Patent ID: 7107923
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: E02B,Y02A

Abstract:
1. A vessel protection device, comprising: a) a mounting arm being provided, the mounting arm being configured for being attached to a fixed object; b) a cushioning element being provided, the cushioning element being configured and disposed for engaging a vessel; c) the cushioning element including a first cushioning element and a spaced apart second cushioning element; d) a spring provided between the mounting arm and the cushioning element, the spring supporting the cushioning element, and the spring being a leaf spring having first and second spaced apart free ends; e) the first cushioning element being rotatably attached to the first free end of the leaf spring, and the second cushioning element being rotatably attached to the second free end of the leaf spring; and f) the leaf spring and the mounting arm being disposed, so that the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element are provided at a desired offset from the fixed object, in use, so that the first cushioning element engages a first portion of the vessel and the second cushioning element engages a second portion of the vessel spaced apart from the first portion of the vessel, in use, so that the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element cushioning element sufficiently engage the vessel in a desired orientation, in use, during both constant and changing water levels, and under both constant and changing wind and water force conditions, and so that the engaged vessel is prevented from contacting the fixed object, in use.