Patent Application
20230322331
The present invention relates generally to a flotation device and/or systems having applications in at least the marine and recreational industries. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a mechanism that rotatably secures to boat and/or dock lines whilst keeping same above water.
The background description provided herein gives context for the present disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art.
Use of rope gripping devices have been employed in marine vehicles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,245,360 to Stafford et al. discloses a rope gripping device having a male end cap and a female end cap. One of the male or female end caps is rotated against the other, which performs a locking function by rotation. However, the device of Stafford et al. fails to keep a boat line above the water surface.
At best, those in the art have tried solving these issues by making the line out of a buoyant material. However, these lines can be expensive. Moreover, if made from a buoyant material, the line loses the ability to be used effectively both above and below water.
Anchor raising apparatuses, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,806 have been employed to help raise anchor lines. Such devices have buoyant members for retrieving the anchor line from the water. However, these devices are limited in their application, and do not disclose a rotatable gripping mechanism(s) for enhancing grip of boat lines.
Thus, there exists a need in the art for a device and/or apparatus which allows non-buoyant boat/dock lines to float.
The following objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments, are not exhaustive and do not limit the overall disclosure. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Any of the objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments disclosed herein can be integrated with one another, either in full or in part.
It is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art.
It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to float boat/dock lines and/or enhance grip of boat/dock lines.
It is still yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to employ coverings that protect boat/dock lines while keeping same above water.
It is still yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a buoyant weight at the end of a boat and/or dock line to enhance the distance in which a boat/dock line can be thrown, without losing said line in the sea. Moreover, the weight can also allow the boat rope to be thrown with greater accuracy.
It is still yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a flotation device made of a soft material such that if the device were to contact anyone or anything while being thrown, any harm and/or damage would be eliminated and/or minimized.
The flotation device disclosed herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, the flotation device can be used for both static (e.g., the flotation device is not intended to move) and dynamic (e.g., the flotation device is intended to move) applications.
It is preferred the apparatus be safe, cost effective, and durable. For example, the outer surfaces of the flotation device should be free from sharp edges and can be made of a soft material so as not to damage users' hands handling the device. The apparatus can be also adapted to resist excessive heat, static buildup, corrosion, and/or mechanical failures (e.g. cracking, crumbling, shearing, creeping) due to excessive impacts and/or prolonged exposure to tensile and/or compressive acting on the apparatus.
At least one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a distinct aesthetic appearance. Ornamental aspects included in such an embodiment can help capture a consumer's attention and/or identify a source of origin of a product being sold. Said ornamental aspects will not impede functionality of the present invention.
Methods can be practiced which facilitate use, manufacture, assembly, maintenance, and repair of the flotation device which accomplish some or all of the previously stated objectives.
The flotation device can be incorporated into systems or kits (e.g. including those with the boat/dock lines) which accomplish some or all of the previously stated objectives.
According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a flotation device comprises a head comprising: a lower, partially annular surface; and a rectangular slot located at a front of the head; a body comprising: an upper partially annular surface proximate the lower partially annular surface; tapered fingers located at an end of the body opposite the upper partially annular surface; and angled channels on an inner surface of the body; an inner casing connecting the rotatable head and the body, said inner casing comprising; a central aperture that also serves as a central aperture for the head and the body; a helical ridge located on an outer, circumferential surface of the body; wherein the head is rotatable with respect to the body.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the inner casing is a cylindrically shaped rotor.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the head rotates with respect to the inner casing and the inner casing is rotatably fixed in relation to the head.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the head is slidably connected to the inner casing.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the flotation device further comprises a push-and-twist lock.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the head is fixed to the inner casing.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the body rotates with respect to the inner casing and the head is fixed to the inner casing.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the body is buoyant.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the head is buoyant.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the head further comprises an inner, textured circumferential surface.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the flotation device further comprises lubricant within said angled channels.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, a flotation device comprises a generally cylindrical body; a slot that extends through at least a portion of the body wherein the slot comprises: an outer portion; an inner portion; and a center portion.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the center portion of the slot is located generally at or near the center of the cylindrical body, the outer portion of the slot is located generally at or near an outer edge of the cylindrical body, and the inner portion of the slot connects the outer and center portions of the slot.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the flotation device further comprises a plurality of handles, wherein each of the plurality of handles is configured to fit a hand of a user.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, a flotation device comprises a body; a head member comprising a tower, wherein the tower is positioned at least partially within the body; a slot extending through at least a portion of the device, the slot comprising a body portion and a head member portion.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the flotation device further comprises a connecting member wherein the connecting member facilitates connection between the body and the head member.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the slot further comprises a connecting member portion.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the body and/or connecting member comprise grooves.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the tower comprises a plurality of tower protrusions and a helical member.
