Inflating watercraft support device

Abstract

An inflatable watercraft support device for supporting a watercraft is provided. The support device comprises a first support bladder having a first end and a second end and a second support bladder having a first end and a second end. A connecting mechanism connects the first end of the first support bladder to the first end of the second support bladder.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to support devices for watercraft and, more particularly, it relates to an inflating support device that supports a watercraft upon water, land, ice, and/or snow for mooring, docking, or towing the watercraft. The support device can also be used without a watercraft for rescues of injured persons and/or for transporting supplies and/or gear upon water, land, ice, and/or snow.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Boating is both a popular pastime and a vital commercial activity in much of the world today. A watercraft, including personal watercraft, is often a substantial investment for the owner and/or operator. Many times when a boat operator is in the water, he or she desires to temporarily dock the watercraft on shore or on the water. In the past, boat operators would secure their watercraft to buoys, fixed docks, anchors, ropes, rigid docking devices, etc. These conventional devices are typically permanently attached structures either in the water or on the land with limited portability, if any, or these devices are too heavy and cumbersome for the average boat operator to transport or install. Furthermore, when using these types of conventional devices, the watercraft will often remain within the water or directly contacting the ground thereby compromising the quality or integrity of the hull of the watercraft.

[0006] For instance, many shores do not have a fixed dock structure and possess obstacles and debris which could damage a watercraft when the watercraft is beached or docked. A boat operator must search and find a shore with little or no debris to dock his or her watercraft. If not, the hull of the watercraft could be damaged or breached by the shore debris and cause damage to the watercraft, cause the watercraft to take on water, and/or causing the watercraft to lose its buoyancy. If the watercraft sinks, a serious condition exists in that loss of life and loss of property often occurs. Any damage to the hull can be expensive to repair and can impact the appearance and/or operation of the watercraft.

[0007] The support device of the present invention solves these problems and others by being both portable and adaptable. The support device of the present invention can be easily transported between intended uses. The support device of the present invention is adaptable to all types of watercraft, all types of terrains, and all types of conditions, i.e., tides, wakes, etc.

[0008] The support device of the present invention is easy to maintain and inflate. Once deployed, the present invention will keep the hull of the watercraft from contacting the ground on shore when used as an on-shore docking device.

[0009] The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide a deployable support device to keep the watercraft above the ground when docking or towing the watercraft on a shore, to maintain a watercraft on the water for towing and docking, to provide a rescue device for removing injured persons upon ice, water, and/or snow, and to provide a supply vessel for moving supplies on the land, ice, water, and/or snow.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a support device that can be stored on the watercraft or in a vehicle and easily inflated and deployed. The support device can be deflated and stored without difficulty.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for a support device that can be easily deflated and removed from under the watercraft after the watercraft has been reentered the water or at any other desired time.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a support device that is easy to manufacture, install, and move.

SUMMARY

[0013] The present invention is an inflatable watercraft support device for supporting a watercraft on the land or on the water. The support device comprises a first support bladder having a first end and a second end and a second support bladder having a first end and a second end. A connecting mechanism connects the first end of the first support bladder to the first end of the second support bladder.

[0014] In addition, the present invention includes an apparatus for docking and towing a watercraft on land and water. The apparatus comprises a first bladder having a first end and a second end and a second bladder having a first end and a second end. Connecting means connect the first end of the first bladder to the first end of the second bladder. Sheet material connects the first bladder and the second bladder wherein the first bladder and the second bladder have a substantially V-shaped configuration.

[0015] The present invention further includes a method for docking and towing a watercraft on land and water. The method comprises providing a first support bladder and a second support bladder, connecting the first support bladder to the second support bladder creating a support device, positioning the support device on the land or water, and maneuvering the watercraft onto the support device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inflating watercraft support device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the support device in an inflated condition;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the support device in the inflated condition;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the support device in a deflated, rolled condition;

[0019] FIG. 4 is perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a watercraft being supported by the support device between the water and the land;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the inflating watercraft support device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the support device being in an inflated condition;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 5, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the support device being in a deflated, rolled condition;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 5, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a watercraft entering upon the support device as the watercraft enters or leaves the water;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 5, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the watercraft being supported by the support device between the water and the land;

[0024] FIG. 9 is another perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 5, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the watercraft being supported by the support device between the water and the land;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a top plan view illustrating still another embodiment of the inflating watercraft support device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 11 is an elevational side view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device of FIG. 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a top plan view illustrating still yet another embodiment of the inflating watercraft support device, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 14 is an elevational side view illustrating the inflating watercraft support device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a sand cleat for inhibiting movement of the support device on a shore or beach; and

[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a sand cleat pocket and an insertable sand cleat, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0031] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] In general, the present invention is an air bag for marine application. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, the present invention is an inflating watercraft support device, indicated generally at 10, for supporting a watercraft 12 on the land 14 (see FIGS. 4 and 9) adjacent the water 16 or directly upon the water 16. The support device 10 is compact and storable, in an uninflated condition (see FIGS. 3 and 6). The support device 10 is lightweight and easily movable even after the support device 10 has been inflated and can be used for emergency situations, storage of watercraft, towing or transporting watercraft, repair, support of damaged craft, or for protection of watercraft.

