Abstract:
A system, method, and device for docking and mooring a watercraft are disclosed. The exemplary device may have a ferrous material or an electromagnetic generator coupled to the watercraft, including a ferrous-hulled watercraft. The device may also have an electromagnetic generator coupled to the dock for selectively generating a magnetic field to attract or oppose a magnetic force field created by the on-board electromagnetic generator. A control device may be used to activate the electromagnetic generators. A communication device may be used to communicate with the control device to activate the electromagnetic generator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/727,295 filed Oct. 17, 2005 entitled “Watercraft Mooring and Docking System”, which is incorporated fully herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to mooring and docking systems for watercraft and more particularly, relates to mooring and docking systems using magnetic couplings for watercraft.  
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
       [0003]     To load and unload watercraft the vessels may need to be positioned alongside a dock. In addition, when not in use watercraft may need to be stored in a stationary location alongside a dock or other stationary mooring faculty. Many watercrafts have limited maneuverability. When in open water the reduced maneuverability does not present a problem. However, when a watercraft is preparing to dock alongside a dock, the limited maneuverability may make it difficult for the captain of the watercraft to position the watercraft next to the dock. The captain may not position the watercraft close enough to the dock, preventing the watercraft from being able to dock. The captain may steer the watercraft too close to the dock causing the watercraft to hit the dock, which may result in damage to either the watercraft or the dock.  
         [0004]     When the watercraft is docked, wind, waves and tides may cause the watercraft to rub against and hit the dock. Bumpers are often used to reduce damage caused by the motion of the boat hitting against the dock. This continuous rubbing or hitting often causes damage to the hull of the watercraft. Even when bumpers are properly placed between the watercraft and dock, the contact may still rub the paint and outer surface of the hull of the watercraft.  
         [0005]     Docking and mooring facilities may also need a system for activation of the docking system. The facility may need an automated system for determining when a watercraft is docking. The system may need to provide the captain with a method of communicating to the docking facility and activating the docking system without placing additional burdens on the facility personnel. The system may also need to keep records of who is using the docking facilities. The records may be used to determine if the watercraft is an authorized user or may be used to debit an account associated with the watercraft for use of the docking system.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, a need exists for a device, method, and system for docking and mooring a watercraft. The attributes may need to provide a docking and mooring system that prevents damage due to contact between the dock and watercraft during storage of the watercraft alongside the dock. The attributes also may need to provide docking facilities with the ability to account for docking facility use and prevent unauthorized use without placing additional demands on facility personnel. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a top view illustrative diagram of an exemplary docking system embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 1B  is a top view illustrative diagram of an exemplary mooring system embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is an end view illustrative diagram of an exemplary adjustable docking and mooring system embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart of an exemplary docking process embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart of an exemplary mooring process embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart of an exemplary docking activation process embodiment according to the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 6A  is a top view illustrative diagram of an second exemplary docking system embodiment in a docking position according to the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 6B  is a top view illustrative diagram of the second exemplary docking system embodiment in a mooring position according to the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary docking assisting device embodiment according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0017]     Referring to  FIG. 1A , the docking facility  100  may have a dock  102  with at least one side abutting the water. The side abutting the water provides adequate space for a watercraft  104  to be positioned adjacent to the dock  102 . The dock  102  has one or more electromagnetic generators  106  positioned along the side of the dock  102  abutting the water.  
         [0018]     The electromagnetic generators  106  may be constructed in a variety of manners. One exemplary method of construction has a ferrous core with multiple coils of wire surrounding the core. When power is supplied to the wire, a magnetic field is generated from the core. When power is not supplied to the wire, little to no magnetic field is generated. The electromagnetic generators  106  may be covered with a protective shell or coating to prevent damage to the watercraft hull or penetration of water and other environmental contaminates into the electromagnetic generators  106 . The electromagnetic generators may also be an integral part of dockside mounted docking pads.  
         [0019]     A controller (not shown) is used to selectively provide power to the electromagnetic generators  106 . The controller may provide power by activating a relay switch or using a combination of other communication devices to cause the controller to activate and provide power. The controller may also adjust the strength of the magnetic field as the watercraft approaches the dock  102 . For example, the magnetic field generated may be decreased as a sensor (not shown) determines the approach of the watercraft. Greater detail regarding various methods and devices used to activate the controller will be described later herein.  
