Abstract:
The present invention relates to an inflatable, tubular structure designed to protect a water craft by attaching along a horizontal plane. The device comprises of inflatable, tubular structure, attaching devices and an ability to be inflated for use and deflated for storage. The inflatable structure is conformable to the contour of a water craft to protect the area of freeboard and the bulkhead surfaces of a craft.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/176312 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates to water craft protection.  
           [0004]    2. Description of Prior Art  
           [0005]    Water craft owners are always trying to find new and improved ways to protect their investment from damage, whether induced by persons or nature and until now, used equipment designed for larger water craft. This current invention provides a higher level of protection for small water craft. “Bumpers” and “fenders” have been designed to attach to hand rails or cleats of large water craft by use of special knots. Owners of smaller water craft, such as personal water craft, have had inadequate protection.  
           [0006]    In U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,494 Pontevolpe, et. al. describes a device to be permanently installed in a vessel or craft which is operated remotely and provides limited protection during mooring and docking operations. The current invention is designed to operate manually and provides protection over a larger area of the vessel or craft.  
           [0007]    In U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,754 Sims, Jr. describes a device to be attached “onto the keel or hull of a watercraft” which is primarily under the water line of said vessel or craft. Sims&#39; device is also designed as a permanent fixture to said craft or vessel. The current invention is designed to protect said vessel or craft, primarily, above the water line. The current invention is also a device to be attached only when desired by the operator of said vessel or craft.  
           [0008]    In U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,729 DeRuscio describes a device consisting of molded PVC which attaches to the side of a personal watercraft in specific locations along the side of said craft. The current invention consists of an inflatable structure which encompasses the outward portion of said personal watercraft along the entire length of said personal watercraft providing an exceptionally higher level of protection and attaches more securely allowing better protection in situations that would be detrimental to said personal watercraft.  
           [0009]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,019 O&#39;Rourke, et. al. describes a device “provided for protecting the top front portion of personal watercraft”. Said device is designed to protect the nose of the personal watercraft by utilizing protective layers of material. Said device does not provide protection for the lateral portion of said personal watercraft which the current invention does.  
           [0010]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,837 Harvey describes a device rectangular in shape which attaches to the gunwale and attaching to the side of a subject watercraft. Harvey&#39;s invention allows protection for a small area of said vessel leaving a large portion of said vessel unprotected. Harvey&#39;s invention, along with numerous others, are designed for larger vessels. The current invention is designed for smaller watercraft which do not have gunwales to attach said devices. The current invention provides a higher level of protection to said watercraft and attaches in a manner more suitable to said smaller watercraft.  
           [0011]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,692 Kimball describes a device which is constructed of plastic and is designed to attach to “boats” or docks or piers. Kimball&#39;s device is bulky and would take up a large amount of space while stored and provides a limited amount of protection only being in contact with a select section of said “boat”. The current invention is designed to utilize little space while deflated and stored and provide protection to the entire side of said watercraft, especially personal watercraft.  
           [0012]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,312 McPherson describes a device constructed of “closed cell foam cores with synthetic fabric covering”. McPherson also claims said device is “foldable for compact storage in the watercraft”. Said device also utilizes securing lines which require the user to attach them to the opposite side of said watercraft inhibiting the operation of said watercraft while said device is utilized. The current invention is constructed of a material suitable for inflation making it most bulky when inflated in its operational state and least bulky when not in use utilizing less storage space. In said operational state the current invention will provide a greater distance between said watercraft and any object would cause damage to said watercraft should they come in contact with one another. The current invention attaches along the horizontal edge of said watercraft keeping any securing devices from inhibiting operation of said watercraft while the current invention is in its operational state.  
           [0013]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,521 Loucks describes a device in a “sheet” form which is draped over the gunwale an hull of a watercraft. Louck&#39;s device provides protection for a small area of said watercraft. This device is not suitable for small watercraft which do not have a railing or suitable gunwale. The current invention attaches to said small watercraft which commonly do not have a railing or suitable gunwale. The current invention also provides protection to the entire length of said smaller watercraft.  
           [0014]    In U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,958 Green describes a device “consisting of a plurality of one-piece bumper bodies” which are linked together to form a bumper system. This device is attached to a watercraft and draped over the edge between an area of exposed bulkhead of said watercraft and a docking station or other surface that would otherwise cause damage of some kind to said watercraft. Green&#39;s device is not affixed to be stationary and has the ability to move with the rolling of tide and wave common in the boating environment. The current invention is a inflated body which is securely attached to the outer most portion of said watercraft which is most likely to be damaged if not protected. The current invention provides protection to a greater area of said watercraft. The effectiveness of said current invention will not be changed with the movement of said watercraft as caused by before mentioned rolling of tide and wave common to the boating environment.  
           [0015]    These previous inventions have failed to supply adequate protection for the smaller watercraft. These prior inventions do not contour to the outside of the water craft when applied. They do not stay in place as the craft begins to move and become more susceptible to damage. Previous inventions have only provided protection for specific portions of the watercraft. When higher levels of protection are most needed these prior inventions become less reliable. When not in use these prior inventions are difficult to store and often take up precious space and become hazards to the craft operator and passengers. The popularity of personal watercraft and other smaller types of crafts has grown after the creation of some of these prior inventions.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0016]    This invention is designed to securely and simply attach to a water craft in order to provide a high level of protection and when not in use be simply detached and conveniently stored.  
         Objects and Advantages  
         [0017]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:  
           [0018]    (a) to simply attach to and detach from said watercraft.  
           [0019]    (b) to not require additional fixtures or equipment.  
           [0020]    (c) to attach without the use of any special knots.  
           [0021]    (d) to contour itself to the different craft it can be applied to.  
           [0022]    (e) to stay securely in place.  
