WO2006006879A1

WO2006006879A1 - Boat mooring method, apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: WO2006006879A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2005/000169
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Stanley Hendrick Geurts
Original assignee: David Stanley Hendrick Geurts
Priority date: 2004-07-09
Filing date: 2005-07-11
Publication date: 2006-01-19

Abstract

This invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for assisting in the mooring and launching of a boat from a marina berth, the apparatus including an elongate arm pivotably attached at one end to the marina berth and the other end of the arm being adapted with a hull attachment means, in use, to releasably attach the hull attachment means to the hull of a boat when the hull is in the swinging proximity of the arm, and wherein the arm is adapted with arm movement means and being controllable to move the arm at any desirable swinging point between a first retracted position and a second extended position.

Description

BOAT MOORING METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to boat mooring and launching systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for guiding a boat to and from a marina berth or other fixed structure.

BACKGROUND ART

The mooring of boats has always been a problematic task as it involves the positioning of moving vessels to a fixed structure such as a jetty, dock or marina berth and the like while being effected by factors such as wave action, tides, winds, and the movement of water by other vessels.

The mooring of smaller boats and yachts has generally been by way of carefully guiding the moving boat toward a dock or berth and throwing at least two mooring ropes from adjacent bow and stern of the vessel to the dock, whereupon the ropes are secured to a dock cleat or similar to retain the boat adjacent the dock. This task can be difficult to achieve when only one person is manning the boat and/or when there is a lot of wave action moving the boat in an almost unpredictable manner. Such situations can increase the risk of injury to person or damage to the boat.

It is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide a method of and apparatus and system for use in assisting in the mooring of a boat that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

It is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide a method of and apparatus and system for use in assisting in the launching of a boat that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assisting the mooring of a boat, the method including the steps of:

i. detecting the presence of a boat moving into the marina area; ii. activating a swing arm operable by a drive means and being adapted to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward a second extended position; iii. activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means; iv. stopping the arm when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat; v. attaching the hull attachment means to the hull of the boat; vi. reversing the direction of the drive means such that the arm pulls the boat in toward the marina berth; vii. stopping the drive means when the arm has returned to the retracted position when a park sensing means is activated, and after a predetermined period of time; viii. detaching the hull attachment means from the hull.

Preferably in step v. the drive means includes a bi-directional motor capable of being pulsed to repeatedly urge the arm toward the hull to assist in the attachment of the suction cup means to the hull of the boat.

Desirably in step v. if the suction cup means fails to attach to the hull within a predetermined number of attempts the arm will retract to the first retracted position and reset to step b. of the process.

Advantageously in step i. the presence of a boat is detected by a proximity sensor means. Preferably in step vii. the predetermined period of time is between about 20 seconds and 90 seconds to allow for a user to secure the boat to the marina berth.

Desirably in step vii. the drive means is reactivated to recommence pulling the arm and hence the boat back toward the retracted position in the event that the boat moves away from the retracted position during the predetermined time period.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assisting in the launching of a boat, the method including the steps of:

aa. activating a swing arm operable by a drive means to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward a second extended position, the boat being moored and having a short distance between the marina and the hull of the boat; bb. activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means; cc. stopping the arm when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat; dd. attaching the hull attachment means to the hull of the boat; ee. reversing the direction of the drive means for a predetermined period of time such that the arm pulls the boat to keep the boat close to the marina berth while the crew are preparing for launch; and when the predetermined period of time has elapsed; ff. detaching the hull attachment means from the hull by ceasing supplying suction to the suction cup means, thus allowing the boat to be manoeuvred away from its mooring; and gg. reversing the direction of the drive means such that the arm moves back to the retracted position.

