Trailer for transporting watercraft

A trailer for transporting a watercraft using a boat including a frame shaped for receiving one end of a personal watercraft, means for securing the frame to the aft of a boat, and means for securing the personal watercraft to the frame. A housing is connected to the frame to allow for storage of cargo or fuel. Latches are provided on the frame to allow for quick engagement and disengagement of the trailer and the watercraft. A flexible or rigid member is attached to the latches to allow for remote operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a trailer for transporting a watercraft. 
More particularly, the present invention relates to a trailer which can be 
connected to a boat or other watercraft for transporting a personal 
watercraft on a body of water. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Personal watercraft ("PWC") have become popular over the last ten years. 
The PWC is a small recreational watercraft which is designed to be 
operated by a single person. PWC's are generally powered by gasoline 
engines and are propelled by a jet pump or water jet propulsion. 
While PWC's are easy to operate and highly maneuverable, they are small and 
therefore limited in the number of people and amount of cargo which they 
can carry. Additionally their fuel storage capacity is relatively small 
which limits travel distance and operating times. 
It is often desirable to transport these PWC's in the tow of a larger boat 
on large bodies of water, i.e., rivers and lakes, in connection with other 
water activities such as boating and skiing. One example of a lift is one 
that attaches to a boat and carries the PWC above the water. This is 
cumbersome and requires the PWC to be lifted from or lowered into the 
water and tied down on or untied from the lift. In addition, the lift does 
not provide any storage space for fuel or other cargo. 
Another example of towing is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,214 to Kawasaki 
wherein a device is provided for coupling two vessels, e.g., a tugboat and 
a barge. This device is not suitable for a PWC. U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,544 to 
Kobayashi shows an unpowered watercraft which can be used in connection 
with a PWC but does not tow or transport the PWC. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 
5,353,730 shows a multi-use watercraft containing bays for docking a PWC 
which uses the PWC for propulsion. This watercraft is not suitable for 
towing the PWC but is in fact powered by the PWC. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,891 to Kobayashi, et al. shows a towed watercraft that 
is configured to accommodate the water flow from a PWC. The towing devices 
shown in this patent comprise rigid tow bars which are not readily 
disconnected from the towing watercraft or the towed watercraft and the 
PWC is the towing watercraft. Thus, no satisfactory trailer is available 
for towing or transporting PWC's on water. 
It is, therefore, the general object of the present invention to provide a 
trailer for towing and delivering a PWC on a body of water by another 
larger watercraft such as a pleasure boat. 
Another object of this invention is to provide a trailer for safely and 
conveniently towing a PWC on a body of water which can be quickly 
connected to and released from the PWC or the boat. 
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a water trailer having a 
housing which can be used for storing cargo and fuel. 
A still further object of the invention is to provide a dock for storing a 
PWC without using deck space of a larger watercraft or without using dock 
or pier space. 
The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of this invention, 
and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more 
readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description 
of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, 
which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a trailer for transporting a watercraft, 
such as a PWC, which includes a frame shaped for receiving one end of the 
PWC, means for securing the frame to the aft area of a second watercraft 
such as a pleasure boat, means for securing the PWC to the frame, and a 
housing carried by the frame. 
The frame generally comprises a generally U-shaped horizontal member, 
preferably formed of metal. Bumpers are attached to the horizontal member 
of the frame for positioning the watercraft for attachment to the frame. 
The bumpers may consist of one or more rollers or a strip or pad of 
suitable material, such as rubber, for padding or cushioning the PWC as it 
rides in the frame or housing. More preferably, one or more rollers 
generally in the shape of spools or right circular cones having two nappes 
are used as the bumpers. The trailer is secured to the boat by a latch, 
preferably at least one spring-loaded pin assembly, which permits easy 
release of the frame from the boat. A flexible or rigid member may be 
connected to the latch to allow for remote operation of the latch thereby 
releasing or connecting the trailer to the boat. A second latch, also 
preferably a spring-loaded pin assembly, is also provided for easy release 
or connection of the PWC to the frame of the trailer. Similarly, a 
flexible or rigid member may be connected to the latch to permit remote 
operation of this assembly. Locking devices may be provided for security 
during overnight and long-term docking of the PWC. 