According to at least some aspects of some embodiments disclosed, the head member further comprises a plurality of surrounding protrusions.
These and/or other objects, features, advantages, aspects, and/or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings. Furthermore, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and/or embodiments not expressly disclosed but which can be understood from a reading of the present disclosure, including at least: (a) combinations of disclosed aspects and/or embodiments and/or (b) reasonable modifications not shown or described.
Several embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.
An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite number of distinct permutations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present invention.
The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present invention unless otherwise indicated.
Referring to
The head 106 is generally of an annular shape and therefore includes annular surfaces 112 (upper), 124 (lower). The head can therefore also include an inner, partially circumferential surface 108 and an outer, partially circumferential surface.
The inner, circumferential surface 108 can be textured to enhance grip of a line. The inner surface 108 of head 106 can, for example, include knurling, protrusions, specially shaped grooves, partially adhesive substances, other materials or objects which provide a tactile effect, other known gripping materials, or any combination thereof.
The central aperture 110 runs through each component of the device 100 such that a line can be placed therein. A slot 114 toward the front of the head 106 and body 102 provides access to said central aperture 110. When the head 106 is rotated with respect to the body 102, the slot can be moved from an aligned position (
The inner casing 116 is generally cylindrical and includes a helical ridge 118 protruding therefrom. The inner casing 116 can be used in a manner similar to the shank of an interior knob of a push-and-twist doorknob. For example, the inner casing 116 can be fixed to the head 106. The head 106 can then be twisted so as to drive the helical ridge 118 into the angled channels 120 of the body 102. Alternatively, the inner casing 116 can be fixed in relation to the body 102.
When in the secured position shown in
The channels 120 of the body 102 can include some tolerance (“give”) when receiving the helical ridge 118. The channels 120 are uniform in thickness throughout or can be tapered. Likewise, the helical ridge 118 can be uniform in thickness throughout or tapered, similar to threads of a screw.
In some embodiments, the fingers 122 can retract inward as the head 106 is rotated with respect to the body 102. Further, the angle of the taper 104 can increase as the fingers 122 are retracted until the bottom edge of the taper 104 contacts the line.
Boat and/or dock lines can comprise, but are not limited to: nylon; polypropylene (plastic); braided/woven metals; cords; rope; plies; other fibrous materials, including synthetics; polyester; and/or cotton strands; and/or any other suitable materials. The lines themselves can be twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. Boat and/or dock lines must maintain tensile strength such that the boat lines can be used for dragging and lifting. Rope is thicker and stronger than similarly constructed cord, string, and twine, however rope is known to swell and most ropes sink in water.
In some embodiments, gaskets can be included between at least some portion of the body 102, head 106, and/or inner casing 116 to prevent wear and tear on the flotation device 100. Lubricants such as oil can also be used for surfaces that are slidably attached to help prevent wear and tear.
In some embodiments, the flotation device 100 can be adapted to help attach and secure the end of a dock/boat line to the dock, the boat, or other equipment.
The flotation device 100 can, in some embodiments, provide strain-relief and connect dock lines for which it is designed. In such situations, the flotation device 100 can even be used for sealing dock lines passing through bulkheads or gland plates.
As shown in
The inner portion 214 of the slot 210 comprises two opposing faces and is generally straight. However, according to some embodiments, the inner portion 214 can be of any suitable shape. The inner portion 214 is operatively connected to the outer portion 212 toward the outer edge of the device 200 and is operatively connected to the center portion 216 of the slot 210 toward the center of the device 200. The inner portion 214 facilitates movement of a line, rope, or other object, from the outer portion 212 to the center portion 216 and/or from the center portion 216 to the outer portion 212.
