DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

This invention primarily relates to the field of boat docks, and, more particularly, to docking systems of boats supported at least in part by a pressurized air cushion located on the underside of the vessel. These vessels, exemplified by Applicant's Air Ride Boat Hull inventions, raise in the water when the air cushion is pressurized. The present invention utilizes that feature in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, although the same is also applicable to conventional boats.

Background of the Invention

Previous docking systems include pier and seawall type docks that require substantial expertise on the -part of the helmsman to come alongside in varying cur¬ rent and wind conditions and also normally require tying up dock lines and the like. Usually a gangplank must then be put into place to allow transfer of pas¬ sengers and cargo between the boat and the dock. There have been some attempts to improve upon this by incorporating a gangplank into the dock design that lowers onto the boat deck after the boat is secure in its moorings. There have also been efforts to incor¬ porate the gangplank into the boat design for lowering onto the dock or shoreline as was done with old river- boat steamers. In any event, skilled helmsmen, dock lines and deckhands, and special gangplanks are nor¬ mally required.

Prior art docking systems are constrained by con¬ ventional boat design which lacked the capability to control raising or lowering of the boat adjacent to the dock. The preferred embodiment of the present invention was made possible by the advent of air lift boat designs, including the Air Ride Boat Hull inven¬ tions of Applicant, the Surface Effect Ship (SES) , and Hovercraft which raise significantly when their under¬ side air chamber is pressurized with air supplied by an on-board blower.

In its preferred embodiment, the present inven¬ tion utilizes attachment arms that settle onto the dock as blower power is reduced on air lift vessels. This also secures the boat at the dock, eliminating handling of dock lines. In most applications, the attachment arms also serve as gangplanks. This pre¬ sents a very low cost and practical approach to a problem which boat owners have come to accept as lack¬ ing a solution, because they have learned to live with the prior art cumbe-some, time consuming, and hazardous methods of docking.

While the aforementioned air lift boat designs have rigid sidehulls or other rigid structure which normally extend the length of the boat and are water contacting at all times, restricting these vessels to marine service, it should be mentioned that there is another air supported craft to which the present tech¬ nology can be applied. The pure Ground Effect Machine (GEM) has flexible skirts or seals around its full per- iphery that actually clear the surface over which it moves, thus making the same truly amphibious. The docking systems used for GEM's are more like those used for seaplanes, since they utilize ramps that slope into the water. The GEM goes up the ramp and then

reduces blower power to settle onto a flat landing area. The docking system of the present invention is adaptable for use with GEM's where landing ramps are not available. The present invention can also be applied in an alternative embodiment to other more conventional marine vessels which lack an air lift system. A U- shaped floating dock and a movable attachment arem in combination with a mating socket track provide advan- tages for all vessels.

Summary of the Invention

With the foregoing in mind, it is a principal ob¬ ject of the present invention to provide a rapid attach- ment docking system which, when used with air lift boats, functions as the boats are lowered when their air lift systems are turned off.

A related object of the invention is to support at least a portion of the weight of the boat and its con- tents with the dock when the boat is lowered as its air lift system is turned off.

Another principal object of the invention is to provide for automatic securing of a boat into a dock without dock lines, etc. A collateral object of the invention is to incor¬ porate dock attachment arms as a part of the boat or as a part of the dock.

Another object of the invention is to offer either rigid or movable attachment arms as may be dictated by sea conditions.

One more object of the invention is the capability to use a fixed dock, as opposed to a floating dock, as a consequence of movable attachment arms.

A related principal object of the invention is that

attach ent arms can also function as gangplanks between the boat and the dock.

One more object of the invention is to provide a locking apparatus between the attachment arms and the dock to secure the boat therein.

A further object of the invention is to secure the boat when docked both in a fore-and-aft direction as well as in a side-to-side direction by locating the locking apparatus at the forward and side portions of the boat.

An object of the preferred embodiment of the lock¬ ing apparatus is to include male and female half-cylin¬ drical tracks which automatically engage as the boat is lowered. Another object of the invention is to offer an an option a wheel, skid, or other device at the free end of the attachment arm to allow maximum movement of the boat in rough seas.

