| 1. | An apparatus for ready removal of a boat or the like from a trailer or the like carrier and/or storage means therefor, said apparatus including means which is selectively movable into and out of engagement with the hull of said boat or the like whereby to exert a lifting and pushing action on at least a forward end of said boat, such that the hull of the boat is disposed at an angle to the plane of the trailer, thereby to allow the weight of the thus lifted and tilted boat to act to move said boat backwards off said trailer. |
| 2. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lifting means is in the form of an elongate member, selectively pivotally movable into and out of engagement with the hull of a boat which is resident on said trailer or the like carrier. |
| 3. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said elongate member is adapted to be pivotally mounted, at one end thereof, on and relative to a retention post assembly which is, in turn, adapted to be releasably or fixedly mounted to said hitch support member of said trailer or the like carrier. |
| 4. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said elongate member includes at least one roller or the like load supporting means, disposed intermediate said one end thereof, being that end which is pivotably mounted on and relative to the retention post assembly, and the other, free end of said elongate member. |
| 5. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said elongate lifting member includes, at the free end thereof remote from said retention post assembly, at least one further roller or the like load supporting means. |
| 6. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said retention post assembly is in the form of a shaped member adapted to be mounted on or to said hitch support member and to extend substantially normally thereto, the arrangement being such that said elongate member may be selectively pivotally attached thereto at a number of different locations spaced apart along the height dimension thereof. |
| 7. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elongate lifting member is adapted, in use, to be preferably releasably connectable to a lifting means or winch of said trailer or the like carrier, via a cable or the like wherein said lifting means or winch is adapted to be associated with said hitch support member. |
| 8. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said retention post assembly is adapted, in use, to the releasably affixable to said hitch support member. |
| 9. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said retention post assembly includes: a substantially Cshaped (when view in end elevation) elongate member which is adapted, in use, to be affixed to a beam or the like member making up the hitch support member of said trailer or the like carrier; a substantially flat, elongate plate member having a pair of opposed spaced apart lugs extending substantially normally therefrom, each said lug having an aperture extending therethrough in a direction laterally of said plate member; and a fixing member adapted to be affixable to both said plate member and said Cshaped member, said fixing member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and spaced apart in the height dimension thereof. |
| 10. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said Cshaped elongate member includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures in the longitudinal direction thereof, and wherein said flat plate member includes at least one aperture or slot at or in the vicinity of one free end thereof and spaced from said lugs, said at least one aperture or slot being adapted, in use, to receive and releasably retain a lug or the like projection extending downwardly from the lower most edge of said fixing member, the arrangement being such that, in use, said lug or the like projection extends through said aperture or slot of said flat plate and a selected one of said apertures of said Cshaped member whereby to locate the post assembly at a predetermined position on said hitch support member. |
| 11. | The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said trailer or the like carrier includes a main frame or chassis comprised of a plurality of interconnected laterally and longitudinally disposed members, a hitch support member extending in a forward direction thereof and having a winch or the like lifting means associated therewith, and a plurality of groundengaging members. |
| 12. | A method for the removal of a boat or the like from a trailer of the like storage/cartage means therefor, wherein the forward end of said boat or the like is moved progressively out of engagement with the trailer, to be disposed at an angle to the horizontal plane of said trailer, such that the weight of the boat itself acts to cause the boat to exit from the trailer. |
| 13. | The method as claimed in claim 12, using the apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. |
| 14. | A kit of parts for attachment to a trailer or the like carrier means for a boat, including: a retention assembly adapted to be affixed, releasably or otherwise, to a frame member of said trailer or the like carrier; and a shaped elongate member having at least one load supporting means mounted for rotation thereon, said shaped member being adapted to be pivotably connectable to said retention assembly. |
| 15. | The kit as claimed in claim 14, wherein said elongate member includes at least one roller or the like load supporting means, disposed substantially intermediate of the ends thereof. |
| 16. | The kit as claimed in claim 15, wherein said elongate lifting member includes, at one free end thereof, at least one further roller or the like load supporting means. |
