Abstract:
A boat fender system is configured for suspending a boat fender from a conventional rod holder. The system includes a handle configured for engagement by a rod holder. A boat fender is coupled to the handle by a tether. The tether has a length to allow the fender to hang from the handle to a desired location. The length may be fixed or adjustable. A compartment in the handle stores excess and unused portions of the tether.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 60/806,557, filed Jul. 5, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to boat fenders, and more particularly, to an adjustable boat fender suspender configured for engagement by a conventional rod holder. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Fenders are widely used to protect boat hulls from physical damage by providing a durable cushion between the hull and another structure, such as a dock. Conventional fenders are typically comprised of an elongated body coupled to a tether. The body is typically a cylindrical structure comprised of an inflatable cushioning bladder, a closed cell foam cushion, a high density foam cushion, a combination of any of the foregoing, or some other form of shock absorbing structure. Typically an eyelet is formed at an end of the body for attaching it to one end of a tether, such as a nylon mooring line. In use, the other end of the tether is generally secured to a cleat mount or rail of a boat and the fender is suspended alongside areas of the hull likely to otherwise come in contact with a dock. When a fender is not in use, it is typically removed from the rail or cleat stored away in a locker or on a rack. 
   The tasks of tying, untying, and adjusting the length of rope is tedious and conducive to error. If a fender is suspended either too high or too low it may not protect the hull. If the rope is too long, the excess rope may lay onto the deck, presenting a tripping hazard. Even when boat fenders are removed for storage in lockers, or fender racks, the rope used for attaching the fenders to the rail or cleat may be difficult to gather and neatly store without tangling. 
   The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a boat fender system is provided. The system is configured for suspending a boat fender from a conventional rod holder. The system includes a handle configured for engagement by a rod holder. A boat fender is coupled to the handle by a tether. The tether has a length sufficient to allow the fender to hang from the handle to a desired location. The length may be fixed or adjustable. A compartment in the handle stores excess and unused portions of the tether. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, a boat fender suspender according to principles of the invention is configured for engagement by a conventional rod holder on a boat. The suspender includes a handle configured for engagement by a rod holder. A tether has a proximal end attached to the handle and distal end adapted for attachment to a boat fender. The tether has a length to allow the fender to hang from the handle to a desired location alongside a boat. The tether may be an adjustable length tether, meaning various lengths of the tether can be extended from the handle. The elongated hollow tubular handle body may be buoyant. A boat fender may be rotatbly attached to the distal end of the tether. 
   The handle may include an elongated hollow tubular handle body. A compartment within the hollow tubular handle body contains the tether. The tether may be coiled within the compartment for storage. A first end cap may seal the proximal end of the handle body. A second cap with a central aperture may seal the distal end of handle body. Optionally, a third cap with an ecentric aperture is threadedly engaged by the second cap and the tether passes through the eccenbtric aperture and the central aperture. 
   In another embodiment, the second cap includes a slot and contains a spring clip. The spring clip has a pair of arms extending through the slot. The spring clip also has a coil with a contracted diameter less than a diameter of the tether. 
   In yet another embodiment, a ferrule is disposed between the handle body and the second cap. The ferrule is configured to be compressed by the second cap. The tether passes through the ferrule and the second aperture. 
   In another embodiment, the hollow tubular handle body includes an additive, such as a photochromic additive in an amount effective to cause a visible change in color when the hollow tubular handle body reaches a predetermined temperature. As an alternative, the hollow tubular handle body may include a thermochromic additive in an amount effective to cause a visible change in color when the hollow tubular handle body reaches a determined temperature. As another alternative, the hollow tubular handle body includes a phosphorescent additive in an amount effective to absorb light energy and continue to release that energy as visible light in darkened conditions. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
       FIG. 1  provides a plan view of an exemplary fender suitable for suspension from a rod holder with an adjustable length rope in accordance with the principles of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of another exemplary fender and washer suitable for suspension from a rod holder with an adjustable length rope in accordance with principles of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable handle with an adjustable length rope for suspending a boat fender from a rod holder in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
       FIG. 4  conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable handle with an adjustable length rope for suspending a boat fender from a rod holder in accordance with principles of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable handle and a rod holder for a boat fender suspended from a rod holder and having an adjustable length rope in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
       FIG. 6  conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable handle and a boat fender suspended from the handle and having an adjustable length rope in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
       FIG. 7  conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable handle with an adjustable length rope and a spring clamp for suspending a boat fender from a rod holder in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
       FIG. 8  conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable handle with an adjustable length rope and a compression fitting for suspending a boat fender from a rod holder in accordance with principles of the invention; and 
       FIG. 9  conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable handle with an adjustable length rope suspending a boat fender from a rod holder of a boat in accordance with principles of the invention. 