According to a third broad aspect of the invention there is provided a computer controlled process for assisting in the mooring of a boat into a marina berth, the process being applied to a control means configured and arranged to control a boat mooring apparatus, the apparatus being activated manually by receiving a remote activated power on signal or local switch or when a boat moving into close proximity with the apparatus, the control means being programmed to carry out the following steps:

AA. detecting the close proximity a boat moving in toward the marina within reach of the mooring apparatus by activation of a boat sensing means; BB. activating a swing arm operable by a drive means to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward an extended position; CC. activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means;

DD. detecting when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat by receiving a feedback signal from a tilt sensor means mounted about the pivot mount on the hull attachment means and stopping the arm; EE. operating the drive means to urge the hull attachment means against the hull of the boat until an air pressure sensing means signals to the control means that attachment has occurred; FF. reversing the direction of the drive means to enable the arm to pull the boat in toward the marina berth;

GG. receiving a signal from a park sensing means when the arm has returned to the retracted position and stopping the drive means and triggering a counter to time out a predetermined period of time; and then HH. causing the air vacuum means to stop to detach the hull attachment means from the hull of the boat.

Preferably in step EE. the drive means includes a bi-directional motor adapted to be pulsed to repeatedly urge the arm toward the hull to assist in the attachment of the suction cup means to the hull of the boat. Desirably in step EE. the control means includes a counter means that counts the number of times the arm is urged against the hull, and if the suction cup means fails to attach to the hull within a predetermined number of attempts, the arm will retract to the first retracted position and then reset to step BB. of the process.

Advantageously in step AA. the presence of a boat is detected by a proximity sensor means including a first boat sensor and a second boat sensor adapted to receive pulsed signals from the control means and transmit return signals received by the control means to determine the distance of the boat to the marina berth.

Preferably in step HH. the predetermined period of time is between about 20 seconds and 90 seconds to allow a user to secure the boat to the marina berth.

Preferably in step GG. the drive means is reactivated to recommence pulling the arm and hence the boat back toward the retracted position in the event that the boat moves away from the retracted position during the predetermined time period.

According to a fourth broad aspect of the invention there is provided a computer controlled process for assisting in the launching of a boat from a marina berth, the process being applied to a control means configured and arranged to control a boat mooring apparatus, the control means being programmed to carry out the following steps:

AA.) activating a swing arm operable by a drive means to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward a second extended position, the boat being moored and having a short distance between the marina and the hull of the boat;

BB.) activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means; CC.) detecting when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat by receiving a feedback signal from a tilt sensor means mounted about the pivot mount on the hull attachment means and stopping the arm; DD.) operating the drive means to urge the hull attachment means against the hull of the boat until an air pressure sensing means signals to the control means that attachment has occurred;

EE.) reversing the direction of the drive means for a predetermined period of time such that the arm pulls the boat to keep the boat close to the marina berth while the crew are preparing for launch; and when the predetermined period of time has elapsed; FF.) detaching the hull attachment means from the hull by ceasing supplying suction to the suction cup means, thus allowing the boat to be manoeuvred away from its mooring; and

GG.) reversing the direction of the drive means such that the arm moves back to the retracted position.

According to a fifth broad aspect of the invention there is provided a boat mooring apparatus, the apparatus including an elongate arm pivotably attached at one end to a fixed structure, and the other end of the arm being adapted with a hull attachment means, in use, to releasably attach the hull attachment means to the hull of a boat when placed in the swinging proximity of the arm, and wherein the arm is adapted with arm movement means for moving the arm at any orientation between a first retracted position and a second extended position.

Preferably the hull attachment means includes a plate that is pivotably attached to the distal end of the arm, and wherein at least one suction cup is attached to the plate.

Desirably a plurality of spaced apart suction cups are attached to the plate, and wherein a flexible joint means is attached between the plate and the distal end of the arm for both horizontal and vertical rotational movement of the plate.

Desirably an air vacuum means is adapted with compressed air lines to create a vacuum in the suction cups to enable the cups to hold to the hull of a said boat. Preferably the air vacuum means includes a vacuum generator means located adjacent the near end of the arm, and wherein vacuum air tubes are connected between the suction cups and the air vacuum means.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a drive motor adapted to drive a rope pulley means, the rope pulley means being attached between a suitble point along the arm and the fixed dock structure and being operable by a motor shaft to drive the arm between the first retracted position and the extended position.

Advantageously the apparatus further comprises a control means for controlling the boat mooring operation, the control means including boat hull sensing means for sensing the proximity of a said boat to the apparatus and to initiate movement of the arm from a retracted position to an extended position by controlling the rotational motion of the drive motor.

