Abstract:
A rope tender for a recreational watercraft is removably attached to the top of an outboard motor or a transom of the watercraft. The rope tender has a partial labyrinth slot which captively receive one or more anchor or mooring ropes to prevent entanglement of the ropes with the motor or propellers associated therewith. The rope tender may be conveniently removed and stowed when the watercraft is configured in an operational condition.
Abstract:
Some embodiments provide release apparatuses comprising: a body having first and second mating sections each connected to separate tethers; locking shoes each movable between a first position configured to lock the first and second mating sections together and a second position configured to allow the first and second mating sections to disconnect; an actuator configured to move the locking shoes between the first and second positions; wherein each of the locking shoes comprises a locking surface configured to contact an engagement surface of the second mating section and maintain a position of the first mating section with the second mating section; wherein portions of the locking surface comprise toric geometries that are not in contact with the engagement surface when the locking shoes are in the first position and do not come into contact with the engagement surface the locking shoes transition to the second position.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a coupling system for coupling two floating structures together. The coupling system is able to accommodate the relative rotational and translation motions between the two floating structures without becoming disconnected. Furthermore, the coupling system has an engagement and disengagement mechanism that may be implemented remotely and efficiently.
Abstract:
A rigid mooring system that instantly secures pontoons, float planes, boats, and other forms of craft to a variety of dockage types and consists of two identical, yet separately positioned devices which together moor a craft safely away from the dockage. Barrel plate hinges permanently secure the two devices to the dockage allowing both the devices and the attached craft vertical motion but prohibit parallel or lateral movement. Each device has two reinforced arms coming together to form a right triangle shaped rigid body with one arm projecting further, bending into a curved attaching end.
Abstract:
A recessed and retractable mooring line device includes a housing having a mooring head that is configured for projecting through an opening or recess of a mounting structure so that an upper surface of the mooring head does not project from an outer surface of the mounting structure. A reel assembly is coupled to the housing and positioned below the mooring head to take up a flexible mooring line. The reel assembly includes a rotatable spool for winding the line. A ratchet wheel and spool that is engaged by a pawl prevents rotation of the ratchet wheel and spool when engaged. A moor head assembly that includes a pawl actuator actuates the pawl. An actuator lock of the moor head assembly engages the pawl actuator to keep it engaged with the pawl. A line anchor is used for securing to an end of the mooring line.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved device for attaching a watercraft to another structure such as another watercraft or a fixed structure, such as a dock. The apparatus comprises a spacing bar and specialized, quick connecting and releasing attachment devices that allow the watercraft to be quickly and effectively moored to other structures on the water without the risk of collision or damage to the watercraft. The quick-connect devices may be positioned near ends of the spacing bars to effectively hold the watercraft at a predetermined distance from the other structure. The device may further include tensioning mechanisms that are operable to keep the spacing bars at a substantially orthogonal orientation relative to the watercraft to maintain the pre-determined spacing between the watercraft and the other structure.
Abstract:
A quick-release securing device is constructed of nylon strap having an openable loop at one end and a fixed circumference enclosure at the other end. The fixed circumference enclosure is preferably a circular securing belt that is attached via a buckle, or slidable loop that is non-removable. The distance between the openable loop and the fixed circumference enclosure, and the circumference of the openable loop, is adjustable. The openable loop can be opened and closed using a buckle.
Abstract:
A mooring device for mooring a water craft to a mooring berth. The mooring device includes an engaging element borne by the water craft or the mooring berth, and a lock borne by the mooring berth or the water craft, respectively. The lock includes two catch bars spaced out and extending vertically, at least a part of the engaging element being adapted to engaging between the two bars so as to be held by the lock and enabling the mooring of the water craft to the mooring berth. The catch bars are mobile relative to each other between a locking position in which the catch bars are brought closer to each other and maintain the engaging element and an unlocking position in which the catch bars are moved apart to enable the removal or insertion of the engaging element.
Abstract:
Some embodiments provide release apparatuses comprising: a body comprising a first mating section and a second mating section connected to first and second tethers; and a plurality of movable locking shoes secured with the first mating section and movable between a first position configured to lock the first mating section and the second mating section together and a second position configured to allow the first mating section and the second mating section to disconnect; wherein each of the plurality of locking shoes comprises a locking surface configured to contact an engagement surface of the second mating section and maintain a position of the first mating section with the second mating section when the plurality of locking shoes are in the first position, and wherein the locking surface of each of the plurality of locking shoes is formed at a contact angle between about 18 degrees and 24 degrees.
Abstract:
System for mooring a large vessel for production of hydrocarbons, such vessel for example being a FPSO vessel, the mooring system including at least two floating bodies of the hang-off type, moored by means of differentiated compliance spread anchoring system to the sea bed, allowing partly weathervaning of the large vessel; a riser system extending from the sea bed to each the floating bodies, and means for transfer of fluids from the two floating bodies to the large vessel, the floating bodies and the large vessel being provided with locking means, locking floating bodies to the large vessel at the bow and the stern of the vessel in a mechanically rigid manner, thus providing a integrated, rigidly fixed unit comprising the large vessel and the floating bodies.