[0033] The support device 10 of the present invention is suited and designed for use on any type of watercraft 12. The watercraft 12 can be any type of watercraft including, but not limited to, pleasure boats, commercial ships, military ships, cruise ships, power boats, row boats, canoes, life boats, rafts, pontoon boats, ski boats, jet skis, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the support device 10 can be used for other uses besides supporting a watercraft 12 upon the land or the water when no dock or other mooring facility or structure is available. For instance, the support device 10 can be used to tow a watercraft 12 either on the land 14, water 16, ice, snow, etc. The support device 10 can also be used to tow supplies, if desires. Also, the support device 10 is perfectly suited for use in rescue operations on water 16 and ice. An injured person can be easily moved onto the support device 10 from the water 16, the snow, or the ice with minimal compromising of the injured person. In fact, a standard emergency rescue backboard can be easily received and secured within the support device 10.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the support device 10 of the present invention includes a first support bladder 20 having a first side edge 22, a second side edge 24, a front edge 26, and a rear edge 28 and a second support bladder 30 having a first side edge 32, a second side edge 34, a front edge 36, and a rear edge 38. Preferably, the size and shape of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 are identical to each other thereby maintaining the watercraft 12 in a substantially level position upon inflation of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to construct the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 in different and various sizes and/or shapes depending on the desires of the user.

[0036] The first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 preferably include a taper from the front edge 26, 36 to the rear edge 28, 38. The tapering of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 allows a watercraft 12 to more easily dock or moor upon the support device 10 and then to launch again.

[0037] The first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 are preferably constructed from a substantially puncture-resistant material which is tough and durable and have sufficient strength to support the watercraft 12 either on the water 16, on the land 14, or between the water 16 and the land 14. It is within the scope of the present invention in all embodiments described herein, however, to construct the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 from other materials or to construct the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 with an inflatable tube surrounded by the puncture-resistant material. Single or multiple layers of material can be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Further, the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 can have an inner inflatable bladder (not shown) and an outer puncture-resistant skin covering the inflatable bladder. In fact, the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 can have multiple inner inflatable bladders covered by an outer puncture-resistant skin.

[0039] In addition, the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 of the support device 10 can have a rough surface or a smooth surface or both. The texture of the surface of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 allows the support device 10 to move easier on the land 14, water 16, ice, snow, etc., or to be more resistant to moving, depending on the desires of the user.

[0040] The support device 10 further includes a first edge material 40 extending around the perimeter of the first support bladder 20 and a second edge material 42 extending around the perimeter of the second support bladder 30. The first edge material 40 and the second edge material 42 are preferably formed with and/or secured to the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30, respectively, during manufacture of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30, or by stitching, welding, gluing, or other means.

[0041] The first edge material 40 and the second edge material 42 have a pair of ear portions 44 formed along the first side edges 22, 32 of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30, respectively. Each ear portion 44 includes an aperture 46 reinforced by a grommet or the like for receiving a tie line 48. A stake 50 can be secured to each tie line 48 to anchor the support device 10 to the land 14.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the stake 50 can be replaced with another anchoring system (not shown) including, but not limited to, a bag or other container tied or secured to the apertures 46, the D-rings 64, or with straps to the support device 10. The bag can be filled with rocks, dirt, etc., to anchor the support device 10 in a desired position. Once the boat operator wishes to move the support device 10, the fill material can be removed from the bag or the rope or strap can be disengaged.

[0043] In addition, the first edge material 40 and the second edge material 42 have a plurality of aligned apertures or slots 52 spaced along the second side edges 24, 34 of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30, respectively, for receiving a strap 54. In the preferred embodiment, the support device 10 includes two adjusting straps 54 with adjustable lengths. The adjustable straps 54 maintain the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 at a desired various spacing from each other with the front edge 26 of the first support bladder contacting the front edge 36 the second support bladder 30 when the support device 10 is deployed and inflated.