Optionally the apparatus further comprises a remote control means for powering up or powering down the apparatus, and desirably the remote control means is wireless and sends signals to the control means via a receiver means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1: illustrates a block schematic diagram of the boat mooring apparatus of the invention;

Figure 2: illustrates a diagram of the extendable arm means of the apparatus 1 ;

Figure 3: illustrates a side view of components of the apparatus 1 with the housing cover removed; Figure 4: illustrates details of the vacuum head unit pivotably attached to the extendable arm;

Figure 5: illustrates a schematic diagram of the main sensors and some other components of the apparatus 1;

Figure 6: illustrates a flow chart of broad processing steps of the method of assisting the mooring of a boat in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and

Figure 7: illustrates a flow chart of broad processing steps of the method of assisting the launching of a boat in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to figures 1 to 5, a boat mooring apparatus, generally referred to as 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The boat mooring apparatus 1 is configured and arranged for attachment on a jetty, marina berth or dock where a boat 50 will be moored or berthed, and function as an mooring aid. This apparatus 1 is particularly useful for mooring vessels where a minimal boat crew is on board the boat 50. It is expected that once the apparatus 1 has served the purpose of assisting the berthing or launching of a boat 50, it will revert to standby mode or be shut down.

The apparatus 1 includes an elongate arm 2 pivotably attached at one end at pivot joint 3 to a fixed structure such as a frame or base platform 4 or alternatively to the top of a jetty 6 or marina (not shown). The arm 2 is of any desirable and suitable length, and in this embodiment is about 1.5 metres in length. The arm 2 is preferably provided with a reflex angle as shown with a mid-point 2a. The arm 2 is made of any suitable lightweight and resilient material, and in this embodiment is advantageously made of a hollow box section with 50 millimetre sides. The box section of the arm 2 is desirably made of aluminium. In this embodiment a base platform 4 is adapted with mounting brackets 5 that attach and secure the base platform 4 and associated components of the apparatus 1 to the jetty by way of bolts or the like. Desirably at least three brackets 5 are provided to spread the load of the apparatus 1 along the jetty 6. The base platform 4 is preferably arranged such that one side of the platform 4 from which the arm 2 extends out over water can overhang the jetty 6. This arrangement will reduce the amount of space taken up on the jetty 6 and increase the reach of the arm 2.

It will be appreciated that a suitable housing cover (removed for clarity) will be provided over the main components of the apparatus 1 to protect components from exposure to weather and other external factors. The base platform 4 and housing is preferably made of a suitable resilient and durable material for protecting components of the apparatus 1 from the elements such as, for example, galvanised steel or aluminium or the like. It is seen that the profile of the apparatus 1 is reasonably narrow in width at about 300 millimetres, and sufficiently long as required, so as to minimise the space taken on a jetty or marina to reduce the apparatus 1 from becoming a cumbersome obstruction when not in use.

The pivot joint 3 is desirably adapted with any known type of flexible joint that allows for a sufficient degree of free horizontal and vertical movement of the arm 2, and desirably includes a suitable form of rocker bearing adapted to allow for such movement of the arm 2.

The other end of the arm 2 is adapted with a hull attachment means preferably in the form of a plate 7 having at least one suction cup 8 suitably attached thereto. Desirably a plurality of suction cups 8 are configured in a spaced apart arrangement, and the number used may well depend on factors such as the size of the boat being guided to the jetty 6 and to make a suitable attachment. As shown in figure 4, eight suction cups 8 are mounted on the plate 7 to provide an overall surface area for attachment, during use, to the hull of the boat 50. The suction cups 8 are preferably made of a resilient and durable material suitable for marine applications, and in this embodiment is made of a rubber composition such as neoprene or silicone or the like, and shaped as a flat suction cup suitable for attachment to the curved hull ofa boat 50. As seen more clearly in figure 3, the other distal end of the arm 2 is adapted with a flexible elbow configured to allow for a range of movement of the plate 7 in horizontal and vertical directions. In this embodiment it is achieved by having an elbow 9 with a pivot point 10 for horizontal movement of the plate 7. The elbow 9 is Y shaped such that a corresponding U shaped bracket 11 or equivalent device extends from the plate 7 and is adapted with apertures in the bracket 11 and elbow 9 through which a bolt 12 is secured to form and define a second pivot point 12 allowing vertical movement of the plate 7. The combination of the pivot point 10 and pivot point 12 allows for the suction cups 8 to be moved into alignment with the hull of a boat 50 that is likely to be curved and is likely to bear its surface in a manner that is not parallel with the edge 6a of the jetty 6.