| 17. | The kit as claimed in claim 16, wherein said retention assembly is in the form of a shaped member adapted to be mounted on or to said hitch support member and to extend substantially normally thereto, the arrangement being such that said elongate member may be selectively pivotally attached thereto at a number of different locations spaced apart along the height dimension thereof. |
| 18. | The kit as claimed in claim 17, wherein said elongate lifting member is adapted, in use, to be preferably releasably connectable to a lifting means or winch of said trailer or the like carrier, via a cable or the like, wherein said lifting means or winch is adapted to be associated with a hitch support member of said trailer. |
| 19. | The kit as claimed in claim 18, wherein said retention assembly is adapted, in use, to the releasably affixable to said hitch support member. |
| 20. | The kit as claimed in claim 19, wherein said retention assembly includes: a substantially Cshaped (when view in end elevation) elongate member which is adapted, in use, to be affixed to a beam or the like member making up the hitch support member of said trailer or the like carrier; a substantially flat, elongate plate member having a pair of opposed spaced apart lugs extending substantially normally therefrom, each said lug having an aperture extending therethrough in a direction laterally of said plate member; and a fixing member adapted to be affixable to both said plate member and said Cshaped member, said fixing member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and spaced apart in the height dimension thereof. |
| 21. | The kit as claimed in claim 20, wherein said Cshaped elongate member includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures in the longitudinal direction thereof, and wherein said flat plate member includes at least one aperture or slot at or in the vicinity of one free end thereof and spaced from said lugs, said at least one aperture or slot being adapted, in use, to receive and releasably retain a lug or the like projection extending downwardly from the lower most edge of said fixing member, the arrangement being such that, in use, said lug or the like projection extends through said aperture or slot of said flat plate and a selected one of said apertures of said Cshaped member whereby to locate the post assembly at a predetermined position on said hitch support member. |
Whilst, in the ensuing description, reference is made to use of the method and apparatus on or with a boat or the like vessel, the invention is not to be considered to be restricted to such a context of use.
Prior Art Boating and associated pastimes, such as water-skiing, fishing, etc, are extremely popular forms of relaxation and/or exercise these days. The number of people who either own, or have access to, a boat is ever on the increase. The present invention is particularly directed to use by those people who need to, or prefer to, keep their boats out of the water when not in actual use, in fact being stored when not in use at a location which can be quite far removed from the water (the ocean, a lake, a river, etc). Such people require means, generally in the form of a trailer, to store the boat when not in use and to transport that boat to and from the intended locale of use. Once at the intended locale of use there is a need, first of all, for the boat to be taken off the trailer and placed into the water and, later on, for that boat to be removed from the water for placement back on the trailer.
Trailers in accordance with the known art intended for such purpose, by their very nature, have not lent themselves to making the task of removal from and replacement of a boat relative to the trailer readily achievable. This is
especially the case insofar as the procedure of removal of a boat from a trailer to the water is concerned. The very bulk, weight and size of any such boat can mean that the task of removal thereof from a trailer is rather onerous, necessitating a certain amount of acquired skill and practice, and more often than not the services of more than one person and the application of a significant degree of actual physical strength in order to achieve the desired result.
The present invention seeks to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art by providing a method and apparatus which allow for ready removal of a boat or the like craft from a trailer or support means therefor, as well as ready replacement of a boat on such a trailer or the like as and when desired. The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention require a minimal amount of skill, past experience and/or physical strength to achieve the desired result, and can be used successfully even by a single person. In fact, in accordance with the method and apparatus of the present invention even a child would be able to achieve removal of a boat from a trailer as and when desired.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for ready removal of a boat or the like from a trailer or the like carrier and/or storage means therefor, said apparatus including means which is selectively movable into and out of engagement with the hull of said boat or the like whereby to exert a lifting and pushing action on at least a forward end of said boat, such that the hull of the boat is disposed at an angle to the plane of the trailer, thereby to allow the weight of the thus lifted and tilted boat to act to move said boat backwards off said trailer.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the removal of a boat or the like from a trailer or the like storage/cartage means therefor, wherein the forward end of said boat or the like is moved progressively out of engagement with the trailer, to be disposed at an angle to
the horizontal axis of said trailer, such that the weight of the boat acts to cause the boat to exit from the trailer.
Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to especially preferred embodiments of the present invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein : FIG. 1 is a partial side-elevational view of a trailer in accordance with the present invention, having a boat disposed thereon, when that boat is in its storage or transport position relative to the trailer itself ; FIGS. 2,3 and 4 are views, similar to FIG. 1, of succeeding stages in the process of removal of a boat from a trailer in accordance with the present invention; FIG 5 is a view from above of a trailer in accordance with the present invention, taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a view, similar to FIG. 1, of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention, to be associated with a trailer, to assist in removal of a boat therefrom; FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention adapted to be mounted on a tailer and to releasably receive an apparatus for assisting in removal of a boat from that trailer; and FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
Description of Preferred Embodiment Throughout the ensuing description reference will be made to especially preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein the apparatus allowing for ready removal of a boat from a trailer is in fact incorporated with or associated with the trailer during construction thereof. It should be realised, however, that the present applicant's arrangement is not to be considered to be restricted solely to that especially preferred embodiment. Indeed, the apparatus in accordance with the present invention could equally well be made available in kit form, capable of being attached to or associated with an existing trailer in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, by the owner of that trailer, by a handyman or the like.
The apparatus in accordance with the present invention is suitable for use on, or with, any existing type of trailer for boats. Trailers of this general type may include a frame or chassis, preferably made up from a plurality of interconnected laterally and longitudinally disposed members, in the form of metal beams or the like. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the frame or chassis will be made up of opposed, spaced-apart, shaped longitudinal frame members 1 which define the outermost extremities-in the width or lateral direction-of the overall trailer (not shown). At the forward end of the trailer the opposed frame members 1 converge. Extending forwardly from said point of convergence may be a further member 2 (again in the form of a metal beam of any suitable cross-section), such forming a tongue, extension or hitch support member 2 which includes means-of any known type-allowing for attachment of the overall trailer to a towing vehicle.
The trailer will also include, disposed at appropriate positions across the width dimension thereof and affixed thereto in any known manner and using any suitable means, fixed structures 3 each in the form of an elongate member including a plurality of rollers 4 associated therewith and disposed at spaced- apart positions along the length thereof. Such rollers 4 constitute load-bearing means for supporting the boat on the trailer. Preferably the rollers 4 may be
formed from a substance which neither physically damages nor in any way marks the hull of any boat located on the trailer.
In an alternative arrangement, not shown, the trailer may include runners extending longitudinally thereof, such supporting the hull of the boat once that boat is located on the trailer. In yet another embodiment, again not shown, opposed pairs of bunk elements may be provided to support the boat hull. It should be realised, however, that whatever means are employed to provide support for the hull on the trailer are not of the essence of the invention.
A winch stand 5, with associated lever-actuated winch 6 and cable 7, is mounted (fixedly or removably) to the forwardly-extending portion of the frame member or hitch support 2. In the preferred embodiment illustrated such winch stand 5 may be mounted using one or more brackets or sleeves 8 and associated fixing means, as for example bolts and nuts 9a, 9b, mounted to the hitch support member 2.
The hitch support member 2 also has associated therewith, and either fixedly (as by welding) or removably mounted thereon, apparatus in accordance with the invention which serves to facilitate unloading and loading of a boat from and back onto the trailer. Such apparatus includes a shaped member 10, which in use is co-operable with a stand or retention assembly, generally designated 20, in a manner to be described in more detail hereinafter. The member 10 is formed from opposed, spaced apart arm members or lifting arm, 10a, lOb, interconnected by means of a plurality of pins or the like members l Oc extending therebetween (see FIG. 10 in particular). The shaped member 10 is in pivotal connection with the retention assembly 20, in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, so that the member 10 is capable of pivotal movement relative to the retention assembly 20. The member 10 has a hook, eye or the like means 11 associated therewith, to receive and retain a hook or the like 12 attached to an end of the winch cable 7 extending from the winch 6 disposed on the winch stand 5.