   

   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the types of fenders, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions of components shown in the figures. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   This invention relates to boat fenders, and more particularly, to a boat fender with and adjustable length rope and configured for suspending from conventional rod holders. For illustrative purposes the detail description that follows focuses primarily on an exemplary embodiment of the invention configured for suspending a fender as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . However, the invention is not limited to event any particular fender, so long as the fender may be suspended from a tether. Instead, the principles of the invention may be applied to the fender illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and to any other fender now known or hereafter developed that may be suspended alongside a vessel. The scope of the invention herein encompasses all such usages. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a plan view of an exemplary fender suitable for suspension from a rod holder with an adjustable length rope in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown. The exemplary fender includes a cylindrical body  100  comprised of an inflatable cushioning bladder, a closed cell foam cushion, a high density foam cushion, a combination of any of the foregoing, or some other form of shock absorbing structure. Eyelets  105 ,  110  are formed at the top and bottom ends of the body  100 , respectively, for attaching it to a tether, such as a nylon mooring line. However, the principles of the invention do not require any eyelets. Other means for attaching a tether to a fender may be applied within the scope of the invention. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of another exemplary fender and washer suitable for suspension from a rod holder with an adjustable length rope in accordance with principles of the invention is shown. The exemplary fender includes a cylindrical body  200  comprised of an inflatable cushioning bladder, a closed cell foam cushion, a high density foam cushion, a combination of any of the foregoing, or some other form of shock absorbing structure. A concentric channel extends from a top aperture  215  at the top end  205  of the fender to a bottom aperture  220  at the bottom end  210  of the fender. A free end of a tether, such as a nylon mooring line, may be passed through the channel  215 - 220  and a washer  230  at the bottom end  210 . The outer diameter of the washer is greater than the diameter of the bottom aperture, so that the washer cannot pass through the bottom aperture. The diameter of the aperture of the washer  230  is less than the diameter of the bottom aperture  220  and slightly larger than the diameter of the tether. The free end of the tether passing through the washer  230  may be knotted to prevent withdrawal through the washer  230  and channel  215 - 220 . 
