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US 2022/0177085 A1Published application
Docking apparatus and method
OwnerKeith Redburninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A docking system for a boat includes spring-loaded bumpers that protrude from the bow of the boat, thereby enabling a boat operator to dock the boat against a vertical structure such as a seawall. Anchors are mounted with respect to the seawall to which ropes may be tied to secure the boat and maintain contact between the bumpers and the seawall. Anchors may be supported above the water level by floats, which automatically adjust the height of the anchors in response to changes in the water level.
Claims11
A boat comprising:
- at least two pontoons;
- a deck mounted above said at least two pontoons and having a lower surface;
- a first receiver tube defining a first interior space, being mounted to the deck, and being positioned under the lower surface;
- a second receiver tube defining a second interior space, being mounted to the deck, and being positioned under the lower surface;
- a first bumper assembly having a first housing and a first bumper member movably mounted relative to the first housing;
- a second bumper assembly having a second housing and a second bumper member movably mounted relative to the second housing;
- said first housing being at least partially within the first interior space, and said first bumper member extending past an edge of the deck;
- and
- said second housing being at least partially within the second interior space, and said second bumper member extending past the edge of the deck.
6 more elements
A method comprising:
- piloting a boat on a body of water, the boat having at least two pontoons, a deck mounted above said at least two pontoons and having a lower surface;
- first and second bumper members mounted to the boat such that the first and second bumper members extend forward of the bow of the boat;
- propelling the boat forward to cause the first and second bumper members to contact a substantially vertical seawall;
- tying a first rope to a first anchor that is operatively connected to the seawall, said first rope being connected to the boat;
- and
- tying a second rope to a second anchor that is operatively connected to the seawall.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.