An additional object of a movable attachment arm is to equip the same with a hinge design at its pivoted end which is durable and low in cost.

Another object is to offer a variation of the mov¬ able attachment arm that includes a resiliently biased loading device to maintain the attachment arm in contact with either the boat or the dock as the arrangement dic¬ tates during rougn sea operation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide power actuation to a loading device connected to the movable attachment arm to control loading between the boat and the dock.

A further object of the invention is to provide a low cost floating dock system for economical and simple manufacture at a remote location, to facilitate ease of installation with simple pilings or other locating devices.

One more object of the invention is that its eco¬ nomical design facilitates installation next to seawalls, existing docks, or close to undeveloped beaches to mini¬ mize the need for dredging or construction of special harbors or channels.

A further additional object of the invention is to furnish the foregoing objects and advantages in combin¬ ation with a dock that minimizes difficult maneuvering of a boat for docking, allowing entrance into the dock and attachment thereto without dock lines, in a matter of seconds.

Yet another object is to offer a docking system which also offers the foregoing objects and advantages with conventional boats that do not have an air lift capability.

Other objects and advantages of the present inven¬ tion will become apparant to those skilled in the art from the following descriptions and claims, and from the accompanying drawings. In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed an improved docking system to be used, in its preferred embodiment, with air lift boats such as the Air Ride Boat Hull, Surface Effect Ships, Hovercraft, Ground Effect Machine, or other such craft. All of the aforementioned craft are capable of raising or lowering at dockside by operation of onboard blower systems. As the craft is lowered, attachment arms fixed either to the craft or to the dock, come in contact with the dock or the craft as the case may be, thus securing the same in its moorings. In the preferred embodiment, the attach¬ ment arms also serve as gangplanks for loading and un¬ loading of passengers and cargo.

The dock would normally be U-shaped to conform to the boat deck line or sheer configuration so that no

special handling or maneuvering skills would be required of the helmsman. The boat would simply be headed into the open end or the U-shaped dock and powered forward slowly until it nested therein. The blower power would then be reduced or turned off allowing the boat to set¬ tle into its moorings. The procedure would be reversed when leaving. Of course, it is possible to utilize the attachment means with air lift boatw without a special U-shaped dock if desired. The dock itself is optionally a floating structure held in position by pilings that penetrate openings in the dock, in straps attached to the dock, or the like. A simple hinged ramp can be used betwen a floating dock and a seawall, or other dock, etc. It is also possible to use a fixed dock when movable attachment arms are used between the boat and the dock where tides are not a significant factor.

Although the preferred embodiment utilizes attach¬ ment means which are a fixed and substantially rigid part of the boat, it is, of course, possible to make the attachment arms part of the dock and/or to make them movable. The latter approach may be desirable for rough sea or other considerations such as are encountered in operations in open seas next to off-shore oil platforms. The connections between the boat and the dock are constructed in the form of locking apparatus. The lock¬ ing apparatus is preferably designed as mating male and female half-cylindrical tracks that not only automatic¬ ally engage to secure the boat, but also can allow ove- ment between the attachment arm and the boat or the dock if the system is designed to permit movement.

Related thereto, in another version of the present invention, the end of the attachment arm is equipped with a sliding or roller device such as a wheel to give addi- tional freedom of movement in rough seas. The latter

approach would normally be used in conjunction with a movable attachment arm with the restrained end of the attachment arm preferably connected with a hinged or ball and socket joint. When a movable attachment arm is utilized, it is preferable to employ a resiliently biased loading de¬ vice, such as a spring loaded cylinder, to maintain the attachment arm forcefully against the boat or the dock as the case may be. Biasing may also be provided by hy- draulic, pneumatic, electric or other means where vari¬ able controlled loading between the dock and the boat may be achieved.