The member 10 has at least one, and preferably at least two, rollers or the like 13,14 associated therewith and rotatably affixed thereto (in any known manner). Preferably each roller 13,14 will be mounted for rotation on a tube or tubular element adapted to extend laterally of the member 10, between the arms 10a, l Ob, and may be secured thereto in any known manner and using any known means, as for example a bolt, locknut or the like. In the preferred embodiment illustrated one of said rollers 13 is mounted for rotation at or in the vicinity of a free end of the member 10, being that end remote from the retention assembly 20, with the second roller 14 being mounted approximately midway along the length of the member 10. In use at least one of these rollers 13,14 is intended to be in contact with the hull of the boat (as explained hereinafter in more detail).
With particular reference now to FIGS. 5 to 9, the retention member 20 is shown therein associated with the hitch support member 2. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 the retention assembly 20 includes a substantially C-shaped member 21 which is adapted, in use, to be affixed to the hitch support member 2 in any known manner and using any known means.
Assembly 20 further includes a flat plate 22 having a plurality of spaced-apart upwardly extending lugs 23 thereon, and a fixing member 24 which is adapted, in use, to receive and releasably and rotatably or pivotably retain the movable member 10. The C-shaped member 21 may be affixed to the hitch support member 2 in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, as for example by welding as shown in FIG. 8 or, in an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, by means of one or more bolts or the like locking elements 25, to be located in the appropriate one (s) of spaced-apart apertures 26 provided in along and the length dimension of the C-shaped member 21. Interconnection between fixing member 24, plate 22 and C-shaped member 21 is then achieved by locating the fixing member 24 between the lugs 23 on plate 22, such that a projection 27 extending downwardly from one end of fixing member 24 is located within an elongate slot 28 of plate 22, and then within one of the
apertures 26 of C-shaped member 21. The fixing member 24 can then be locked in position relative to plate 22 by means of a bolt or the like 29 adapted to be disposed through opposed apertures 30 provided in the lugs 23 and one of a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 31 provided in the fixing member 24.
With reference now to the alternative embodiment of FIG. 10, therein the retention assembly, which is adapted in use to be affixed, preferably releasably and in any known manner, to a hitch support member 2 of a trailer, includes, as a first component, an elongate member 121 of a substantial C-shape when viewed in end elevation, made up from a base member 122 and opposed side members 123,124 extending substantially normally thereto and upwardly therefrom. At each end of the elongate member 121 there is provided an extension 125 having opposed and spaced-apart slots 126 therein, such slots 126 being intended for purposes of affixing the base member 122 to the hitch support member 2, by means of bolts and nuts or the like releasable fixing means. Extending at least part way along the length dimension of each of the side members 123,124 is an elongate slot 127.
The retention assembly further includes, as a second member, an adjuster body 130 made up from a base member 131 and opposed side arm members 132 and 133, the overall adjuster body 130 being adapted, in use, to be locatable on the base member 122 and to be releasably and selectively affixable thereto at a number of discrete positions along the length dimension thereof. Both base members 121 and 131 have a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 128 and 134 therein, each adapted, in use, to have a suitable fixing means, as for example a bolt and associated, locatable therewithin. In the preferred embodiment shown the opposed slots 127 in the side members 123,124 of the elongate member 122 also assist in fixing the adjuster body 130 in a desired position relative to the member 120.
As shown a shaped member 10, with associated rollers 13 and 14, is then pivotably connected to the arm members 132,133 of adjuster body 130. Each
arm member 132,133 includes a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 135 to allow for adjustment of the relative positioning of member 10 and adjuster body 130, to suit different use requirements.
The apparatus in accordance with the present invention functions as described hereinafter.