         [0020]     A second magnetic device  108  is coupled to the watercraft  104 . The magnetic device  108  may be a ferrous material. The ferrous material may be the hull of the watercraft  104  or located within the hull of the watercraft  104 . In another exemplary method of construction the ferrous material may also be coupled to the outside of the watercraft  104 . In yet another exemplary method of construction the magnetic device  108  may also be an electromagnetic generator.  
         [0021]     The watercraft  104  pulls up along side the dock  102  under the power of the watercraft&#39;s engines. The watercraft  104  is positioned a safe distance from the dock  102  allowing the captain adequate maneuverability of the watercraft  104  without jeopardizing hitting the watercraft  104  against the dock  102 . The captain communicates to the docking facility  100  to activate the docking system, as will be described later in greater detail herein. The controller supplies power to the electromagnetic generators  106  coupled to the dock  102 .  
         [0022]     The electromagnetic generators  106  produce a magnetic field that attracts the magnetic device  108  coupled to the watercraft  104 . The magnetic device  108  and watercraft  104  are pulled towards the dock  102 . The controller may regulate the magnetic field produced by the magnetic device  108 . For example, as the watercraft  104  approaches the dock  102  the electromagnetic generator  106  or the magnetic device  108  may reduce the strength of the field to reduce the impact of the watercraft  104  from hitting the dock  102 . Additional proximity sensors may be used to allow the controller to determine distances of separation between the watercraft  104  and the dock  102 . The controller may then adjust the strength of the magnetic field or reverse the polarity based on the proximity of the watercraft  104 . Once the watercraft  104  reaches the dock  102 , the electromagnetic generators  106  may maintain the magnetic field to maintain the watercraft&#39;s position. The watercraft  104  may also be coupled to the dock  102  using convention mechanical couplings, for example, ropes, elastic cords, or other coupling devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, once the watercraft  104  is coupled to the dock  102  with conventional coupling devices the electromagnetic generator  106  may be deactivated.  
         [0023]     The docking facility  100  provides a docking system that reduces the demands of the captain to precisely position the watercraft  104  next to the dock  102 . This reduces the risk of hitting the watercraft  104  against the dock  102  and causing damage to the dock  102 , watercraft  104 , or passengers and cargo onboard the watercraft  104 .  
         [0024]     Referring to  FIG. 1B , the docking facility  100   b  may also be used to provide mooring of a watercraft  104   b . The docking facility  100   b  has a dock  102   b  with at least one side abutting the water. The side abutting water provides adequate space for a watercraft  104   b  to be positioned adjacent to the dock  102   b . The dock  102   b  has one or more electromagnetic generators  106   b  positioned along the side of the dock  102   b  similar to those previously described. The watercraft  104   b  has a magnetic device  108   b  coupled to the hull of the watercraft  104   b . Once the watercraft  104   b  is positioned next to the dock  102   b , mechanical couplings are put in place securing the watercraft  104   b  to the dock  102   b.    
         [0025]     The electromagnetic generators  106   b  are activated to produce a repulsive force pushing the magnetic device  108   b  coupled to the watercraft  104   b  away from the electromagnetic generators  106   b  of the dock  102   b . The mechanical couplings hold the watercraft  104   b  near the dock  102   b  and prevent the watercraft  104   b  from being completely pushed away from the dock  102   b . The repulsive forces prevent the wind, waves, and tidal flows from causing the watercraft  104   b  to hit and rub against the dock  102   b.    
         [0026]     The electromagnetic generators on the watercraft in conjunction with the electromagnetic generators or electromagnetic docking pads on the dock can be activated in any combination of strengths and polarities. For instance, the watercraft electromagnet may be polarized in a positive field while the dock electromagnets are activated in a negative field or vise versa to attract the two devices. In another instance both the watercraft electromagnet and the dock electromagnet can be activated in like fields to repel one another. Both the dock electromagnet and the watercraft electromagnet may be activated at maximum or minimum attractive or repulsive field modes or any combination thereof.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary adjustable docking and mooring system  200  allows the electromagnetic generator  206  to be positioned near the magnetic device  208  of the watercraft  204 . A track  212  coupled to a dock  202  allows the electromagnetic generator  208  to move in a vertical direction, as shown by the arrow. The docking and mooring system may use a variety of systems to position the electromagnetic generator  210 . For example, the pull of the electromagnetic generator  210  to the watercraft  204  may also be used to position the electromagnetic generator  210  in a vertical direction along the track  212 . Another system may use a ballast system or motors and sensors to maintain the electromagnetic generator  206  in a vertical direction. The vertical position may also be maintained using a floating device to keep the electromagnetic generator  206  a fixed distance above the surface of the water.  