The pivotable arm 2 is adapted to be movable between a first retracted position adjacent the base platform 4 and jetty 6 and a second extended position. The movement of the arm 2 is preferably by way of a drive motor means including a bidirectional drive motor 13 being configured and arranged with a rope pulley means to move the arm 2 as desired. For this particular drive means and arm movement means, the drive motor 13 must be suitably powered with a pull in torque and pull out torque capable of driving the rope pulley system of the apparatus 1, and in this embodiment the motor 13 and associated gearbox 15 may be rated to provide at least 280kg/square metre of torque at around 60 RPM (revolutions per minute).

The drive motor 13 has an output shaft 14 that is coupled to the suitable reduction gearbox 15 to drive a substantially vertically aligned rope spindle 16 integrated with a pull in rope and pull out rope system. The rope spindle 16 is suitably adapted with rope reels 17 to operate an arm out pull rope 18 and an arm in pull rope 19 configured and arranged through a tensioned pulley arrangement for extending and retracting the arm 2. The tensioned pulley arrangement in one non-limiting embodiment is shown clearly in figure 2. One end of the arm out rope 18 is wrapped about the reel 17 and passes around rope tensioners 20 and fixedly attached at the other end adjacent the mid section of the arm 2 to a rope attachment member 21 in the form of an eyelet. One end of the arm in rope 19 is wrapped about the reel 17 and passes about rope tensioner 22 and fixedly attached at the other end adjacent the mid section of the arm 2 to a rope attachment member 23 in the form of an eyelet. The pulley system may additionally include heavy duty elastic ropes 24, 25 that are suitably arranged with respect to the tensioners 20, 22 for tensioning purposes.

It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the drive motor means can be adapted with a suitable drive train to drive a first spindle for the arm out rope 18 and a second spindle to drive the arm in rope 19. hi a further alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that separate drive motors and respective spindles can be provided, and wherein the control means 40 is configured and programmed to synchronise the operation of the two motors to drive the arm movement means as required.

Advantageously the suction cups 8 are adapted with a suction means to cause the suction cups 8 to operate to attach to the hull of the boat 50. The suction means is desirably in the form of an air vacuum means adapted to create a suction effect, hi this respect, and in particular reference to figure 5, an air vacuum generator is deployed. The suction cups 8 are coupled together with air hoses 30 that are connected to a main air hose 31 that runs through the hollow arm 2 and attaches to a suitably configured air vacuum, air suction means or air vacuum generator referred to as an air vacuum means 32. The air vacuum means 32 is mounted to the platform 4. The air vacuum means 32 in this non-limiting embodiment is an air compressor suitably adapted and configured to form the air vacuum means.

A suitable condenser or air filter 33 is attached in the hose line 31 for use as a water separator. A solenoid valve 34 is provided in the air hose 31 to release pressurised air and thus release the suction cups 8 from attachment to the hull of a boat 50 when controlled and activated by the control means 40.

The apparatus 1 is advantageously controlled by a control means in the form of a programmable logic controller or microprocessor control unit 40 suitably programmed with sensing means and configured and arranged to actuate the arm 2 and suction cups 8 when sensing the proximity of a boat 50 in the docking area and other operating parameters. The microprocessor may include, for example, a standard microchip adapted with a plurality of ports for sensing and controlling purposes, such as, for example, a MPS 430 from Texas Instruments. It will be appreciated that suitable controllers will be known to those skilled in the field. The control means 40 preferably includes counter means that can be set in accordance with user preferences for clocking out and timing out sequences and processes.

The apparatus 1 includes a suitable power supply means 41 to power the drive motor 13, control means 40 and the air vacuum means 32 and any other components requiring power. For example, it is envisaged that the control means 40 may be programmed to activate a lighting circuit that can serve to illuminate the area of operation while docking and launching a boat 50. Where mains power of 110 or 220 volts at 50Hz or otherwise is available depending on the country of operation, suitable transformers and filtering and smoothing circuits may be used to supply the voltage and current requirements of the apparatus. It is envisaged that the drive motor 13 and the air vacuum means 32 can be selected for the apparatus 1 to operate from the mains power supply.

