Portable boat mooring system and method

Abstract

A boat mooring system provides protection for moored boats in tidal waters. The system can be used with existing pilings and existing mooring lines and allows the moored boat to rise and fall with the tide which preventing horizontal movement thus preventing the boat from contacting the pier. The system includes rollers and spacers placed on the mooring line to allow movement of the mooring line along a piling.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to portable boat mooring systems. In particular, the present invention relates to portable boat mooring systems which move in response to changing water levels. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Tidal waters regularly rise and fall as the tide changes from high tide to low tide, causing boats to rise and fall as well. If a boat is moored with a static mooring system, the boat must be tied with sufficient loose line to account for the changing tide. This slack line can allow the boat to collide with the piling. While a floating dock can solve this problem, such a dock is not always available. [0005] Several previous systems have been designed in an attempt to reduce or alleviate the risk of damage to boats moored in tidal waters. In one system a rigid arm is pivotally connected to a dock with the other end having a connector to be connected to the boat or ship for docking a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] A boat mooring system is described which includes rolling elements and spacing elements, each of which has an aperture. The elements are preferably made from a water resistant material which is resistant to damage caused by ultraviolet light. The rolling elements should be durable and impact resistant; materials such as polyethylene, nylon and plastic are appropriate. To prevent damage to the mooring line, the inside surface of the rolling elements is preferably tapered. The spacing elements are preferably made from a flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride hose. The rolling elements and spacing elements are alternately placed on a mooring line by means of the aperture in each element. Preferably, the rolling and spacing elements are held in place along the mooring line by stops such as a knot located on either edge of the outside elements. The mooring line is then connected to a piling by knotting, a carabiner or other appropriate means.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a boat mooring system which protects boats from damage in tidal waters.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a boat mooring system which can be used on existing pilings with existing mooring lines.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a boat mooring system which is convenient and easy to use.

[0016] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a boat mooring system which is portable.

[0017] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.

Problems solved by technology

Tidal waters regularly rise and fall as the tide changes from high tide to low tide, causing boats to rise and fall as well.

While a floating dock can solve this problem, such a dock is not always available.

The rigid connecting arm is difficult to attach to a boat, while the boat is violently rocking in turbulent water.

Most of the previous devices consist of latching mechanisms at the connector end which would appear to be difficult to attach to a boat in rough waters and appears to create a risk of possibly smashing the rigid arm mechanism through the hull of the boat or create the possibility of injuring the person trying to connect the mechanism in rough waters.

This may create a possible dangerous situation for the operator of the equipment as well.

Another disadvantage of the previous system is that it does not allow sufficient movement of the attachment arm to accommodate the rise and fall of the water level in bodies of water.

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