   While, the principles of the invention do not require a fender with a central channel as conceptually illustrated in  FIG. 2 , such a fender provides an important advantage. The central channel facilitates rolling motion (i.e., rotation of the fender about the axis concentric with the aperture) due to shear forces encountered during docking. Such rolling motion reduces the risks of abrasive damage to the hull and excessive twisting of the tether. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an exemplary adjustable handle for a boat fender in accordance with principles of the invention is shown. The handle includes an elongated hollow tubular handle body  300 . A compartment  400  within the handle body  300  is configured for containing excess and stored portions of rope (or other tether). Rope may be coiled within the compartment for neat compact storage without entanglement. A first end cap  310  seals the proximal end of the body  300 . A male threaded cap  305  with an eccentric aperture  317  is provided at the distal end of handle body  300 . A corresponding female threaded cap  320  with a concentric aperture  319  is also provided. The eccentric aperture  317  and the concentric aperture  319  each have a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the rope  325 . When the female threaded cap  320  is secured to the male threaded cap  305 , the rope passing through the concentric aperture  319  and the eccentric aperture  317  becomes securely sandwiched between the female threaded cap and the male threaded cap  305 . When the female threaded cap  320  is loosened from the male threaded cap  305 , the rope passing through the concentric aperture  319  and the eccentric aperture  317  is released between the female threaded cap and the male threaded cap  305  and free to withdraw. The handle body  300  features a size and contour that comfortably and securely fits in a fishing pole holder. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an exemplary adjustable handle and a rod holder in accordance with principles of the invention are shown. Fishing boats are often equipped with rod holders  500  along their port and starboard gunnels and across the transom top board  510  to thereby enable fishermen to use more than one fishing rod. The rod holders may be built into the structure, surface mounted, or attached using additional hardware. The handle body  300  of the exemplary fender holder is configured to be received by conventional rod holders  500 . As the handle  300  may readily be inserted into and removed from a rod holder  500 , the fender holder is easy to install and remove for storage. Additionally, being designed to support substantial loads, a rod holder has the physical integrity to adequately support a fender during normal usage conditions. Moreover, use of the rod holders allows the cleats to be used for other purposes such as mooring lines for securing a vessel to a dock. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary adjustable handle and a boat fender suspended from the handle and having an adjustable length rope in accordance with principles of the invention is shown. The handle includes an elongated hollow tubular handle body  300 . A compartment  400  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) within the handle body  300  is configured for containing excess and stored portions of rope (or other tether). Rope may be coiled within the compartment for neat compact storage without entanglement. A first end cap  310  seals the proximal end of the body  300 . A male threaded cap  305  with an eccentric aperture  317  is provided at the distal end of handle body  300 . A corresponding female threaded cap  320  with a concentric aperture  319  is also provided. The eccentric aperture  317  and the concentric aperture  319  each have a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the rope  325 . When the female threaded cap  320  is secured to the male threaded cap  305 , the rope passing through the concentric aperture  319  and the eccentric aperture  317  becomes securely sandwiched between the female threaded cap and the male threaded cap  305 . When the female threaded cap  320  is loosened from the male threaded cap  305 , the rope  325  passing through the concentric aperture  319  and the eccentric aperture  317  is released between the female threaded cap and the male threaded cap  305  and free to withdraw. The exemplary fender includes a cylindrical body  200  comprised of an inflatable cushioning bladder, a closed cell foam cushion, a high density foam cushion, a combination of any of the foregoing, or some other form of shock absorbing structure. A concentric channel extends from a top aperture  215  at the top end  205  of the fender to a bottom aperture  220  at the bottom end  210  of the fender. A free end of the rope  325  is passed through the channel  215 - 220  and through an aperture of a washer  230  at the bottom end  210 . The outer diameter of the washer  230  is greater than the diameter of the bottom aperture  215 - 220 , so that the washer  230  cannot pass through the bottom aperture. The diameter of the aperture of the washer  230  is less than the diameter of the bottom aperture  220  and slightly larger than the diameter of the tether. The free end of the rope passing through the washer  230  may be knotted  600  to prevent withdrawal through the washer  230  and channel  215 - 220 . Thus, the weight of the fender rests upon the washer  230 . 
   To accommodate a long length of rope  325 , the handle body  300  may contain a shaft or spool  705  and means for rotation, such as a manually rotatable cap  3   10 . The rope  325  may be wound around the shaft  705  by rotating the cap  310  in a first direction. The rope  325  may be unwound and withdrawn from the handle body  300  by pulling it and/or rotating the end cap  310  in a direction opposite the first direction. 
   The handle body  300  may be comprised of various materials, such as metal and/or plastic. In an exemplary implementation, the handle body  300  is comprised of a rigid plastic or polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, urethanes, thermo-plastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates and polyesters. While many other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive, easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in an aesthetically acceptable, durable, weather and salt water resistant product. The material may further include additives to provide desired properties such as desired colors, structural characteristics, glow-in-the dark properties and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to heat). 