The center portion 216 of the slot 210 is generally circular in shape in the embodiment of
The embodiment of
As shown in
According to some embodiments, the inner portion 314 of the slot 310 comprises two opposing faces and is generally straight. However, according to some embodiments, the inner portion 314 can be of any suitable shape. The inner portion 314 is operatively connected to the outer portion 312 toward the outer edge of the device 300 and is operatively connected to the center portion 316 of the slot 310 toward the center of the device 300. The inner portion 314 facilitates movement of a line, rope, or other object, from the outer portion 312 to the center portion 316 and/or from the center portion 316 to the outer portion 312.
The center portion 316 of the slot 310 is generally circular in shape in the embodiment of
The embodiment of
The embodiment of
Each handle 308 of the embodiment of
Although not shown in the Figures, the device 300 is capable of receiving and securing, anchoring, and/or holding in place a rope/line in the same manner as the device 200. Further, although not shown in the Figures, the device 300 is capable of floating in water and securing, anchoring, and/or holding in place the rope/line while floating in water in the same manner as the device 200.
An embodiment of a flotation device 400, and components thereof, is shown in
Additionally, the connecting member 406 can include grooves 430 that can correspond to the grooves 410 of the body 402 such that the grooves extend through the body 402 and the connecting member 406 as can be seen in the top view of
As can be seen in
As shown in
As shown in
As mentioned above, in a fully assembled formation, the body portion 408A, head member portion 408B, and connecting member portion 408C of the slot 408 are all aligned to create a channel, trench, and/or slot 408 through the body 402, head member 404, and connecting member 406 that extends through the entire device 400. A line, rope, and/or another object, such as a boat/dock line can be inserted into the slot 408. According to some embodiments, in a fully assembled form, the base 418 of the head member 404 can essentially operate as a cap and be positioned at, in contact with, and/or near an edge of the body 402 where the inner and outer receiving portions 414/416 are exposed. A user can then throw and/or cast out the device 402 into a body of water such as a pool, pond, lake, sea, ocean, and the like, wherein the device 402 will keep the line, rope, and/or other object, afloat.
According to some embodiments, including the device 100 of
Therefore, as understood by the present disclosure, the flotation device provided herein includes the ability to provide flotation for boat lines, dock lines, ropes, and the like. Further, the device disclosed herein provides for improved and/or enhanced grip of boat lines, dock lines, ropes, and the like. Further, the presently disclosed device provides the ability to employ coverings for boat lines, dock lines, and/or ropes while keeping such boat lines, dock lines, and/or ropes out of, and/or above, the water. Further, the presently disclosed device provides weight that can be applied to the end of rope, dock line, boat line, and the like, to improve the distance that such a rope, dock line, and/or boat line could be thrown without losing the same in the water. Additionally, the weight created by the device allows for a rope, dock line, boat line, and the like to be thrown with greater accuracy such that it is easier to direct the rope, dock line, and/or boat line to a desired position. Additionally, providing weight to a rope, dock line, and/or boat line allows for better accuracy when throwing the rope, dock line, and/or boat line in inclement weather conditions such as weather conditions that include wind, rain, snow, sleet, and the like. Further, the fact that any and/or all components of the flotation device can be made of a soft material such that if the device were to contact anyone or anything while being thrown/cast out, any harm and/or damage would be eliminated and/or minimized. Further, the presently disclosed device is aerodynamic such that it can be throw and/or cast out at great distance and with great accuracy.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.
The following table of reference characters and descriptors are not exhaustive, nor limiting, and include reasonable equivalents. If possible, elements identified by a reference character below and/or those elements which are near ubiquitous within the art can replace or supplement any element identified by another reference character.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain.
The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular and plural referents.
The term “or” is synonymous with “and/or” and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.
The terms “invention” or “present invention” are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.
The term “about” as used herein refer to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.
The term “substantially” refers to a great or significant extent. “Substantially” can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variable, given proper context.
The term “generally” encompasses both “about” and “substantially.”
The term “configured” describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as “constructed”, “arranged”, “adapted”, “manufactured”, and the like.
Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.
The “scope” of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the invention is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 63/362,709, filed Apr. 8, 2022. The provisional patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, including without limitation, the specification, claims, and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63362709 | Apr 2022 | US |