A waterproof or watertight housing is connected to the frame in order to 
provide buoyancy and additional cargo storage. Additionally, the housing 
may be constructed of material suitable for storing fuel for the 
watercraft. Gasoline for the PWC may be stored in the trailer. This is 
particularly advantageous where regulations prohibit carrying more than 
one type of fuel on a pleasure boat. The housing may be shaped to minimize 
drag as it is being towed. Furthermore, the housing contains recesses to 
improve footing while connecting and disconnecting the trailer or the 
watercraft. Anti-slip material may be placed in the recesses to further 
improve safety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the trailer of the present invention 
for transporting a watercraft identified generally by reference 10, in use 
by an operator of a pleasure boat 14 transporting two PWC's 12. The 
trailer 10 includes a frame 32, means 22 for securing the frame 32 to the 
aft of a boat 14, means 36 for securing the watercraft to the frame 32, 
and a housing 16 carried by the frame 32 as shown most clearly in FIGS. 2, 
3 and 4. 
As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 32 generally consists of support arms 33 for 
supporting a horizontal member 34 shaped for receiving a watercraft. The 
horizontal member 34 is shaped, preferably U-shaped, for receiving one end 
of a PWC 12. Bumpers 42 are provided on the interior of the horizontal 
member 34 of the frame 32 or alternatively on the interior face of the 
housing above the water line to guide the PWC 12 into the trailer 10 for 
engagement. The bumpers 42 also protect the PWC 12 during towing. FIG. 3 
further illustrates bumpers 42 and the housing 16 connected to the 
U-shaped member 34 of frame 32 for storage. The bumpers 42 are preferably 
two or more rollers generally in the shape of a spool, or more 
particularly, a right circular cone having two nappes which are connected 
to the U-shaped frame 32. Alternatively, the bumpers 42 may be secured 
directly to the housing 16. The rollers 42 are made of any suitable 
material such as rubber to prevent damage to the PWC 12 while towing or 
while engaging or disengaging the trailer. Alternatively, the bumpers 42 
may be rollers in the shape of a wheel or tire. To minimize cost, the 
bumpers 42 may be a pad or strip of any suitable material such as rubber 
or plastic attached to the housing 16 or U-shaped member of the frame 34 
which will cushion or pad the PWC 12 as it rides in the frame 32 or the 
housing 16. 
The housing 16 of FIG. 3 is made of a waterproof material such as 
fiberglass, plastic or aluminum and is attached to the frame to provide 
for storage of cargo or fuel. The housing 16 is mounted within the frame 
32 to cause the trailer 10 to float more or less horizontally. 
Alternatively, the frame 32 and the housing 16 may also be a unitary 
structure formed of metal, fiberglass or other waterproof material of 
sufficient strength for holding a watercraft in place while it is being 
towed. The housing 16 contains recesses 18 on which anti-slip material may 
be applied to ensure safe footing while connecting and disconnecting PWC 
12 or the trailer 10, or while moving from the boat 14 to the PWC 12 and 
vice versa. 
The trailer 10 is connected to the stern or aft area of the boat 14 so as 
not to interfere with the operation of any inboard or outboard motor and, 
if necessary, modified for attachment to the aft sides of the boat. The 
frame 32 or housing 16 construction may also be modified to accommodate 
the operation of an outboard motor on the boat 14. The trailer 10 is also 
suitable for connecting to a dock for docking a PWC 12 while not in use. A 
recessed handle 40 is provided to allow for quick release of the PWC 12 
from the trailer 10. 
As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, the trailer 10 is connected to the boat 14 
preferably by means of two bolts 22 with connector plates 24 attached 
thereto, and two latches 26. Alternatively, one bolt or three or more 
bolts 22 and corresponding latches 26 may be used to attach the trailer 10 
to the boat. Similarly, other known methods of mechanical fastening 
suitable for connecting a trailer for towing may be used such as screwing, 
welding, or bonding. A vibration absorption member 20 is placed between 
plates 27 and is notched to allow for pivotal movement of the frame 32. 
More preferably, the vibration absorption member 20 comprises a solid 
piece of rubber or other flexible or shock absorbing material attached to 
the frame 32, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which covers the bolts 22 and 
cushions or dampens the pivotal movement of the trailer 10 as it is being 
towed through the water. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a frame connector 
plate 24 for connecting the frame 32 to the boat is attached to the end of 
at least one and preferably two bolts 22. A hole in the connector plate 24 
receives a latch, pin, or other connector. In the preferred embodiment, a 
pin of a spring-loaded pin assembly as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is used as 
the latch 26 for quick connect and disconnect of the trailer 10 from the 
boat 14 and to allow pivotal movement of the trailer during towing. The 
spring-loaded pin assembly 26 consists of a pin or bolt connected 
perpendicularly to a lever arm which is pivotally mounted so that the pin 
engages or disengages the hole in the connector plate 24 on the end of the 
bolt 22. Of course, it should be understood if a releasable means is 
desired any suitable arrangement may be used. 
