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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority of application No. 60/621,777, filed Oct. 26, 2004, and which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to vessel protectors. More particularly, the invention relates to docking vessel and docked vessel protectors. Even more particularly, the invention relates to vessel protectors having a guided protection roller which may be spring-loaded and pivotable to maintain a desired orientation, vessel guidance, vessel tensioning, and offset relative to a dock or other fixed surface. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Stationary vessel protection devices are known. Examples of known relatively fixed vessel protection devices include padded seawalls, vehicle tires placed between vessels and docks, air-filled bumpers fixed relative to docks and docked vessels, and the like. 
   A known dock wheel design for being mounted on a front corner of a dock adjacent to where docking vessels enter a slip include a dock wheel, such as the Taylor Made dock wheel available from Taylor Made Products, a division of The Nelson A. Taylor Co., Inc., of Gloversville, N.Y. 12078. 
   Additional known devices include various sizes of inflatable or solid fenders (e.g. inflated/inflatable wheels) that hang off a boat or vessel. Sometimes such known devices are used adjacent a piece of wood that protects the vessel from the piling. 
   Another known device includes one or more hollow support masts each having a slotted channel vertically disposed along its length. 
   A further known device includes a fiberglass type whip, which is like an antenna, which attaches to a dock, and which will hold a small vessel off of a dock by means of a taut line tied between the vessel and the whip. 
   A further known device include a rubber type cushioning strip that attaches to a dock or piling thus allowing the vessel to rub against it as it moves. 
   Known marine vessel protection devices have drawbacks such as the inability to automatically maintain a docked vessel offset from a side of a dock or piling, or in a boat slip, even as tides come in and out, storm waters raise the levels of the water in which the vessel is docked, currents shift, and the like. 
   It may be seen that there is a need for a vessel protection device which overcomes these and other drawbacks of the prior art. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art devices. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a vessel protection device which is easier to use, requires less time and energy to install against a vessel to be protected when docked, and which more accurately maintains a desired spacing between a dock and a vessel. 
   A further object of the invention is to provide a vessel protection device which reduces or eliminates the need to continually readjust the length and tension of docking lines which secure a docked vessel in its slip as conditions, such as tides, wind, and waves, change. 
   A further object of the invention is to provide a vessel docking device which has a longer useful life than known devices. 
   Yet another object of the invention is to provide a vessel docking device which may be readily adjusted to suit different sizes of vessels and docks and water level conditions. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a vessel protection device which requires no additional fenders or devices. 
   A still further object of the invention is to provide a vessel protection device which may be oriented in a variety of positions including vertical, horizontal, and other orientations; a vertical orientation being used when the vessel is docked, for example, and a horizontal orientation being used when the vessel is entering or leaving the dock, for example. 
   In summary, the invention includes a vessel protection device including a mounting arm configured for being attached to a relatively fixed object such as a dock, a cushioning element configured and disposed for engaging a vessel, and a spring supporting the cushioning element and provided between the cushioning element and the mounting arm, so that the cushioning element may be provided at a desired offset from the fixed object and so that the cushioning element may engage the vessel in a desired orientation, in use, during both constant and changing water levels and water force conditions. 
   The invention may likewise include a leaf spring. 
   The mounting arm may include an adjustable mounting arm which is configured for providing one or more of a variable length and a variable orientation. 
   The cushioning element may include a gas-filled element. 
   The cushioning device may include an inflatable pneumatic tire, which may be rimless, or which may include a rim. 
   An arm may be provided for adjusting the orientation of the vessel protecting device relative to the vessel being protected. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a vessel protection device according to the invention, as viewed from a dock looking toward a vessel, in use; 
       FIG. 2  is a partial exploded view of various components of the vessel protection device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a partial exploded perspective view, similar to  FIG. 2 , of a further embodiment of a vessel protection device according to the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial exploded perspective view, similar to  FIG. 2 , of a further embodiment of a vessel protection device according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of an angled extension arm of a further embodiment of a vessel protection device according to the invention. 
   

   It will be appreciated that relative terms such as left, right, up, down, horizontal, and vertical are for convenience only and are not intended to be limiting. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     FIG. 1  shows a vessel  4  and a dock  6  between which a vessel protection device  10  according to the invention is provided. 