Referring now also to figures 6 and 7, the computer controlled process of carrying out the operation of the apparatus 1, is now illustrated.

The following methods can be carried out by a suitable computer program for use in operating the control means 40 to control the operation of components of the apparatus 1. The various broad processing steps of the computer-controlled process are shown with particular reference to figures 6 and 7, and in conjunction with the other figures.

The control means 40 is programmed to respond to a variety of inputs from sensors placed in suitable locations about the apparatus 1 and a boat 50 to activate the apparatus 1 when the boat 50 is detected as being in position. A non-limiting method of operation of the apparatus 1 is now described.

When a boat 50 enters the marina berth, the apparatus 1 in step A. may detect the presence of a boat 50 by operation of a first boat sensor 42 and a second boat sensor 43 configured and arranged on the boat 50 to receive pulsed signals from the control means 40. The communication means between the sensors 42, 43 and the control means 40 or by any two components of the apparatus 1 may include any suitable wireless means including infrared, ultrasonic or radar or the like as applicable, and include transducers, piezoelectric buzzers, and suitable transmitters and receivers as required depending on the type of proximity sensing means and system employed.

It is seen in this non-limiting embodiment that the control means 40 is adapted to repeatedly transmit a pulsed signal, whether configured as an encoded signal or not that, when detected by the first boat sensor 42 and the second boat sensor 43 by reason of the boat 50 being in close proximity to the apparatus 1 when docking or moving in toward the jetty 6, a counter means in the control means 40 starts clocking. The control means 40 will then calculate the time period between the transmitted and received signals and determine the delay between the send and receive signals to give an indication of the proximity of the boat 50 to the jetty 6. It is seen that if the same signal is received by the first boat sensor 42 and the second boat sensor 43 at the same time with the same delay it indicates that the boat 50 is moored and no activation of the arm 2 is required.

A predetermined time delay is set as a trigger for activating the drive motor 13 and arm 2. The predetermined time delay will be a reflection of the desired distance and relative position between the boat 50 and the apparatus 1 for activating the arm 2 to extend and attach to the hull of the boat 50 to guide it to its mooring.

When the predetermined delay time period is reached, the control means 40 in step B. will activate the drive motor 13 to start extending the arm 2 from the first retracted position toward the second extended position and in step C. will trigger the air vacuum means 32 to start operating. When the suction cups 8 of the hull attachment means come into contact with the hull of the boat 50, the plate 7 and cups 8 of the head unit will tilt which will trigger a head tilt sensor 44 mounted adjacent the elbow 9. The feedback signal from the sensor 44 is received by the control means 40 which in step D. will stop the motor 13 to allow a pause for a second or so for the suction cups 8 to suck and attach to the hull of the boat 50. hi step E. if the suction cups 8 attach, an increase in pressure through the air hoses 30, 31 will be detected by a suitable pressure sensor 45 located in the air hose 31. The control means 40 according to step F. will receive a feedback signal from the pressure sensor 45 and reverse the motor 13 direction to wind in the arm 2 to guide the boat 50 to the jetty mooring. If the suction cups 8 do not attach to the hull of the boat 50 within a predetermined time period of about a second or so, the motor 13 is pulsed forcing the suction cups 8 against the hull of the boat 50. If the suction cups 8 fall to attach within a certain number of attempts, say five attempts, then the motor 13 is reversed and the arm 2 will be retracted to the home or retracted position and the process started again. This routine is preferable as it covers the situation where the suction cups 8 and the hull attachment means may not have been placed against the hull of the boat 50 properly or covers a port in the hull, or that the hull is not bearing its surface properly as the boat 50 may be aligned severely from bow to stern. This routine may be required to prevent damage to the apparatus 1 and/or the boat 50.

A tension sensor 46 is associated with the motor 13 and detects any excessive torque being exerted by the motor 13, which when triggered, causes the control means 40 to pulse the motor 13 to pull the boat 50 in the direction required.

