1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for attaching to a cleat, more specifically, to a frame device for assisting in attaching a docking line with a looped end.
2. Description of the Related Art
The present invention embodies a frame device for assisting in attaching a docking line with a looped end.
Horn cleats or devices for attaching lines are used generally on docks. Docks generally have a side which allows for a vessel to pull up and tie up to the dock. Horn cleats, well known in the art, are typically made of a metal and include two horns affixed to spars, an opening may be present in the center of the cleat between the spars.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,191 to Weaver discloses a cleat bracket having a first end with a z-shape, which allows the bracket to be attached to the cleat. The bracket includes a straight portion having a hook for holding accessories such as a lantern. The bracket of Weaver is not suitable for assisting in placing a loop of a line around horns of the cleat.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a cleat attachable device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which provides a device for assisting in attaching a docking line with a looped end, which is easy-to-use and easy to assemble.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention a cleat attachable device for attachment to a cleat with horns. The device includes a frame having a base end, a distal end, a center post, and lateral posts. The lateral posts are disposed opposite one another and connected to the center post. The lateral posts each have a respective outer edge opposite one another. The outer edges are spaced apart at the base end at a distance. The distance is at least as great as a length of the horns. The center post has a mounting end projecting beyond the lateral sides at the base end. The mounting end is configured for mounting to the cleat.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the lateral posts converge together in a direction towards the distal end.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the lateral posts are mounted to one another and to the center post at the distal end.
In accordance with an added feature of the invention, a crossmember is disposed at the base end, the crossmember is attached to the lateral posts by opposite ends of the crossmember.
In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the lateral posts are pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot at the distal end and the crossmember has a length that is adjustable to accommodate different positions of the lateral posts.
In accordance with another mode of the invention, the lateral posts each have a respective receptacle disposed at the base end. The receptacles each are configured for receiving respective ends of the horns therein.
In accordance with a further mode of the invention, one-way line locking devices are pivotably disposed at the base end. The one-way locking device being pivotable towards the center post.
In accordance with an additional mode of the invention, the mounting end has two legs which straddle the crossmember, and configured to straddle the cleat.
In accordance with still a further mode of the invention, a distal crossmember is disposed at the distal end of the frame. The distal crossmember is attached to the center post. The lateral posts are attached at opposite ends of the distal crossmember.
In accordance with another mode of the invention, each of the lateral posts has a respective receptacle disposed thereon at the base end, the receptacles being configured for receiving a respective end of the horn.
In accordance with yet another mode of the invention, the mounting end has two legs configured to straddle the cleat.
With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a cleat attachable device for attaching to a cleat, the cleat having horns. The device includes a frame having a base end, a distal end opposite the base end, and opposing lateral posts extending between the base end and the distal end. The lateral posts each have a respective outer edge opposite one another. The outer edges are spaced apart at the base end at a distance. The distance is at least as great as a length of the horns. A mounting device is connected to the lateral posts and projects beyond the lateral posts in a direction away from the base end.
In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the lateral posts converge together in a direction towards the distal end.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a cleat attachable device, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the device, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
a is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the device prior to being mounted on a cleat;
b is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the device mounted on a cleat;
Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to
As shown in
The base end 10 of the frame 2 may include one-way line locking devices 13 disposed at the lateral posts 4, 5. The line locking devices 13 are configured to move towards the spars 32 for allowing the line 40 to pass under the respective horn 31. The locking devices are pivoted back to a locking position by gravity or by an internal spring (not shown) for securing the line 40 between the respective spar 32 and locking device 13 once the line 40 has moved past the respective locking device 13. A stop prevents the locking devices 13 from moving beyond the locking position.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/367,497, filed on Jul. 26, 2010, entitled Cleat; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61367497 | Jul 2010 | US |