   Vessel protection device  10  or vessel protector may be detachably mounted to dock  6  by use of a mounting bracket  12 . Bracket  12  may include a vertical mounting plate  14  having one or more mounting holes  15  by which the mounting bracket  14  may be detachably attached to dock  6 . An extension  16  may be provided on mounting bracket  12 . Extension  16  may be in the form of a square, rectangular or circular tube, or the like. One or more adjustment holes  18  may be provided on extension  16 . Strengthening elements, such as the illustrated plates  17 , may be provided to strengthen the connection between the plate  14  and extension  16 . 
   One or more connectors, such as the illustrated holes  19  may be provided in addition to holes  18  on extension  16 . 
   A locking element, such as a locking element or pin  20 , may be provided for detachably attaching extension  16  to an angle extension arm  30 . A locking element or clip  24  may be provided to ensure that locking pin  20  remains in place, in use. 
   An extension arm  30  may include one or more attachment elements, such as the illustrated holes  32  and  34 , which may be sized and located to align with corresponding ones of holes  18  and  19  in extension  16 . 
   As will be readily appreciated, in use, the desired effective length of extension arm  30  extending outwardly of mounting bracket  12  may be achieved by varying the location of hole  32  relative to hole  18 , for example. As shown, in order to obtain the greatest illustrated offset between extension arm  30  and mounting bracket  12 , hole  32  would be aligned with hole  18 , in use. If the orientation of extension arm  30  were to be varied relative to mounting bracket  12 , then, as shown, extension arm  30  may be moved inwardly or outwardly, or rotated, such as through the illustrated angle of about 90° and hole  32  would then be aligned with a corresponding hole  19  in extension arm  16 . Thanks to hole  19  being oriented substantially 90° relative to hole  18 , the resultant orientation and extension of downwardly extension arm  30  would be changed 90°, and, if desired, moved inwardly or outwardly relative to extension  16 , and, hence, relative to dock  6 . 
   In the case where both extension  16  and extension arm  30  were provided with a larger number of mating holes  18 ,  19 , thanks to their respective substantially circular mating cross sections, the distance between an outer end  35  of extension arm  30 , as well as the angle at which outer end  35  extends relative to vertical plate  14  could be varied by an even larger number of positions and in even smaller gradations. In other words, instead of the 90° variation as shown, as well as 180° and 270° variations, in the case where 8 evenly spaced holes, for example, were provided on a circular cross section of mating components of one or both of extension arm  30  and extension  16 , it will be readily apparent that 45° offsets could be achieved and a larger number of varying positions would result. It is likewise contemplated that additional variation and indeed, an infinite number of varied positions could be achieved by the substitution of alternate attachment elements between extension  16  and extension arm  30 . 
   An adjustment handle or element  64  may be provided on extension arm  30 , for example, to assist in the angular adjustments and distance offsets of extension  30  relative to extension  16 . Adjustment handle or element  64  may be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of extension arm  30  to make it easier for a user to make the above-described angular distance offset adjustments. 
   A mounting shaft or pivot element  36  may be provided which mates with a corresponding hole  37  in extension arm  30 . Pivot element  36  may be in the form of a locking pin, for example, with a corresponding detachably attached locking element  38  to ensure that locking pin  36  remains in a desired position. 
   A connection element, such as a U-bracket  40 , having a hole  42  or other connection element may be provided for securing a spring  50  to mounting bracket  12 . Spring may be in the form of a leaf spring, as shown. 
   A further connector  44 , such as the illustrated hole, may be provided in bracket  40 . A connector  46 , such as the illustrated bolt or other fasteners, may be inserted through hole  44  and detachably attached by a mating nut  48  or other fastener. A locking nut or locking washer and washer, as needed, may be provided, in the case where a bolt is used. 
   Spring  50  may be detachably attached to extension arm  30 , such as in an outer portion of extension arm  30  in the region of spring  50 ; and, indeed holes  42  may be aligned with holes  37  of portion  35  and detachably attached thereto by use of pivot  36 , as shown. 
   Spring  50  may be provided with one or more connecting elements  52  and  54 , as shown, and in which connecting elements  52  and  54  holes  56  and  58 , respectively, have been provided. Optional nylon bushings may be provided in one or more of holes  56  and  58 . A threaded end cap  60  may be used for securing a cushioning element, such as the illustrated inflatable wheel  70 , to a corresponding shaft  80 . 
