Patent ID: 8721239
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for assisting the loading and unloading of a boat in relation to a boat trailer, the apparatus comprising: a snare at or toward a front of the boat, the snare having a pair of shafts defining a distance therebetween, at least one of the shafts adjustable relative to the other shaft to alter the distance between the shafts such that the snare can secure to a variety of boats; a latch on the boat trailer which is adapted to adopt at least one of two positions including a first position allowing for a releasable engagement of the snare of the boat by the latch, and a second position allowing for a release of the snare, the latch comprising a neck and a hook portion angled relative to the neck, the hook portion having a forward edge surface and a notch for receiving the snare; and a spring that biases the latch in a first rotational direction when the latch is in the first position and biases the latch in a second rotational direction opposite from the first direction when the latch is in the second position; and a lever connected to the spring and shiftably mounted on the boat trailer between a first and second position for altering the bias of the spring between the first and second rotational directions; wherein sliding of the snare along the forward edge surface causes rotation of the latch such that the notch engages the snare, and wherein rotation of the lever enables the snare to be disengaged from the notch such that the snare can slide along the forward edge surface and away from the latch.