         [0028]     In addition to positioning the electromagnetic generator  206  in a vertical direction, the electromagnetic generator  206  may pivot about a pivot axis  210  to allow the electromagnetic generator  206  to be positioned in the direction of the magnetic device  208  of the watercraft  204 . Similarly, the pull of the electromagnetic generator  206  to the watercraft  204  may also be used to position the electromagnetic generator  206  in a direction of the watercraft  204  about the pivot axis  210 . Another system may also use a ballast system or motors and sensors to maintain the electromagnetic generator  206  about the pivot axis  210 .  
         [0029]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a flow chart of an exemplary docking process is provided for the docking and mooring system. The docking process is initiated when the watercraft approaches the dock (block  302 ). The captain positions the watercraft a predetermined distance from the dock (block  304 ). This predetermined distance may be defined by the strength of the electromagnetic system as well as the size of the watercraft. The predetermined distance may be a safe distance from the dock and provides the captain with a range of distances from the dock. The captain communicates to the system and activates the system (block  306 ). The system and process of communicating and activating the system will be described in greater detail later herein. The electromagnetic generator generates the electromagnetic field (block  308 ). The magnetic device may also be an electromagnetic generator, which will also be activated to generate an electromagnetic field. The watercraft is pulled next to the dock by the attractive forces of the electromagnetic field.  
         [0030]     Once the unloading and loading of the watercraft is complete, the captain of the watercraft may disembark from the dock. The captain communicates to the system and deactivates the system (block  310 ). The watercraft may move away from the dock under the vessel&#39;s own propulsion system. The electromagnetic generator may also be used to generate repulsive forces to push the watercraft away from the dock to aid in the disembarking of the watercraft. The watercraft is safely removed from the docking facility (block  312 ) and the docking process is complete (Block  314 ).  
         [0031]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a flow chart of an exemplary mooring process  400  is shown. The mooring process is initiated (block  402 ). The captain positions the watercraft next to the dock and activates the device (block  404 ). The watercraft may be positioned using an electromagnetic field to pull the watercraft into a position adjacent to the dock (block  406 ). Mechanically fastens may be used to couple the watercraft to the dock (block  408 ). The captain communicates to the system and activates the mooring system (block  410 ). The electromagnetic generator generates the electromagnetic field that repels the magnetic device of the watercraft (block  412 ). The mechanical fasteners prevent the watercraft from floating away from the docking or mooring facility. The repulsive forces prevent the wind, waves, and tidal flows from causing the watercraft to hit and rub against the dock. The captain may communicate to the system and may activate the system to pull the vessel against the electromagnetic docking pads (block  414 ). The mechanical fasteners are removed from the watercraft (block  416 ). The captain communicates to the system and either deactivates the system to manually depart from the dockside or reverses the electromagnetic field to repel the vessel from the dock (block  418 ). The watercraft disembarks from the docking facility (block  420 ) and the mooring process is complete (Block  422 ).  
         [0032]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flow chart of an exemplary docking activation process  500  is shown. The docking activation process is initiated when the watercraft approaches the dock (block  502 ). The captain positions the watercraft a predetermined distance from the dock (block  504 ). The captain places a cell phone call to an automated answering system of the docking facility (block  506 ). A single telephone number may be used to access all available docking spaces of the docking facility. The captain enters an identification number specific to a desired docking location (block  508 ). The identification number may be posted next to the dock or determined by the captain using other methods. An account associated with the vessel or captain is debited or authorized for the use of the docking space (block  510 ). For example, the captain may be a member of the club and authorized to use any of the club&#39;s available spaces. In another example, the captain may pay a specified amount for each use of the docking facility or the amount of time used at the docking facility. The docking system is activated and docking or mooring procedures are followed as previously discussed herein (block  512 ). The docking activation process is completed (block  514 ).  
