# US 2009/0260558 A1 · Watercraft fender > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2009/0260558 A1 - Document ID: US20090260558A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 12/148,258 - Filed: 2008-04-18 - Published: 2009-10-22 - Earliest claimed: 2008-04-18 - Inventors: Thomas Robert Kaemmerling - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20090260558A1 ## CPC - B63B 59/02: Fenders integral with waterborne vessels or specially adapted therefor, {e.g. fenders forming part of the hull or incorporated in the hull}; Rubbing-strakes (fenders on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures E02B3/26) - B63B 2059/025: {pneumatic, e.g. inflatable} - B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06) ## Abstract A portable fender for protecting a watercraft hull from damage. The fender(s) length corresponds to the length of the watercraft likely to make contact with a dock, pier and/or pilings. An inflatable, waterproof bladder resides in a protective cover. The bladder's valve permits rapid inflation and deflation. The cover has diametrically opposed straps running its length. These straps are anchored to the cover in such a manner that loops are created at regular intervals. Mooring straps are passed through the loops and around the fender. The fender is secured between the watercraft and the dock/pier/pilings by attaching mooring straps to any convenient point on the watercraft, dock, pier, pilings or other suitable mooring point. Lengthening or shortening each individual mooring strap allows the fender to be placed in a position that will provide optimum protection. The fender is easily deflated for stowage. The watercraft does not have to be modified in any manner to use the fender. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for protecting a watercraft fender or a watercraft hull, comprising: means for protecting said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull via a shock absorber; means for covering entire said shock absorber: means for sealing a buoyant bladder making said buoyant bladder airtight, waterproof, and lightweight for absorbing shock; means for shielding said buoyant bladder from punctures, scratches, or any form of damage; means for inflating or deflating, permanently adhered to said buoyant bladder; means for attaching a encompassing capsule, wherein, said encompassing capsule is shielding said buoyant bladder from punctures, scratches, or any form of damage; means for adjusting and attaching to said watercraft fender, to said watercraft hull, dock or pier by inserting a mooring strap into a loop straps. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method for protecting said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for protecting the shock absorber by using said encompassing capsule. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method for protecting said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull in accordance with claim 1, wherein absorbing shock comprises creating a barrier between said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull and dock, pier, or any object for fixating. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method for protecting said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for inflating or deflating comprises using a motor, a pump, or any air pushing or sucking device through a valve. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method for protecting said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for attaching provides loops through which a said mooring strap may be passed as well preventing said mooring straps from sliding down the length of the fender comprises said loop strap. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method for protecting said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for attaching said encompassing capsule to said watercraft fender, to said watercraft hull, dock or pier comprises said mooring strap, being adjustable. ### Claim 7 A shock absorber for protecting a watercraft fender or a watercraft hull, comprising: an encompassing capsule for protecting against shock, wherein, said encompassing capsule covers a buoyant bladder; said buoyant bladder is airtight, waterproof, and lightweight, for absorbing shock and is inserted into said encompassing capsule, wherein, said encompassing capsule is shielding said buoyant bladder from punctures, scratches, or any form of damage; a valve; for providing inflation and deflation, permanently adhered to said buoyant bladder; a loop strap that provides a plurality of loops attached on said encompassing capsule for preventing said encompassing capsule from sliding down or off said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull, wherein, said loop strap is used for fixation of both said buoyant bladder and said encompassing capsule; and a mooring strap, being adjustable, used for attaching to said watercraft fender, or to said watercraft hull, dock or pier by inserting said mooring strap into said loop straps. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The shock absorber for protecting said watercraft fender or a watercraft hull according to claim 7, further comprising: a valve access, being accessible for concealing and protecting the valve, suitably positioned within said encompassing capsule, wherein, said valve connects to said buoyant bladder providing a mechanism for rapid releasing of air that provides compact storage. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The shock absorber for protecting said watercraft fender or a watercraft hull according to claim 7, further comprising: a buoyant bladder provides access to the buoyant bladder for inspection or replacement, integrally attached to said encompassing capsule. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The shock absorber for protecting said watercraft fender or a watercraft hull according to claim 8, further comprising: said buoyant bladder access, for providing access to the buoyant bladder and said valve for folding or storing said buoyant bladder. ### Claim 11 A shock absorber for protecting a watercraft fender or a watercraft hull, comprising: an encompassing capsule, for protecting against shock, wherein, said encompassing capsule covers a buoyant bladder; said buoyant bladder for absorbing shock, wherein said buoyant bladder is airtight, waterproof, and inflatable that can be completely inserted into said encompassing capsule; a valve, for providing inflation and deflation, permanently adhered to said buoyant bladder, wherein, said valve is a Boston pass valve; a valve access, for concealing and protecting the valve, suitably positioned to said buoyant bladder; a buoyant bladder access, for providing access to the buoyant bladder for inspection or replacement, integrally attached to said cover; a loop strap that provides a plurality of loops attached on said encompassing capsule for preventing said encompassing capsule from sliding down or off said watercraft fender or said watercraft hull, wherein, said loop strap is used for fixation of both said buoyant bladder and said encompassing capsule through; and a mooring strap, being adjustable, used for attaching to said watercraft fender, to the watercraft hull, dock or pier by inserting said mooring strap into said loop straps.