In a preferred embodiment, the latch 26 is operated using a flexible member 
28, such as a rope, cord, cable, chain, or strap, as shown in FIG. 4. The 
flexible member 28 is connected to the end of the lever arm under which a 
spring is disposed to allow for remote operation of the spring-loaded pin 
assembly 26. Alternatively, a rigid member such as a rod or bar made be 
substituted for the flexible member 28. A handle 30 is provided on the end 
of the rigid or flexible member so that, when the handle 30 is pulled, the 
pins disengage from the holes in the connector plates 24 thereby 
connecting or disconnecting the trailer to or from the boat. In another 
preferred embodiment, a winch employing a nylon strap, cable, or rope may 
be used instead of the flexible or rigid member 28 and handle 30 to 
operate the latches 26. These latches 26 also allow the trailer 10 to 
pivot upwardly and downwardly during towing. Additionally, the trailer 10 
may be pivoted upwardly for attachment to the stern of the boat when not 
being used, for example, when the boat is being towed on its trailer. 
For connecting and disconnecting the PWC 12 a latch 36, shown in FIG. 4, 
connected to the midpoint of the U-shaped frame 34 is provided. In the 
preferred embodiment, the latch 36 generally consists of a spring loaded 
pin assembly as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Alternatively, the PWC 12 may be 
connected to the trailer 10 at one or more points or by other means such 
as tying with ropes, cables, straps, chains, or cords. A flexible member 
38, such as a rope, strap, or chain, is connected to the pin assembly to 
allow for remote operation of the pin to connect and disconnect the PWC 12 
and trailer 10 from each other. A rigid member may be used in place of a 
flexible member 38. A handle 40 is deposed on the end of the rigid or 
flexible member 38 opposite the latch 36 for easy grasp. As shown in FIGS. 
9A and 9B, handle 40 is recessed in the housing 16 for easy access and to 
help avoid accidental disengagement of the trailer 10 or the PWC 12. 
The spring-loaded pin assemblies 26, 36 used to connect the trailer to the 
boat and the watercraft to the trailer are more clearly shown in FIGS. 
4-6. FIG. 4 shows the spring-loaded pin assemblies 26 attached to the 
frame 32 for engaging and disengaging the trailer 10 and the boat. A 
flexible member 28 such as a rope, cable, strap, or chain with a handle 30 
positioned within reach of a rider on the PWC is routed by small pulleys 
and is connected to the lever arm of the pin assembly 26 for quick and 
convenient engagement and disengagement of the trailer. More preferably, a 
winch with a nylon strap is used as the flexible member and handle. The 
spring-loaded pin assembly 36 for engaging and disengaging the PWC and the 
trailer is connected to the U-shaped member 34 of the frame 32 or 
alternatively to the housing 16 itself. Other suitable means may be 
employed for securing the PWC 12 to the trailer 10 including a bolt, rope, 
cord, chain, or cable whether or not it is remotely operated. Locking 
devices may be provided in connection with the spring assemblies for 
security during overnight or long-term docking. 
FIG. 5 illustrates the preferred spring-loaded pin assembly 26 as it is 
engaged for attaching the trailer to the boat 14. A lever arm is pivotally 
attached to the outer sides of the portions of the frame 32 projecting 
towards the boat so that the pin, which is disposed perpendicularly on the 
lever, can engage the hole in the end of the bolt 15. A spring is disposed 
perpendicularly on the end of the lever arm opposite the pin as is a 
flexible member 28 used to remotely operate the lever arm. FIG. 6 shows 
the spring loaded pin assembly 26 in the open position to disengage the 
trailer from the boat. 
FIG. 9A shows the spring-loaded pin assembly 36 for connecting and 
disconnecting the PWC 12 from the trailer 10 comprises a pin having a head 
disposed on top of the pin against which a spring acts. The pin is 
vertically disposed in an E-shaped bracket. A spring is placed over the 
pin and inside the top portion of the bracket so that the pin remains in 
the downward or closed position unless opened by a flexible or rigid 
member 38 attached to the top of the pin. A recessed handle 40 is provided 
on the flexible or rigid member 38 for ease of use as illustrated in FIG. 
9B. Alternatively, a spring-loaded pin assembly as is used to connect the 
boat and trailer may be used. A latch or other mechanical device may be 
used as a means for connecting the PWC 12 to the trailer 10 whether or not 
it is remotely operated. 
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bumpers 42 assist in positioning the PWC 12 
for engagement with the trailer. The bumpers 42 are generally spool-shaped 
rollers as shown in FIG. 7. Rollers of any configuration, strips, or pads 
also may be used as the bumper and should be made of suitable material for 
padding or cushioning the PWC while being towed. 
While the preferred embodiments of this invention have been illustrated in 
detail, it should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the 
other embodiments may be conceived and fabricated without departing from 
the spirit and scope of this invention.