When in its travelling or storage position, a boat will be disposed on a trailer as shown for example in FIG. 1, with the shaped member 10 not in any way in contact with the hull of the boat itself. When it is desired to launch the boat, a series of steps are followed as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. The winch 6 is operated, by means of its associated lever, to such an extent that shaped member 10 is firstly brought into the position shown in FIG. 2, wherein initially the roller 14, and ultimately both rollers 13 and 14, are brought into contact with the hull. In more practical terms the roller 14 firstly comes into contact with what is termed the dead rise of the full, which basically is constituted by that region of the overall hull existing between the upwardly extending or curved bow portion and the substantially flat or level keel portion (as mounted on the trailer). As the winch 6 is operated, interaction between roller 14 and the aforementioned dead use of the boat will meant that the boat hull will tend to be lifted up, off the plane of the trailer. With continued operation of the winch 6, there will be a tendency for the roller 14 to follow the lead rise of the hull.
This will mean that, especially up until such time as the roller 13 comes into physical contact with the hull (see FIG. 2), the interaction of winch, roller 14 and dead rise of the overall hull will give rise to a lifting of the hull off the trailer, as will as a pushing of the hull towards the rear if the trailer. Further operation of the winch (either by hand or other means) puts tension on the winch cable 7, which in turn results in the shaped member 10 rotating in an anti-clockwise direction relative to the retention assembly 20. This results in progressive lifting of the boat hull on that member 10, through the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in turn lifting at least the front end of the boat yet further off the rollers 4. With further lifting of the front end of the boat, as the
member 10 is rotated further, eventually a stage will be reached wherein the boat is disposed at such an angle to the trailer that its very weight will be responsible for overcoming any frictional forces, resulting in the boat sliding off the trailer and into the water. In other words, therefore the roller 14 initially serves to lift and push the boat, under winching, until such time as the other roller 13 also comes into contact with the hull (see FIG. 2). As winching continues (see FIGS. 3 and 4), the roller 14 moves out of contact with the hull, with the roller 13 then in affect supporting the weight of at least the front end of the boat, with the overall boat then being disposed at such an angle to the plane of the trailer as to allow it to in effect fall or drop off backwards therefrom. There will also be a tendency for the other roller 13, once in contact with the boat hull, to both lift and push the hull.
The shaped member 10, with its lifting/pulling effect, is responsible for an important mechanical advantage, when compared with the conventional prior art arrangements.
The assembly of shaped member 10, with associated rollers 13,14, and retention assembly 20 is preferably releasably associated with the hitch support 2. If, after the shaped member 10 has been extended to the position shown in FIG. 4 without any resultant movement of the thus tilted boat, then in accordance with the invention it will be possible to then lower that member 10, via the winch chain, release the retention assembly 20 from its connection with the hitch support member 2, and then physically move that retention assembly 20 in a backwards/rearwards direction along the hitch support member 2, to be then affixed in that new position. The procedure of rotating the shaped member 10 into contact with the hull of the boat can then be repeated until such time as the boat itself is tilted sufficiently, relative to the plane of the trailer, as to start to move off the back of the trailer under the influence of its own weight.
As to retention assembly 20, such is constructed and configured to cater for the fact that the dead rise, or more particularly the shape/inclination thereof, can change quite markedly from one boat to another. As shown the fixing member 24, of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 9, and the opposed side arm members 132 and 133 of the embodiment of FIG. 10, have a plurality of spaced apart apertures 31 and 135 respectively therein. These spaced-apart apertures 31 and 135 allow for the requisite leverage, and associated lifting and pushing effect, to be achieved regardless of the shape, and inherent dead rise, of the boat involved. The operator chooses which aperture (s) will be the point of attachment of the member 10 whereby to maximise the effectiveness of operation of the present applicant's arrangement.
Since it is the actual weight of the boat itself, once the front end thereof is lifted off the rollers 4, which causes backward movement of the boat on the trailer, no further force is then necessary to achieve off-loading of the boat.
The present applicant's arrangement is intended to be either (i) installed on a trailer (of any given type) when that trailer is actually under construction, or (ii) available in kit form to be installed on an existing trailer. This then means that all owners of boat trailers, whether old or new, can avail themselves of this extremely useful and easily operated method and apparatus. When in kit form, for installation on an existing trailer, such kit is made up of the various members of the retention assembly referred to earlier, the shaped member 10 with associated rollers, and appropriate fixing means.
Finally, it should be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which as to be determined from the following claims.
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