While the materials of construction are of course optional, an economical design is obtainable with socket tracks made of extreded metal such as aluminum or stain¬ less steel, or optionally high durometer rubber-type ma¬ terials can also be used. The structure of the floating docks may be of fiberglass or fiberglass covered closed cell plastic foam. Walkways and ramps are preferably fabricated from aluminum threadplate.

To simplify docking maneuvers, it is preferable to utilize a substantially U-shaped dock. The shape of the U should conform to the shape of the boat, with the open¬ ing at the mouth being as wide as possible to facilitate entry. Flexible pads or bumpers are used in the conven¬ tional manner on the dock to protect against hull damage. An optional safety and convenience feature is to make a section of the railing on the boat into a hinged gate which acts as a guard when underway The invention will be better understood upon refer¬ ence to the following descriptions and the drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a top view of a pressurized air supported

boat in docking position in the inventive docking system, showing side and forward attachment arms which also act as gangplanks in the preferred embodiment and their se¬ curing tracks on the dock. Also shown in this figure in phantom is the front portion of the boat entering the 5 dock at an angle.

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the boat in docking position with the boat still elevated by its air cushion so that the docking attachment arms are above the dock, and thus not secured.

10 Figure 3 is a similar side elevation view of the boat in docking position with the boat lowered because the air cushion has been turned off. With the boat low¬ ered, it is secured to the dock with the attachment arms. Figure 4 is a partial transverse cross-sectional

15 view of the boat and dock in which the boat is shown ele¬ vated with its air cushion pressurized, and the floating dock is shown at its normal point of buoyancy without supporting any of the weight of the boat. The cross- sectional view is taken through one of the side attach-

20.ment arms and shows the half-cylindrical tracks on the dock and mating attachment arm prior to coupling.

Figure 5 is a similar partial transverse cross-sec¬ tional view of the boat and dock, except that the boat is shown lowered and thus secured to the dock. Also il-

25 lustrated, is the ise of the attachment arm on the boat as a gangplank and the settling of the floating dock as it bears a portion of the weight of the boat with the air cushion turned off.

Figure 6 is a partial transverse cross-sectional

30 view showing an alternative embodiment with an attachment arm or gangplank that has a movable connection with the boat to provide greater flexibility between the boat and dock during rough sea operation.

Figure 7 is a similar partial transverse cross-sec¬ tional view showing the same alternative embodiment of Figure 6, except that the boat is shown lowered with the attachment arm in contact with the dock. Figure 8 shows an axial cross-sectional view of an actuator suitable for use with the attachment arms of Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 9 is a more abbreviated but similar partial transverse cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of the boat and dock with the boat elevated and showing a substantially rigid attachment arm as a portion of the dock.

Figure 10 is a similar abbreviated partial trans¬ verse cross-sectional view of one more alternative em- bodiment of the boat and dock showing the boat elevated and having a movable attachment arm permanently affixed to the dock.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the inventive docking system illustrating how the same facilitates minimal environmental impact by remote location from a beach, thus eliminating harbors or channels under appro¬ priate circumstances.

Detailed Description With reference to each of the aforementioned figures in turn, and using like numerals to designate similar parts throughout the several views, a preferred embodiment and several alternative embodiments will now be described in detail. Figure 1 is a plan view of an air lift boat 18 and dock 26 of the inventive design in docking position. A partial view of the boat 18 is shown entering the dock 26 at an angle by the phantom outline 46. The dock 26 is shown in proximity to a seawall 24, which are connected to each other by a movable hinged ramp 25. Also shown are

dock locating pilings 56 which penetrate holes 27 in dock 26. The boat 18 includes side attachments 19 and forward attachment 45. Side attachments 19 and forward attach¬ ment 45 also normally serve as gangplanks from boat deck 5 52. Connected to the boat are boat securing tracks 20 and 22. Dock 26 includes dock securing tracks 21 and 23 which mate with boat securing tracks 20 and 22. The se¬ curing tracks are preferably shaped as half cylinders to allow maximum movement. Also illustrated is the boat's

10 main deck line or shear 50. The blower inlet 30 can be seen at the aft and hinged gates 29 near the bow are shown open on the starboard side and closed on the port side.

