Docking apparatus
OwnerHerbert F. Molzinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A docking system for vessels employing at retractable docking line coupled to a rotatable spool. The rotatable spool is controlled by an operator of the vessel by a centralized hydraulic or electrical system. The retrieval systems allows for free wheeling line deployment and variable speed line retraction. Solenoid valves and relays are used to allow an operator to retrieve lines at various speeds allowing the vessel to be moved fore or aft for proper docking alignment. A weighted end cap allows for passing of the docking lines and further provides for sealing of the docking system when placed in a storage position.
Claims20
A docking apparatus for temporarily securing a vessel to a fixed object, said docking apparatus comprising:
- at least one rotatable spool permanently secured to said vessel, said spool having opposing face plates with a spindle placed therebetween and formed integral thereto, said spindle and said opposing face plates having a smooth surface;
- a docking line having a proximal end coupled to said spindle and a distal end available for coupling to said fixed object;
- a means for weighting said distal end of said docking line;
- means for directional alignment of said docking line to said spool, said docking line rotatably secured to said spindle when placed in a stored position;
- a hydraulic system for providing rotational movement to said spool, said hydraulic system including an hydraulic pump having a fluid reservoir, said pump having a pressure line coupled to said spool providing rotation of said spool and a return line to said reservoir for recycling of said fluid;
- and a switching valve for providing rotation directional control of said spool;
- control means remotely positioned from said hydraulic system for controlling rotational speed of said rotatable spool;
- means for locking said rotatable spool in a fixed position, said means for locking said spool is a spring loaded hydraulic release cylinder, said release cylinder engaging a portion of said rotatable spool;
- wherein said distal end of said docking line may be free wheeled from said spool for coupling to said fixed object whereby said docking line is returned to said rotatable spool at a speed dependent upon said hydraulic system providing directional rotation of said rotatable spool allowing vessel movement at a rate controllable by an operator of said vessel.
A docking apparatus for temporarily securing a vessel to a fixed object, said docking apparatus comprising:
- at least one rotatable spool permanently secured to said vessel, said spool having opposing face plates with a spindle placed therebetween and formed intregal thereto, said spindle and said said opposing face plates having a smooth surface;
- a docking line having a proximal end coupled to said spindle and a distal end available for coupling to said fixed object;
- a means for weighing said distal end of said docking line;
- means for directional alignment of said docking line to said spool including two spaced apart support rods having primary springs located on either side of a slotted line alignment bracket and secondary springs placed over said primary springs, said primary springs having a first biasing strength and said secondary springs having a second biasing strength, said docking line rotatably secured to said spindle when placed in a stored position;
- an electric motor secured to said spool and electrically coupled to a battery, said electric motor including a relay means for providing rotational directional control of said spool;
- control means remotely positioned from said electric motor for controlling rotational speed of said rotatable spool;
- means for locking said rotatable spool in a fixed position;
- wherein said distal end of said docking line may be free wheeled from said spool for coupling to said fixed object whereby said docking line is returned to said rotatable spool at a speed dependent upon said electric motor providing directional rotation of said rotatable spool allowing vessel movement at a rate controllable by an operator of said vessel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.