When the arm 2 is moved back to its retracted or parked position it activates a home or park sensor 47 desirably in the form of a suitable reed switch located on the base platform 4 adjacent the arm 2 when in the second retracted position or park/home position. When the home sensor 47 detects the arm 2 is fully retracted, it sends a feedback signal to the control means 40 which, in step G. will stop the motor 13 and hold the arm 2 in the second retracted position. If the boat 50 has not been lashed against the jetty 6 and pulls away, the control means 40 activates the motor 13 to pull the arm 2 back, and hence the boat 50 back, into the home or back into its mooring against the jetty 6.

The control means 40 clocks a timer means in the form of a counter to time out a predetermined time period from when the arm 2 has been held in the second retracted position to when the boat 50 should have been fully lashed against the jetty 6. This time period can be adjusted as required, and may be about a minute. Once this time period has elapsed, in step H. the control means 40 then switches off the air vacuum means 32. The apparatus 1 can then be shut down or switched to standby mode, as required. The apparatus 1 desirably includes a remote control means in the form of a suitable transmitter/receiver/antenna means 53 and remote control unit 48 for switching on and switching off the apparatus 1 and for the control means 40 to communicate with the boat sensors 42, 43, transducers or otherwise. The remote control means 48 may be configured to 5 communicate with the control means 40 by wireless and/or wired means, and more than one remote control unit 48 can be used as an aspect of the invention. For example, the remote control unit 48 can be located on the boat 50, and other boats 50 using the apparatus 1 for allowing a sailor to activate the apparatus 1 when a boat 50 requires use of the apparatus 1. In this respect a suitably powerful antenna means 53 can be associated with the control means 10 40 for receiving signals from the remote control unit 48. It will be appreciated that signals from a remote control unit 48 can be suitably encoded to distinguish between signals from other vessels and those encoded signals received by the control means 40.

Furthermore, a control and standby switch 49 activated via cable 51 can be located within a

15 control panel 52 at an edge of the base platform for use by a person on the jetty 6 desiring to activate the apparatus 1 when a boat 50 is approaching the jetty 6 and additionally when a boat 50 is being launched in accordance with the following example of a method of launching a boat 50 using the apparatus 1 to hold the boat 50 in position while the mooring ropes are removed from the jetty 6 and until the boat 50 is ready to be launched. 0

In accordance with a launching method and in particular reference to figure 7, a user can activate the apparatus 1 by way of the remote control unit 48 or local switch 49. This will cause the control means 40 in step A. to run the motor 13 and start unwinding the arm in pull rope 19 and winding in the arm out pull rope 18 resulting in the arm 2 pivoting about the 5 pivot point 3 and in step B., which may be triggered simultaneously or in succession, activate the air vacuum means 32 to start providing a vacuum through the suction cups 8. The arm 2 pivots outwards until the suctions cups 8 come in contact with the hull of the boat 50 and in step c. the tilt sensor is activated when the plate 7 tilts to press the array of suction cups 8 squarely against the hull of the boat 50. In step D. the motor 13 may be pulsed forcing the 0 suction cups 8 against the hull of the boat 50 to assist in the hull attachment process. This step is similar to that applied for the mooring process. The suction cups 8 will attach by reason of suction created by the vacuum from the air vacuum means 32, and due to the change or increase in pressure sensed by the vacuum pressure sensor 45, the control means 40 will stop the motor 13. Then in step E. the motor 13 direction is reversed and the motor 13 is pulsed to wind in the arm in pull rope 19 and unwind the arm out pull rope 18 to cause the arm 2 to pull back toward the jetty 6 and to continue exerting a pulling action on the boat 50 to retain it close to the jetty 6 while the boat crew are preparing for launch. This pull- pause-pull action of the motor 13 and rope pulley system is particularly useful given that winds and water currents are acting on the boat 50, and its effect is to minimise wrenching and undue straining on components of the apparatus 1. The pull-pause-pull action exerted by pulsing the motor 13 is used in conjunction with the tension sensor 47 until the arm 2 is retracted back to the second retracted position, and by operation of the home or park sensor 46 the control means 40 will cut off power to the motor 13. If or when the boat 50 starts moving away from the jetty 6 and pulling out the arm 2, the home park sensor 46 triggers, and the motor 13 starts operating and the ami 2 is powered to move back toward the second retracted position.