   By way of example and not limitation, the handle body  300  may optionally be formulated to change color when it reaches a predetermined or higher temperature. This can be accomplished by mixing a thermochromic additive to the base material in an amount that is sufficient to achieve a desired color changing range. As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 30% (pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.&#39;s Chromicolor® concentrate may be introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic structure that visibly changes color at a determined elevated temperature, such as approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 
   Alternatively, a photochromic additive may be added to the base material in an amount that is effective to achieve a desired color change when the handle body  300  is exposed to certain lighting conditions. As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 35% (pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.&#39;s Photopia® additive may be introduced to the base material, to provide a plastic structure that visibly changes color in the presence of sunlight or ultraviolet light. 
   As another alternative, phosphorescent polymer additives, such as aluminate based phosphors, may be added to adsorb light energy and continue to release that energy as visible light after the energy source is removed. Advantageously, such an embodiment provides a handle body  300  that is easy to locate in darkened conditions, making the device easy to spot even at nighttime. 
   The handle body  300  may be produced using any suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art for the chosen material, such as (for example) injection, compression, structural foam, blow, or transfer molding; polyurethane foam processing techniques; vacuum forming; and casting. Preferably, the manufacturing technique is suitable for mass production at relatively low cost per unit, and results in an aesthetically acceptable product with a consistent acceptable quality. 
   The exemplary embodiments described above include one exemplary mechanism for locking the rope at a desired length. Other locking means may be utilized within the scope of the invention. For example, the line may be cut to size and either knotted so that a knotted end within the handle cannot pass through a narrow aperture in cap  320  or attached to the interior structure of the handle. Still, other means for controlling the length of rope allowed to be withdrawn from the handle  300  may be utilized within the scope and spirit of the invention. Such other means may, for example, include spools, reels and other devices with locking mechanisms. 
   Illustratively, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a spring clamp  710  may be provided to controllably grip and lock the rope at a desired length. A slot  725  in the cap allows exposure of the arms  715  of the spring clamp  710 . The diameter of the spring clamp coil  720  expands when the arms  715  are urged towards each other. When pressure is relieved from the arms  715 , the arms  715  return to their original position and spring clamp coil  720  contracts. The contracted coil  720  grips the engaged portion of the rope  325 . 
   As another example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a compression fitting assembly  800  may be provided to controllably grip and lock the rope  325  at a desired length. The compression fitting is composed of the cap  320  which serves as an outer “compression nut” and a ferrule  805 , i.e. a gripping band or ring. The rope  325  passes through the central aperture of the ferrule. When the cap  320  is tightened, it clamps-down on the ferrule  805 , compressing the ferrule  805  and causing it to tightly conform to the circumference of the rope  325 . 
   The ferrule may vary in shape and material according to the rope material. By way of example and not limitation, the ferrule may be comprised of a rubber, plastic or polymeric material, such as silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylics, cellulosics, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, urethanes, thermo-plastic resins, thermo-plastic elastomers (TPE), acetal resins, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyisoprene, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrated nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, tetrafluoro ethylene/propylene rubbers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic vulcanizates. While many other materials may be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned materials and/or other materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention, preferably the material is relatively inexpensive, easy to use in manufacturing operations and results in a durable, sea water resistant product. 
   Optionally, the handle body  300  includes a buoyant padding material such as Neoprene foam or other cushioning buoyant material. The buoyant padding material should have a thickness sufficient for providing general buoyancy to the device. As used herein, buoyancy refers to an upward force on the handle body  300  produced by surrounding fluid (i.e., water) in which it is fully or partially immersed. The net upward buoyancy force is equal to the magnitude of the weight of fluid displaced by the body. In an implementation where the buoyancy of the handle body  300  exceeds its weight, it will tend to rise and float. Thus, for example, if the handle body  300  falls into water, it will float rather than sink, making it easier to locate and retrieve. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an exemplary adjustable handle  300  with an adjustable length rope  325  suspending a boat fender  200  from a rod holder of a boat  900  in accordance with principles of the invention is conceptually shown. While a pair of fenders  200  are suspended, any number may be used in connection with an equal number of rod holders or similar devices suitable for supporting a handle body  300 . 
   While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.