BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of boat storage. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrically and mechanically powered apparatus for lifting/hoisting a boat out of a body of water and providing storage for the boat in a boat slip
B. Background/Discussion of Related Art
FIG. 1 depicts a typical “sling” system for lifting a boat out of the water for storage. The slings are first lowered into the water. The boat then pulls into the dock slip, over the slings. Finally, the slings are raised via electrical motors and mechanical winches.
These “sling” systems have two inherent problems. First, as the boat pulls into the slip the slings have a tendency to separate providing uneven distribution of the boats weight. Second, the slings tend to twist, causing wear spots on the boat's hull.
One solution is to cables between the slings and above the boat's gunwales as seen in FIG. 2. While this partially addresses the separation issue, it does not address the twisting issue. Additionally, these cables make ingress and egress of the boat difficult and can cause serious injuries.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention presupposes a strap mounted to the slings as shown in FIG. 3. The design at each end of the strap will hold to the center of the slings due to weights placed at the center of the strap. This strap controls the separation of the slings as well prohibiting the slings from twisting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1—This figure depicts a typical sling type boat lift/hoist. The slings are lowered, via an electric and mechanical drive system, into the water, sufficient for the boat to enter the boat slip over the slings. Once the boat is positioned over the slings, the slings are raised via the same electrical and mechanical system, until the boat is out of the water. Note that the slings have a twist in them and are free to separate or converge.
FIG. 2—This figure depicts the current practice to control the separation of the slings. A separating cable is attached to the lifting cables via cable clamps. Note that the separating cable will limit the amount of separation but will not prevent the slings from converging. They also will not prevent the slings from twisting.
FIG. 3—This figure depicts one version of this invention (the Sling Thang) installed on the slings of a commercial boat slip. There are multiple configurations of the Sling Thang, each designed to adapt to different boat hull shapes. Drawings four through six will present different configurations of the Sling Thang, adapted to different boat hull configurations. Note, the configuration of the Sling Thang is not limited to the three shown in the figures. These are the most common hull shapes.
FIG. 4—This figure depicts the Sling Thang configured for a V-Hull boat. The crossing straps are used the distribute the weight of the boat over the hull verses concentrating it on the keel.
FIG. 5—This figure depicts the Sling Thang configured for pontoon and tunnel type boats.
FIG. 6—This figure depicts the Sling Thang configured for multi-hull type boats.
FIG. 7—This figure depicts the jig is where the material is laid out and precut for the Sling Thang device. This provides square and precisely aligned components for each and every build of the Sling Thang.
FIG. 8—This figure depicts the figure where the precut components are assembled and precisely glued together prior to being sewn.
FIG. 9—This figure depicts the heavy duty, industrial sewing machine used to sew all of the previous glued components together. Zig-zag and diamond shaped patterns are used, hence providing an extremely durable Sling Thang.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
We developed a system of processing for the manufacturing of the Sling Thang. We measure and cut each piece in an order of sequence to be laid out and glued on a jig. (See FIG. 7). The word Sling Thang will subsequently be referred to as Sling Device or Strap.
The jig is where we layout the precut material for the sling device. This allows us to glue the parts prior to sewing the straps, making them square and precise on each and every build. (See FIG. 8)
The strap is then taken over to the sewing tables where they are sewn together with heavy duty industrial sewing machines. The industrial thread, also water resistant and UV coated, with zig-zag and diamond shape patterns to increase the longevity. (See FIG. 9)
Patent Application
20240317362