The launch time period can be set, and a predetermined time period of about 60 seconds should be ample in many applications to allow a crew or sailor to remove mooring ropes and prepare for launch. Once the time period has elapsed, the control means 40 in step F. will cut power to the air vacuum means 32 and in step G. will operate the motor 13 to retract the arm 2 back to the second retracted position and close down, or switch to standby mode, hi standby mode the apparatus 1 is still operating the various sensors which can trigger a start or power up mode if it detects the proximity of the boat sensors 42, 43.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 will include additional indicator lights and piezoelectric buzzers adapted to provide feedback signals to a user of the various states of operation of components of the apparatus 1. For example, a piezoelectric buzzer 35 will be associated with the motor 13 to be activated by the control means 40 when the motor 13 is moving the arm 2 out from the retracted position and when it is moving back to the retracted position.

It will be appreciated that the components of the invention must operate in a marine environment, and therefore it is preferable to use non-corrosive materials that are lightweight and strong. In this respect suitable metal alloys, aluminium, galvanised steel and stainless steel components are preferred.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the invention and in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of assisting the mooring of a boat, the method including the steps of:

a. detecting the presence of a boat moving into the marina area; b. activating a swing arm operable by a drive means and being adapted to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward a second extended position; c. activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means; d. stopping the arm when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat; e. attaching the hull attachment means to the hull of the boat; f. reversing the direction of the drive means such that the arm pulls the boat in toward the marina berth; g. stopping the drive means when the ami has returned to the retracted position when a park sensing means is activated, and after a predetermined period of time; h. detaching the hull attachment means from the hull.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein in step e. the drive means includes a bi¬ directional motor capable of being pulsed to repeatedly urge the arm toward the hull to assist in the attachment of the suction cup means to the hull of the boat.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein in step e. if the suction cup means fails to attach to the hull within a predetermined number of attempts the arm will retract to the first retracted position and reset to step b. of the process.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein in step a. the presence of a boat is detected by a proximity sensor means.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein in step h. the predetermined period of time is between about 20 seconds and 90 seconds to allow for a user to secure the boat to the marina berth.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein in step g. the drive means is reactivated to recommence pulling the arm and hence the boat back toward the retracted position in the event that the boat moves away from the retracted position during the predetermined time period.

7. A method of assisting in the launching of a boat, the method including the steps of:

a.) activating a swing arm operable by a drive means to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward a second extended position, the boat being moored and having a short distance between the marina and the hull of the boat; b.) activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means; c.) stopping the arm when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat; d.) attaching the hull attachment means to the hull of the boat; e.) reversing the direction of the drive means for a predetermined period of time such that the arm pulls the boat to keep the boat close to the marina berth while the crew are preparing for launch; and when the predetermined period of time has elapsed; f.) detaching the hull attachment means from the hull by ceasing supplying suction to the suction cup means, thus allowing the boat to be manoeuvred away from its mooring; and g.) reversing the direction of the drive means such that the arm moves back to the retracted position.

8. A computer controlled process for assisting in the mooring of a boat into a marina berth, the process being applied to a control means configured and arranged to control a boat mooring apparatus, the apparatus being activated manually by receiving a remote activated power on signal or local switch or when a boat moving into close proximity with the apparatus, the control means being programmed to carry out the following steps:

A. detecting the close proximity a boat moving in toward the marina within reach of the mooring apparatus by activation of a boat sensing means; B. activating a swing arm operable by a drive means to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward an extended position;

C. activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means;

D. detecting when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat by receiving a feedback signal from a tilt sensor means mounted about the pivot mount on the hull attachment means and stopping the arm;

E. operating the drive means to urge the hull attachment means against the hull of the boat until an air pressure sensing means signals to the control means that attachment has occurred;

F. reversing the direction of the drive means to enable the arm to pull the boat in toward the marina berth;

G. receiving a signal from a park sensing means when the arm has returned to the retracted position and stopping the drive means and triggering a counter to time out a predetermined period of time; and then

H. causing the air vacuum means to stop to detach the hull attachment means from the hull of the boat.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein in step E. the drive means includes a bi¬ directional motor adapted to be pulsed to repeatedly urge the arm toward the hull to assist in the attachment of the suction cup means to the hull of the boat.

