Patent ID: 6602022
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B63C

Abstract:
An apparatus adapted for being installed in a well having an open entrance and bounded by sides of a floating dry dock for receiving, supporting and elevating a boat of the type having positionable propulsion means mounted proximate the stern of the boat and normally submerged during use to a depth extending below the bottom of the boat, comprising:(a) a single frame, a major portion of said single frame being rectangular and having a forward end; a second opposing rear end, side members joined together and extending between said forward and rear ends, said side members being adapted for mounting adjustable support means extending longitudinally and outwardly of said frame for contacting and supporting the bottom surface of said boat in conformance with its shape and said rear end of said frame being formed so as to permit forward passage of said propulsion means between said side members during positioning of said boat on and within the length of said frame by said propulsion means; (b) a rear bar member located forward of the entrance to said well and extending across and terminating at each of opposite ends outwardly of opposite sides of said well, said opposite ends being secured to said dock and being operative by reason of such securement to distribute load placed thereon across said dock, said frame being pivotally mounted on said rear bar member such that said major portion of the length of said frame is disposed rearwardly of said rear bar member and the weight of said frame is distributed in a manner which tends to cause the trailing said rear end of said frame when not having said boat mounted thereon to pivot downwardly into water confined at the entrance to said well, and said forward end to pivot upwardly and with the plane of said frame being at an acute angle not in excess of ten degrees relative to the plane of said dock; (c) a front bar member extending across said well and positioned parallel to and forward of said rear bar member and having outer ends secured to said dock; (d) said frame, rear and front bar members being arranged such that said boat with said frame tilted upwardly may be driven by its operator while in said boat onto said frame support means by use of said propulsion means and positioned within the length of said frame for storage and then drawn down by pivoting said frame on said rear bar member to bring said forward end of said frame down to rest on said front bar member; and (e) wherein said frame includes a downwardly extending frame strengthening bar member connected between said side members proximate said frame rear end and shaped to permit said forward passage of said propulsion means.