Figure 2 presents a side elevation view illustrating

15 the boat 18 elevated to its normal running height because its blower is turned on and its air cushion is according¬ ly pressurized. This elevation maintains the boat secur¬ ing tracks 20 and 22 free of the dock securing tracks 21 and 23. Forward attachment arm or gangplank 45 and side

20 attachment arm or gangplank 19 are also shown. Also il- ' lustrated are waterline 33, boat shear 50, boat deck 52, pilings 56, dock holes 27 which pilings 56 penetrate, seawall 24, seawall ramp 25, blower air inlet 30 and a boat side door 28 in its closed position.

25 Figure 3 is a similar side elevation view of the boat 18 except that the boat 18 is lowered because the blower is turned off and, therefore, the boat air cushion is de- pressurized. Thus, the boat securing tracks 20 and 22 are in contact and mate with dock securing tracks 21 and

30 23 so that boat 18 is connected to its dock 26. Boat se¬ curing tracks 20 and 22 are located on the underside of the attachment arms 19•and 45 where these arms also serve as gangplanks in this embodiment. In a manner similar to that in Figure 2, there is also illustrated waterline 33,

boat shear 50, boat deck 52, pilings 56, dock holes 27, seawall 24, and blower air inlet 30. Boat side door 28 is shown in open position for loading and unloading. It will also be seen that seawall ramp 25 is at a slightly increased angle from that in which it was illustrated in Figure 2. This is because a portion of boat weight 18 is borne by the floating dock 26 as a consequence of the air cushion having been depressurized when the blower is turned off. This depresses slightly the dock 26 result¬ ing in the increase in the angle of the seawall ramp 25. Figure 4 is an enlarged partial transverse cross- sectional view taken through a side attachment arm or gangplank 19. The boat 18 is shown elevated as a conse¬ quence of its air cushion 32 being pressurized. In this embodiment and the dock securing track 20 is shown in its male embodiment and the dock securing track 21 is shown in its female embodiment. Obviously, the invention con¬ templates reversal of the male/female positions, and the use of other configurations including, but not limited to a ball and socket arrangement. Also shown is the wa- ^• ter surface or waterline 33 in a free state, a dock flex¬ ible bumper 31, and the boat deck 52. Regarding the dock, piling 56 is shown disposed within hole 27 of the float¬ ing dock 26.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, except with the air cushion 32 depressurized. Consequently, it is filled with water resulting in a lowering of the boat 18. and mating of the male boat securing track 20 with the female dock securing track 21. As noted above, some of the boat 18 weight is borne by the dock 26 which results in a change of the waterline 33 on the dock 26 and com¬ pression of the flexible bumper 31. The phantom line 47 shows the dock 26 prior to contact of the boat securing track 20 with the dock securing track 21.

Figures 6, 7, 9, and 10 are views similar to Figures 4 and 5, except illustrating alternative embodiments only with Figures 6 and 7 showing the elevated and lowered com¬ parison like that of Figures 4 and 5, except using a par- ticular alternative embodiment.

This particular alternative embodiment is character¬ ized by a movable attachment arm 51 which is attached to the boat 26 by a hinge 35 or other type of movable or flexible joint. This movable arm 51, in its preferred configuration, is loaded by a resiliently biased actuator 36. The attachment arm 51 would normally include a wheel 34 to allow movement on the dock 26 although the half cyl¬ inder boat securing track 20 and dock securing track 21 shown in Figure 4 can also be used with a movable arm 51. The actuator 36 can also be loaded by hydraulic or pneu¬ matic means. This approach offers better rough water dock¬ ing performance than that shown in Figure 4, since the boat 18 and dock 26 can move relative to each other. Of course a flexible dock bumper 31 is included and waterline or war ter surface 33 is illustrated. The movable attachment arm • 51 allows use of this invention with conventional boats also since they do not have the air lift capability for elevating or lowering of the hull.