10. A method according to claim 8 wherein in step E. the control means includes a counter means that counts the number of times the arm is urged against the hull, and if the suction cup means fails to attach to the hull within a predetermined number of attempts, the arm will retract to the first retracted position and then reset to step B. of the process.

11. A method according to claim 8 wherein in step A. the presence of a boat is detected by a proximity sensor means including a first boat sensor and a second boat sensor adapted to receive pulsed signals from the control means and transmit return signals received by the control means to determine the distance of the boat to the marina berth.

12. A method according to claim 8 wherein in step H. the predetermined period of time is between about 20 seconds and 90 seconds to allow a user to secure the boat to the marina berth.

13. A method according to claim 8 wherein in step G. the drive means is reactivated to recommence pulling the arm and hence the boat back toward the retracted position in the event that the boat moves away from the retracted position during the predetermined time period.

14. A computer controlled process for assisting in the launching of a boat from a marina berth, the process being applied to a control means configured and arranged to control a boat mooring apparatus, the control means being programmed to carry out the following steps:

A.) activating a swing arm operable by a drive means to drive the arm about a pivot point such that a hull attachment means pivotably mounted at the distal end of the arm moves toward the hull of the boat from a first retracted position toward a second extended position, the boat being moored and having a short distance between the marina and the hull of the boat; B.) activating an air vacuum means adapted to supply air suction to a suction cup means mounted on the hull attachment means; C.) detecting when the hull attachment means comes into contact with the hull of the boat by receiving a feedback signal from a tilt sensor means mounted about the pivot mount on the hull attachment means and stopping the arm;

D.) operating the drive means to urge the hull attachment means against the hull of the boat until an air pressure sensing means signals to the control means that attachment has occurred;

E.) reversing the direction of the drive means for a predetermined period of time such that the arm pulls the boat to keep the boat close to the marina berth while the crew are preparing for launch; and when the predetermined period of time has elapsed; F.) detaching the hull attachment means from the hull by ceasing supplying suction to the suction cup means, thus allowing the boat to be manoeuvred away from its mooring; and

G.) reversing the direction of the drive means such that the arm moves back to the retracted position.

15. A boat mooring apparatus, the apparatus including an elongate arm pivotably attached at one end to a fixed structure, and the other end of the arm being adapted with a hull attachment means, in use, to releasably attach the hull attachment means to the hull of a boat when placed in the swinging proximity of the arm, and wherein the arm is adapted with arm movement means for moving the arm at any orientation between a first retracted position and a second extended position.

16. A boat mooring apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the hull attachment means includes a plate that is pivotably attached to the distal end of the arm, and wherein at least one suction cup is attached to the plate.

17. A boat mooring apparatus according to claim 16 wherein a plurality of spaced apart suction cups are attached to the plate, and wherein a flexible joint means is attached between the plate and the distal end of the arm for both horizontal and vertical rotational movement of the plate.

18. A boat mooring apparatus according to either claim 16 or claim 17 wherein an air 5 vacuum means is adapted with compressed air lines to create a vacuum in the suction cups to enable the cups to hold to the hull of a said boat.

19. A boat mooring apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the air vacuum means includes a vacuum generator means located adjacent the near end of the arm, and

10 wherein vacuum air tubes are connected between the suction cups and the air vacuum means.

20. A boat mooring apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising a drive motor adapted to drive a rope pulley means, the rope pulley means being attached between

15 the arm and the fixed dock structure and operable by a motor shaft to drive the arm between the first retracted position and the extended position.

21. A boat mooring apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising a control means for controlling the boat mooring operation, the control means including boat hull

20 sensing means for sensing the proximity of a said boat to the apparatus and to initiate movement of the arm from a retracted position to an extended position by controlling the rotational motion of the drive motor.

22. A boat mooring apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a remote control 25 means for powering up or powering down the apparatus, and wherein the remote control means is wireless and sends signals to the control means via a receiver means.

23. A method according to claims 1, 7, 8 or 14 substantially as herein described.

30 24. A boat mooring apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.