   Shaft  80  may extend through a respective hole  58 , or may be secured to a threaded hub  90 , depending on the intended use. The threaded hub is useful for easing the mounting and dismounting of inflatable wheel  70 . 
   Additional shafts, threaded couplings, end caps, and like fasteners may be provided depending on the intended use. 
   It will be appreciated that cushioning element  70  may include respective first, second, third, and fourth inflatable wheels  72 ,  74 ,  76 , and  78 . 
   In use, as seen in  FIG. 1 , typically each of inflatable wheels  72 ,  74 ,  76 , and  78  will engage marine vessel  4 , in use. As the vessel moves up and down with the tide, for example, the wheels will typically rotate in the direction of arrow  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   In addition, the spring force exerted by spring  50 , and extensions  16  and  30 , will maintain vessel  4  at a desired offset from dock  6 . Depending on currents and tides, for example, greater forces may be applied at some times to upper wheels  72  and  74  than to lower wheels  76  and  78 . Thanks to the configuration of the vessel protection device  10  and spring  50 , which may be in the form of a leaf spring, as shown, the forces applied by vessel  4 , in use, will be partially, if not completely, offset by the reaction forces of the spring. 
   As will be readily appreciated from considering  FIG. 1 , the orientation of spring  50 , and, indeed, vessel protection device  10 , may be considered substantially vertical, and a direction indicated by arrow  120  may be considered substantially horizontal. As discussed above, the substantially horizontal orientation may be the orientation of wheels  70  and spring  50 , for example, when vessel  4  is being brought into or moved out of docking. 
   Thus, the inventive vehicle protection device may be considered a dual-use vessel protection device. 
   In use, dock lines will be secured to dock  6  and onto the vessel  4  in such a manner as to allow the vessel to move against the wheels or rollers  70  during vertical tidal motion, rocking wave movement, varying wind speeds, and water current changes. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a further embodiment of a vessel protection device  130  according to the invention. 
   Vessel protection device  130  includes features of the  FIG. 1  embodiment with the addition of further features, such as the elimination of the nut and bolt of the  FIG. 1  embodiment that secure  FIG. 1  shaft  80  to  FIG. 1  threaded hub  90 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Instead, the  FIG. 3  embodiment may include a sleeve  132 , which may be a PVC (polyvinylchloride) pipe. The sleeve  132  protects shaft  80 , and serves as the element over which stop  90  may be slid and then glued to sleeve  90 , which may likewise be PVC, for example. 
   Additional mating left and right stops  136  and  142  may secure respective ones of wheels  70  to spring  50 . 
   In addition, the  FIG. 3  embodiment may include one or more spacers  124 , which may be provided with a hole therein, configured for fitting over one or both of shaft  80  or sleeve  132 . Spacers  124  are sized and configured for ensuring that a vessel  4  does not engage one or more of the parts of vessel protection device  130 , such as the spring, or, indeed, dock  6  itself, even in the event that gas-filled wheel  70  deflates, in use. 
   In the event of such deflation of one of wheels  70 , spacer  124  would then contact a portion of vessel  4 . spacer  124  may be, for example, substantially solid PVC, about 1″ thick, and about 6″ inches in diameter, when used with protection device  130  configured for securing a vessel such as a personal watercraft, or a yacht about 16 or more feet in length and weighing about 40 gross tons. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a further embodiment of a vessel protection device  200  according to the invention. 
   Vessel protection device  200  may include a tire  200  mounted on a rim  224 , for example. One or more holes  224 , such as the usual holes for mounting a rim to a hub  230  may be provided. Likewise, mating lug bolts  234  for engagement with holes  224 , and lug nuts (not visible in the drawing) are secured to hub  230 , such as by welding. 
   Thanks to the provision of rim  224 , spacer  124  may be eliminated, if desired, as in the event that tire  220  lose its cushioning volume of air, then the uninflated tire itself will press against and be retained on rim  222 , and will function as a variation of spacer  124 . that is, the uninflated tire will keep vessel  4  offset from the remainder of protection device  200 , such as the spring, and from the dock  6 , for example. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a further embodiment of an extension arm  330 , configured as an angled extension arm, according to the invention. 