           [0023]    (f) to provide the highest level of protection.  
           [0024]    (g) to have the ability to be stored where it is not a hazard to persons on or around the craft.  
           [0025]    (h) to stay attached and in place when the craft is in use or being towed.  
           [0026]    Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. The purpose being to provide a simple, light-weight system of protection for watercraft. This invention is designed to be simple and inexpensive to manufacture which will, in turn, be an inexpensive investment that provides the highest level of watercraft protection. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS AND FIGURES  
       [0027]    Figure number one (FIG. 1) depicts a side view of a my invention applied to a personal watercraft. It extends the length of the craft. Its height covers the side rail and a portion of the craft that extends up from the water line. It is attached to the already existing rubber bumper strip. In its inflated state it conforms to the shape of the craft.  
         [0028]    Figure number two (FIG. 2) depicts a rear view of my invention as it is applied to a personal watercraft. It is applied to the side of the water craft. It allows space for riders feet. It attaches over the side rail and conforms to the contour of the craft.  
         [0029]    Figure number three (FIG. 3) is a front view of my invention applied to a personal watercraft. It shows how my invention conforms to the contour of the watercraft. It extends toward the rear and continues down the side of the craft. 
     
    
     DEFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS  
       [0030]    [0030] 10 —Securing Strap  
         [0031]    [0031] 12 —Inflatable Structure  
         [0032]    [0032] 14 —End Hooks  
         [0033]    [0033] 16 —Tension Lock  
         [0034]    [0034] 18 —Securing Loop  
         [0035]    [0035] 20 —Air Valve  
       DESCRIPTION  
     Preferred Embodiment(s)  
       [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 is an overall view of my invention. The main body of the invention is an inflatable structure  12 . The inflatable structure  12  is a tubular form with two end pieces  12   a  and  12   b  of like material. The end pieces  12   a  and  12   b  are shaped to give the invention its form. One, or body end pieces  12   a  or  12   b  are equipped with an air valve  20 . Spaced out along the length of the body of the invention are securing loops  18 . These loops are used to attach the securing strap  10  to the invention. On each end of the securing strap  10  are end hooks  14   a  and  14   b . Along the strap  10 , between the hooks  14   a  and  14   b  is a tension lock  16 .  
         [0037]    The main inflatable structure  12  is attached to end pieces  12   a  and  12   b  by use of hot air heat sealing machinery or suitable adhesive. The inflatable structure  12  also has a hot air, heat seal seam that runs the length of the structure. Along the outside of the inflatable structure  12  are securing loops  18   a  thru  18   d . The securing loops  18   a  thru  18   d  are attached to the inflatable structure  12  by hot air, heat sealing or a suitable adhesive. The securing loops  18   a  thru  18   d  are used to attach the securing strap  10  to the inflatable structure  12 . Secured to the ends of the securing strap  10  are end hooks  14   a  and  14   b . Located between the end hooks  14   a  and  14   b  is a tension lock  16 . The securing strap  10  runs thru the tension lock  16 . Located in end piece  12   a  and/or  12   b  is an air valve  20  that is secured in place by use of hot air, heat seal machinery or a suitable adhesive.  
       Operation  
       [0038]    The inflatable structure  12  is the main body of the invention. This portion of the invention, when fully inflated, is used to provide a safe buffer between the watercraft it is applied to and any object that may cause damage to it if they came in contact with one another.  
         [0039]    The securing strap  10  is used to attach the invention to the water craft to be protected. The strap runs the length of the invention and attaches to the craft by use of end hooks  14   a  and  14   b . In order to maintain tension between the end hooks  14   a  and  14   b  a tension lock  16  is used. The securing strap  10  is place thru the tension lock  16 . When the strap  10  is pulled tight the tension lock  16  will maintain a secure hold on the securing strap. Air valve  20  is used to inflate and deflate the inflatable structure  12 .  
         [0040]    The invention may be in an inflated or deflated state when secured to a watercraft. First face the concave side of the inflatable structure, horizontally, toward the side of the watercraft. Place the end hook toward the front of the water craft thru the utility hole in the front of the craft. Attach the opposing end hook to the utility hole in the rear of the craft. Pull the loose end of the securing strap thru the tension lock until the strap is taut. Introduce air thru the air valve(s) until the inflatable structure is fully inflated. Be sure the concave portion of the inflatable structure is placed over the rub rail along the side of the watercraft. Adjust the tension of the securing strap as needed to keep taut and hold the invention in place on the watercraft.  
       Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope  
       [0041]    The reader will see the current invention provides protection to the entire freeboard and gunwale of the watercraft while lightweight yet reliable and inexpensive. This invention can be operated by any person of almost any age. While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be seen as limitations of the scope of the invention, rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment. Other variations are possible.  
         [0042]    it is possible to use varied colors of the same material to construct the device without requiring the manufacturer to change any portion of the assembly.  
         [0043]    it is possible to construct the device in different sizes to conform better to the varied sizes of watercraft available.  
         [0044]    it is able to be constructed of lighter weight or heavier weight material as determined by the manufacturer.  
         [0045]    it can be made as one embodiment or multiple embodiments as determined by the manufacturer.  
         [0046]    the manufacturer can add labeling for advertisement without changing the structure of the device.  
         [0047]    additional air valves can be added to aid in the inflation or deflation of the device.  
         [0048]    it can be used alone or in conjunction with other like devices as determined by the user.  
         [0049]    the material used to secure the device to a watercraft can be changed as determined by the manufacturer without changing the efficiency of protection the main embodiment provides.  
         [0050]    additional straps or securing lines can be added to aid in securing the device to said watercraft.  
         [0051]    additional grommets or cleat type fixtures can be added to the main embodiment without changing the efficiency of protection the devices provides.  
         [0052]    Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.