[0044] The support device 10 of the present invention includes a swivel 56 between the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder formed in the first edge material 40 and the second edge material 42 adjacent the front edges 26, 36 to secure the first support bladder 20 to the second support bladder 30. Preferably, the swivel comprises an aperture reinforced by a grommet and a pin mechanism to maintain the first support bladder 20 to the second support bladder 30.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the adjusting strap 54 can be any type of strap which is capable of adjusting the spacing between the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30. For instance, the adjustable strap 54 can include a buckle mechanism, VELCRO, etc., which allows lengthening or reducing the distance between the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30. It should be noted, however, that the strap could be non-adjusting and have only a fixed length, or even replaced with one or more inflatable tubes or supports.

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-12, the support device 10 includes the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 being joined together to form one support bladder and sized and shaped for receiving a typical size personal watercraft and supporting the entire personal watercraft on the land or water. It should be noted that, however, the support device 10 can be any length or width.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 13, in addition to being connected by a swivel 56, the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 can be joined together by welding or stitching. Joining the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 by the swivel 56 or by welding or stitching, provides a substantially V-shape and allowing the width between the rear edges 28, 38 to be adjusted depending on the size of the watercraft 12 and/or the desires of the user.

[0048] Once again, the straps 54 are adjustable maintaining the proper and desired spacing. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13, the support device 10 can include a permanent or removable floor 60 secured to the support bladder by stitching, welding, or other means. Even with the floor 60, the proper and desired spacing can be maintained by choosing the appropriate width floor 60.

[0049] In this embodiment of the present invention, only the rear edges 28, 38 of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 are tapered. Once again, the tapering of the rear edges 28, 38 allows easier entry and removal of a personal ski watercraft from the support device.

[0050] The first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 of the support device 10 of all embodiments of the present invention can be inflated with air or other gases through known means including automatic and manual pumps. The gas can be stored in a portable tank or permanent tank which are storable on the watercraft 12 or on the land 14 are within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 of the support device 10 of the present invention are folded into a substantially spiral configuration to fit within a smaller space. The first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 can be configured in a round spiral wound or a flat spiral wound. Winding the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 in a flat spiral wound allows the support device 10 to have a lower profile and fit within a smaller container or space.

[0052] It should be noted that the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 has been described and illustrated herein as being wound in a substantially spiral configuration. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to store the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 in any configuration including, but not limited to, a substantially overlaying, serpentine manner or folded.

[0053] Handles 62 can be mounted on the support device 10 to allow for easier maneuverability of the support device on the land 14, water 16, ice, snow, etc. D-rings 64 can also be provided to allow any watercraft 12 or gear upon the support device 12 to be tied down with straps or the like, or a cover (not shown) to be secured. In addition, fill valves 76 allow for easy inflation of the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30.

[0054] The operation of the support device 10 of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the operation of the support device 10 described herein is only one manner of operation and other manners of operation are within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, as the watercraft 12 sits offshore, the user inflates the support device 10 at a desired location such as with at least a portion of the support device 10 resting in the water 16 and the remaining portion positioned on the land 14, the entire support device resting on land 14, and or the support device 10 being upon the water 16, ice, snow, etc. Preferably, the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 are tapered to allow easy placement and removal of the watercraft 12 upon and from the support device 10. The watercraft 12 can then be maneuvered upon the support device 10 for safe and effective docking of the watercraft 12, storage of watercraft 12 on land, water, or both, or for towing the watercraft 12.

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13, the first support bladder 20 and the second support bladder 30 can have a pitched nose 78. By pitching the nose 78 in a manner as illustrated and described, the support device 10 better receives the watercraft 12 and inhibits the watercraft 12 from traveling off the front of the support device 10. In addition, the pitched nose 78 allows for easier towing of the watercraft 12 on the land and on the water.

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the support device 10 of the present invention includes a sand cleat pocket 72 and a sand cleat 74 insertable into the sand cleat pocket 72. When inserted into the sand cleat pocket 72, the sand cleat 74 inhibits movement of the support device 10 relative to the land when the user attempts to load the watercraft 12 onto the support device 10. The sand cleat 74 digs into the ground as the watercraft 12 begins and completes the loading process.

[0058] The support device 10 of the present invention provides a temporary docking system for the watercraft, a tow vehicle for towing watercraft 12 on the land 14, water 16, ice, snow, etc., and/or a rescue/transport device. The support device 10 is lightweight, even after deployment, and can be easily deflated and stored upon the watercraft 12 after the watercraft 12 has been has reentered the water 16. In fact, the support device 10 is flexible, durable, portable, adaptable, lightweight, and compact.