   Angled extension arm  330  may include a downwardly angled portion  335 , and may be used with any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1–4 . An adjustment handle or element  64  may be provided on extension arm  330 , for example, to assist in the angular adjustments and distance offsets of extension arm  330  relative to extension  16 , in use, in a manner similar to the use and of arm  64  as described above in connection with the  FIG. 1  embodiment. 
   Angled extension arm  330  may likewise have a substantially circular cross section. Downwardly extending portion  335  may be secured with a locking pin through hole  37 , as described above. 
   In use, arm  364  may be grasped and manipulated by the user for removing extension arm  330  from mating extension  16  and/or for rotating extension arm  330  relative to extension  16 . 
   In use, for example, bracket  14  may be mounted to a dock or pier, in a manner similar to the use of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1–4 . the horizontal portion of extension arm  330  may be inserted into an open end of extension  16 , and hole  32  may be secured to hole  16 , as in  FIG. 1 . Depending on the desired offset from mounting plate  14  and, hence, the dock  6  to which the mounting bracket  12  is attached, the user will align corresponding holes of extension arm  330  and the horizontal portion of extension arm  330 , as will be readily appreciated. Then, locking pin  120  may be inserted through holes  32  and  18  for preventing movement of extension arm  330  relative to extension  16 . 
   If the orientation of downwardly extending portion  335  were to be varied relative to mounting bracket  12 , then, angled extension arm  330  may be provided with additional mating holes in one or both of the horizontal and the downwardly extending portion  335 . if downwardly extending portion  335 , provided with such holes akin to  32  and  34  were to be used, the user would turn remove horizontal portion of arm  330  from extension  16 , turn arm  330  around, and insert angled extension arm  330  into extension  16 . 
   It has been found that owing to the configuration of vessel protection device, there are wind and current conditions under which not all of the wheels need engage the vessel at all times, and still achieve the desired securing and offset of the vessel relative to the dock. 
   It is likewise contemplated that additional variation and indeed, an infinite number of varied positions could be achieved by the substitution of alternate attachment elements between extension  16  and angled extension arm  330 , as described above. 
   Thanks to the pivot arm in the form of a leaf spring, the desired orientation of the cushioning elements or wheels is maintained. The spring in the form of a leaf spring may be attached to a balance point selected to maximize the desired balancing and protective characteristics of the device. 
   The leaf spring may be straighter, or have a greater curvature than as shown in  FIGS. 1–4 , and, indeed, may be substantially straight, depending on the desired characteristics, vessel size, expected forces exerted on the vessel and spring, desired location of the application of forces applied to the various upper and lower wheels, in use, and other considerations, as will be readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
   The mounting bracket may be configured for being permanently or detachably attached to one or both of a substantially vertical, curved, and horizontal surface of a dock, as well as to another relatively fixed object such as a piling, or bulkhead, whether wooden, metal, concrete, or other material, for example. 
   Thanks to the overall configuration, continual dock line adjustment is unnecessary. In addition, thanks to the overall configuration, hull contact with the cushioning elements or wheels is maintained during the typical horizontal and vertical use. 
   It will be appreciated that the various elements may be made of non-rusting, galvanized steel or stainless steel, or aluminum, various plastics, or other materials, for example, to maximize useful life. 
   Mounting bracket may include a galvanized steel plate, and may be used and secured by fasteners, such as lag bolts, or through bolts, and may encompass a substantially rigidly connected adjustable horizontal galvanized steel arm for use a the extension. 
   The cushioning elements and tires may be conventional, such as a tire mounted on a rim and a hub. 
   While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, and uses and/or adaptions of the invention and following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall with in the scope of the claims.

Summary:
Vessel protection device protects a floating vessel from rubbing against pilings or a stationary dock and eliminates the need for hanging or fixed vessel fenders. A fixed attachment may secure the protection device to a dock, for example, and be configured for supporting spring-loaded solid or air-filled rollers. It may be permanent and spaced in a manner so as to stand off a floating vessel while tied to a stationary dock or pilings, thus allowing for vessel movement associated with vertical tidal action, current, and light wave or wave motion. The arm and roller section may also be rotatable from a vertical to a horizontal position, thus allowing for an untied vessel to move freely along the rollers oriented in their horizontal position while the vessel is either departing or docking, and oriented vertically, such as when the vessel is docked.