Figure 7 shows the same alternative embodiment with the air cushion depleted which has the effect of lowering the attachment arm 51 and more specifically wheel 34 into contact with dock 26. Optional use of hydraulic or pneu¬ matic forces in the actuator 36 allows variation of the load on the dock 26. Also shown is hinge 35, flexible bumper 31, which is distorted by loading, boat deck 52 and waterline 33.

Figure 8 shows a simple, commercially available de¬ vice, in cross-sectional view, as may be utilized for ac¬ tuator 36. It includes piston shaft 37 with minimum

extension as would be encountered in the configuration shown in Figure 6. Included in the illustrated actuator are seals 40 and 41, spring 38, piston 41, and optional fluid ports 42. The invention also contemplates the use of resilient systems other than the mechanical spring 38 such as gas springs, and the like.

Figure 9 shows a further alternative embodiment with a fixed attachment arm 19 as part of the dock 26. This also shows deck 52 on boat 18 and securing tracks 20 and 21 with the male/female configuration reversed from that of the preferred embodiment.

Figure 10 shows another alternative embodiment with a movable attachment arm 51 attached to the dock 26, as opposed to the boat. It includes a cylindrical track shoulder joint 35 and mating of the boat 18 to the dock 26 is also accomplished with securing tracks 20 and 21. The actuator 49 is similar to actuator 36 of Figure 8, except that the spring 38 is on the other side of piston 41. Movable arm 51 can also be positioned above the boat deck 52 if desired, with operation of the arm 51 then down- ^• ward rather than upward as shown. This latter approach may be preferred for use with conventional boats which do not have an air lift capability.

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the use of the inventive docking system in one of its preferred appli¬ cations, where it offers an extremely low cost solution to docking in environmentally sensitive areas. The U-shaped floating dock 26 is shown surrounding boat 18 with boat 18 and dock 26 secured to each other. The environmental ad- vantages are multiple:

1. The nature of the U-shaped floating dock means a minimum construction activity since a relatively few pil¬ ings must be sunk into the bottom of the body of water in which the invention is used at an appropriate depth.

2. The location of the floating dock can be deter¬ mined by the nature of the slope of the bottom of the body of water and therefore no dredging activity is ne¬ cessary in the event of a gradual sloping in order to in- crease the depth of water to accomodate the draft of the boats being used.

3. No construction activity is necessary to alter the shoreline configuration, as is usually necessary for the installation of fixed docks or bulkheads against which boats normally tie up.

4. As a consequence of the foregoing point, heavy construction vehicles such as concrete trucks and the like are unnecessary to bring into the shoreline thus elimin¬ ating the need for the construction of roads through parks or other environmentally sensitive areas and without the necessity to destroy mangrove swamps or other shoreline flora. - ^•

5. The elimination of the need for docklines, gang¬ plank alignment, etc., reduces significantly the amount of maneuvering activity of the boat. Accordingly, there is ^• significantly less disruption to the water surrounding the dock because of the almost complete elimination of maneu¬ vering by the vessel, which in turn minimizes the impact to water plants and other forms of water life in the vi- cinity of the dock, and minimizes bottom erosion.

6. Shore based construction can be accomplished with¬ out the use of steel and concrete, if desired, particular¬ ly in regard to embedding the same in the ground.

7. Other related environmental and cost advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the areas of en¬ vironmental preservation and structural engineering.

Referring to the specifics of Figure 11, the passage of the fixed dock 43 through shoreline habitat such as man¬ groves 48 has minimal environmental impact. The floating

portion of the dock 26 is connected to the fixed dock 43 by ramp 25 thus allowing for tide changes. It is readily seen that the floating dock 26 can be positioned at a point that completely eliminates the need for bottom dredg- ing such as would be necessary to create channels to accom- odate the draft of the vessel 18. Also shown are side securing tracks 21 and side and forward attachment arms 19 and 45. In this perspective view it can readily be seen how side attachment arms 19 can travel down dock se- curing track 20 with dock securing track 21.

Having described the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that various changes in construction and arrangement will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are fully contemplated herein without departing from the true spirit of the in¬ vention. Accordingly, there is covered all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.