[0059] The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

Claims

No land or water

1. An inflatable watercraft support device for supporting a watercraft, the support device comprising: a first support bladder having a first end and a second end; a second support bladder having a first end and a second end; and connecting means for connecting the first end of the first support bladder to the first end of the second support bladder.

2. The support device of claim 1 wherein the first end of the first support bladder and the first end of the second support bladder are angled in a generally upward direction relative to the second end of the first support bladder and the second end of the second support bladder.

3. The support device of claim 1 wherein the second end of the first support bladder and the second end of the second support bladder are sloped in a generally downward direction.

4. The support device of claim 1 wherein the first support bladder and the second support bladder tapers downward from the first end to the second end.

5. The support device of claim 1 wherein the connecting means is a swivel device, the swivel device having an aperture formed in the first support bladder and the second support bladder and a pin mechanism insertable into the aperture.

6. The support device of claim 1 wherein the connecting means is a fixed securement device selected from the group consisting of welding and threads.

7. The support device of claim 1 wherein the first support bladder and the second support bladder are fluidly connected to each other.

8. The support device of claim 1 and further comprising: adjusting means between the first support bladder and the second support bladder for adjusting and releasably maintaining the spacing between the second end of the first support bladder and the second end of the second support bladder.

9. The support device of claim 8 wherein the adjusting means is at least one adjustable strap extending between the first support bladder and the second support bladder.

10. The support device of claim 1, and further comprising: a floor between the first support bladder and the second support bladder.

11. The support device of claim 10, and further comprising: lacing between the floor and the first support bladder and the second support bladder.

12. The support device of claim 1, and further comprising: at least one stake-down aperture along the first support bladder.

13. The support device of claim 12, and further comprising: at least one stake-down aperture along the second support bladder.

14. The support device of claim 1, and further comprising: at least one handle on the first support device.

15. The support device of claim 14, and further comprising: at least one handle on the second support device.

16. The support device of claim 1, and further comprising: a first fill valve in the first support bladder; and a second fill valve in the second bladder.

17. The support device of claim 1, and further comprising: first inhibiting means associated with the first support bladder for maintaining the position of the first support bladder when positioned upon land, ice, or snow.

18. The support device of claim 17, and further comprising: second inhibiting means associated with the second support bladder for maintaining the position of the second support bladder when positioned upon the land, ice, or snow.

19. An apparatus for docking and towing a watercraft, the apparatus comprising: a first bladder having a first end and a second end; a second bladder having a first end and a second end; connecting means for connecting the first end of the first bladder to the first end of the second bladder; and sheet material connected between the first bladder and the second bladder; wherein the first bladder and the second bladder have a substantially V-shaped configuration.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the sheet material has a substantially triangular configuration.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the sheet material is secured between the first bladder and the second bladder by lacing.

22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first end of the first bladder and the first end of the second bladder are angled in a generally upward direction relative to the second end of the first bladder and the second end of the second bladder.

23. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the second end of the first bladder and the second end of the second bladder are sloped in a generally downward direction.

24. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the connecting means is a fixed securement device selected from the group consisting of welding and threads.

25. The apparatus of claim 19, and further comprising: at least one stake-down aperture along the first bladder.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, and further comprising: at least one stake-down aperture along the second bladder.

27. The apparatus of claim 19, and further comprising: at least one handle on the first bladder.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, and further comprising: at least one handle on the second bladder.

29. The apparatus of claim 19, and further comprising: a first fill valve in the first bladder; and a second fill valve in the second bladder.

30. The apparatus of claim 19, and further comprising: first inhibiting means associated with the first bladder for maintaining the position of the first bladder when positioned upon land, snow, or ice.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, and further comprising: second inhibiting means associated with the second bladder for maintaining the position of the second bladder when positioned upon land, snow or ice.

32. A method for docking and towing a watercraft, the method comprising: providing a first support bladder and a second support bladder; connecting the first support bladder to the second support bladder creating a support device; positioning the support device; and maneuvering the watercraft onto the support device.

33. The method of claim 32, and further comprising: adjusting the spacing between the first support bladder and the second support bladder.

34. The method of claim 32, and further comprising: angling an end of the support device in a generally upward direction.

35. The method of claim 32, and further comprising: sloping an end of support device in a generally downward direction.

36. The method of claim 32, and further comprising: securing a floor between the first support bladder and the second support bladder.

37. The method of claim 32, and further comprising: securing the support device to land, snow, or ice.

38. The method of claim 32, and further comprising: pulling the support device along water or ice.

39. The method of claim 32, and further comprising: inhibiting movement of the support device when positioned upon land, snow, or ice.