switch which is activated when the prow of the boat reaches the front of the trailer 10.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a conveyor belt may be mounted about the rollers 16, and the boat transported on the conveyor belt. Means may be arranged to assist in the location of the boat on the conveyor belt, such as the use of loading hook to engage apertures in the conveyor belt.
It will be appreciated that the location of elements such as the sprockets may be varied. In particular, it is envisaged that the sprockets may be located within the hollows 34 of the rollers 16.
It will also be appreciated that other drive means such as belt drives and hydraulic motors may be employed.
Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A boat launch and retrieval apparatus including a plurality of rollers and a driving means, the rollers arranged to engage the underside of a boat, characterised in that the driving means provides a force to at least one roller causing rotation of the roller, whereby the force is transferred as a transporting force to the underside of the boat.
2. A boat launch and retrieval apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the driving means is reversible.
3. A boat launch and retrieval apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the force is provided to all the rollers.
4. A boat launch and retrieval apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that the force is provided to the rollers by means of chain drives.
5. A boat launch and retrieval apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the rollers are disposed on axles, the position of the axles being adjustable in a longitudinal direction of the trailer.
6. A boat launch and retrieval apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the apparatus includes a conveyor belt positioned about the rollers.
7. A boat trailer, characterised in that it includes a boat launch and retrieval apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims.
8. A boat trailer as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in that the driving means includes a cut-off switch arranged to be activated when a boat is in a stowed position.
PCT/AU2004/000669 2003-05-22 2004-05-21 Boat launching and retrieval apparatus WO2004103804A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003902501 2003-05-22
AU2003902501A AU2003902501A0 (en) 2003-05-22 2003-05-22 A boat launching and retrieval apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004103804A1 true WO2004103804A1 (en) 2004-12-02

Family

ID=31501367

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2004/000669 WO2004103804A1 (en) 2003-05-22 2004-05-21 Boat launching and retrieval apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003902501A0 (en)
WO (1) WO2004103804A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008140848A2 (en) * 2007-02-26 2008-11-20 Physical Sciences, Inc. Launch and recovery devices for water vehicles and methods of use
WO2014062131A1 (en) * 2012-10-17 2014-04-24 Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd An apparatus for launching and recovering a vessel and related method
WO2015174858A1 (en) * 2014-05-14 2015-11-19 Suelex Limited Boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus
CN105216679A (en) * 2015-09-26 2016-01-06 张鹏 A kind of equipment transporting assault boat
WO2019101590A1 (en) * 2017-11-27 2019-05-31 Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Gmbh Pick-up device and pick-up method comprising conveyor belts for a watercraft
AU2018202017B2 (en) * 2012-06-23 2020-07-30 Balex Marine Development Limited A Loading Mechanism
FR3109567A1 (en) * 2020-04-28 2021-10-29 Ixblue Underwater or surface autonomous gear recovery system.

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3303952A (en) * 1965-02-08 1967-02-14 Bissinger Harry Gerard Boat launching accessory
US4363590A (en) * 1979-09-25 1982-12-14 Crate Barry T Power operated boat loading/unloading marine trailer
US5320058A (en) * 1992-12-22 1994-06-14 Reed Waymon B Self-contained boat launching assembly and methods

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3303952A (en) * 1965-02-08 1967-02-14 Bissinger Harry Gerard Boat launching accessory
US4363590A (en) * 1979-09-25 1982-12-14 Crate Barry T Power operated boat loading/unloading marine trailer
US5320058A (en) * 1992-12-22 1994-06-14 Reed Waymon B Self-contained boat launching assembly and methods

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008140848A2 (en) * 2007-02-26 2008-11-20 Physical Sciences, Inc. Launch and recovery devices for water vehicles and methods of use
WO2008140848A3 (en) * 2007-02-26 2009-02-19 Physical Sciences Inc Launch and recovery devices for water vehicles and methods of use
US7581507B2 (en) 2007-02-26 2009-09-01 Physical Sciences, Inc. Launch and recovery devices for water vehicles and methods of use
AU2018202017B2 (en) * 2012-06-23 2020-07-30 Balex Marine Development Limited A Loading Mechanism
WO2014062131A1 (en) * 2012-10-17 2014-04-24 Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd An apparatus for launching and recovering a vessel and related method
AU2015259943B2 (en) * 2014-05-14 2018-07-19 Balex Marine Development Limited Boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus
EP3142894A4 (en) * 2014-05-14 2018-12-26 Balex Marine Development Limited Boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus
US10336234B2 (en) 2014-05-14 2019-07-02 Balex Marine Development Limited Boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus
WO2015174858A1 (en) * 2014-05-14 2015-11-19 Suelex Limited Boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus
US11034277B2 (en) 2014-05-14 2021-06-15 Balex Marine Development Limited Boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus
CN105216679A (en) * 2015-09-26 2016-01-06 张鹏 A kind of equipment transporting assault boat
WO2019101590A1 (en) * 2017-11-27 2019-05-31 Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Gmbh Pick-up device and pick-up method comprising conveyor belts for a watercraft
FR3109567A1 (en) * 2020-04-28 2021-10-29 Ixblue Underwater or surface autonomous gear recovery system.
WO2021219573A1 (en) 2020-04-28 2021-11-04 Ixblue System for recovering autonomous underwater or surface water vehicles

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