         [0033]     The activation process is not limited to the above process. Other devices and systems may be used to activate the docking process. For example, a Radio Frequency Identification tag (RFID) may be used to initiate and activate the docking/mooring process. In this example, the RFID tag may be used to identify the account and an additional radio frequency may be used to activate and deactivate the docking/mooring system. The captain may transmit the additional radio frequency by pressing a keypad on the watercraft. Other wireless communication devices in addition to radio frequency may also be used to activate and deactivate the docking/mooring process.  
         [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 6A , the docking facility  600  may have a dock  602  with at least one side abutting the water. The side abutting the water provides adequate space for a watercraft  604  to be positioned adjacent to the dock  602 . The dock  602  has one or more electromagnetic generators  606  positioned along the side of the dock  602  abutting the water.  
         [0035]     The electromagnetic generators  606  may be constructed in a variety of manners as previously discussed with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. The electromagnetic generators may be an integral part of docking pads that are removably coupled to the dock  602 . The electromagnetic generators  106  may be coupled to the dock  602  via extensions that allow the electromagnetic generators  606  to be moved from a retrieving position shown in  FIG. 6A  to a docking position shown in  FIG. 6B . The extensions may be, for example, a cable  612  and a spring  614 . The spring pushes the electromagnetic generators  606  into a retrieving position. Once the electromagnetic generators  606  and a second magnetic device  108  of the watercraft  604  are coupled, a positioning device  616  retracts the cable  612  pulling the watercraft  604  to a docking position.  
         [0036]     The extension is not limited to the cable  612  and the spring  614 . The extension may be a variety of other devices that may position the electromagnetic generators  606  next to the second magnet  608  of the watercraft  604 . For example, the extension may be a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod may be hinged and have a position system in a controller (not shown) that automatically locates the second magnet  608  and moves the electromagnetic generators  606  next to the second magnet  608 . The extension may also incorporate floating or ballasting devices that may be used to position the electromagnetic generators  606  within the water.  
         [0037]     The controller is used to selectively provide power to the electromagnetic generators  606  as previously discussed with regard to the first exemplary embodiment. The watercraft  604  pulls up along side the dock  602  under the power of the watercraft&#39;s engines. The watercraft  604  is positioned a safe distance from the dock  602  allowing the captain adequate maneuverability of the watercraft  604  without jeopardizing hitting the watercraft  604  against the dock  602 . The captain communicates to the docking facility  600  to activate the docking system. The controller supplies power to the electromagnetic generators  606  coupled to the dock  602 .  
         [0038]     The controller retracts the extension from a receiving position to a docking position. The magnetic device  608  and watercraft  604  are pulled towards the dock  602 . Additional proximity sensors may be used to allow the controller to determine distances of separation or location of the watercraft  604 . The controller may then adjust the extension to position the electromagnetic generators  606  next to the watercraft  604 . Once the watercraft  604  reaches the dock  602 , the electromagnetic generators  606  may maintain the magnetic field to maintain the watercraft&#39;s position. The watercraft  604  may also be coupled to the dock  602  using conventional mechanical couplings, for example, ropes, elastic cords, or other coupling devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, once the watercraft  604  is coupled to the dock  602  with conventional coupling devices the electromagnetic generator  606  may be deactivated.  
         [0039]     The docking facility  600  provides a docking system that reduces the demands of the captain to precisely position the watercraft  604  next to the dock  602 . This reduces the risk of hitting the watercraft  104  against the dock  602  and causing damage to the dock  602 , watercraft  604 , or passengers and cargo onboard the watercraft  604 . The docking facility  600  is not limited to the configuration illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, for example, the electromagnetic generators may be coupled to the watercraft  604  and the second magnet  608  may be coupled to the dock  602 . In another example, the extensions couple the second magnet  608  to the watercraft  604 . In this example, the extension may be used to position the second magnet  608  next to the electromagnetic generators  606  coupled directly to the dock  602 .  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a dock stick  700  may be used to position the electromagnetic generators  606  next to the second magnet  608 . The dock stick may have a handle  702  and a strap  704  producing a loop  706 . The user positions the loop  706  over or around a portion of the electromagnetic generator  606  and rotates the handle  702 , thus coiling the strap  704  and reducing the size of the loop  706 . Once positioned, the handle may be rotated in the opposite direction to open the loop  706  and release the electromagnetic generator  606 . The dock stick  700  may also be used to grab cleats or portions of a dock or a mooring. The handle  702  may be sized to allow a user to grab items located away from the watercraft and position the watercraft.  
         [0041]     Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.