Patent Publication Number: US-10780951-B2

Title: Marine thru-hull fitting and drainage device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/923,059 for a Marine Thru-hull Fitting and Drainage Device, filed on Mar. 16, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/457,435 for a Marine Thru-hull Fitting Drainage Device, filed on Mar. 13, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/332,532 for a Marine Thru-Hull Fitting Drainage Device, filed on May 6, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to the field of marine and boating accessories. More particularly, this disclosure relates to accessories for preventing buildup of drainage streaks on a hull of a vessel. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Boats and marine vessels are often fitted with thru-hull fittings that extend through a hull of the vessel to allow for discharge of a fluid from the vessel. These thru-hull fittings are typically mounted flush with a surface of the vessel&#39;s hull. Thru-hull fittings provide a drainage point for fluids discharged from the boat, such as for a bilge pump, live well, or other pump or fluid source on the boat. 
     When a fluid is discharged from the thru-hull fitting, at least a portion of the fluid drains along a surface of the vessel&#39;s hull given the flush-mounted position of the thru-hull fitting. As the fluid drains down a surface of the vessel&#39;s hull, the fluid often stains the hull of the vessel and leaving behind discolored streaks on the hull, as shown in  FIG. 1 . These streaks build up over time, and removal of the staining or streaks caused by drainage of fluid from the thru-hull fitting is extremely difficult. 
     Attempts have been made to direct fluid exiting a thru-hull fitting away from a vessel&#39;s hull. For example, attempts have been made to attach a drainage channel with a gasket to direct fluid away from the vessel&#39;s hull. Further attempts involve replacing the thru-hull fitting itself with a shaped fitting that attempts to direct fluid away from the hull. These attempts often do not adequately divert water away from the hull and are otherwise difficult to install. These devices are also typically inflexible and subject to breaking if the hull contacts a dock or other surface. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a boat thru-hull fitting and drainage device that is readily installed on the hull of the boat to direct discharge fluid from the thru-hull fitting away from the hull. 
     SUMMARY 
     A marine thru-hull fitting drainage channel is provided for directing fluid away from a thru-hull fitting in a hull of a vessel. In a first aspect, the drainage device includes: a channel body having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional area along a length of the body such that the body forms a channel for directing fluid within the body, the body extending from a first end proximate to the hull of the vessel when the drainage device is installed and a second end that is distal from the hull of the vessel, wherein the second end extends beyond an edge of the thru-hull fitting; and a ring having an inner diameter that is at least as wide as a diameter of the bore in the hull of the vessel, the resiliently flexible channel body attached to the ring at the first end of the channel body. The drainage device is secured to the hull of the vessel by securing the ring between the thru-hull and the hull of the vessel. 
     In one embodiment, the channel body and ring are formed of a resiliently flexible material. In another embodiment, the channel body tapers in width from the first end adjacent to the hull to the second end of the channel body. 
     In yet another embodiment the channel body further comprises a groove formed at a center of the channel body. In one embodiment, the groove has a tapered width such that a width of the groove expands from a narrower width at a first end to a wider width at a second end of the groove, wherein the second end of the groove is adjacent the second end of the channel body. 
     In another embodiment, the drainage device further includes a lip formed on a lower surface of the channel body and extending downward from the channel body at the second end of the channel body. In yet another embodiment, the drainage device further includes a lip formed on a lower surface of the channel body and extending downward from the channel body at the second end of the channel body, the lip aligned with the groove formed in the channel body. 
     In one embodiment, the channel body has a width that is greater than a width of the ring. 
     In a second aspect, a marine thru-hull drainage device includes: a channel body having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional area along a length of the body such that the body forms a channel for directing fluid within the body, the body extending from a first end proximate to the hull of the vessel when the drainage device is installed and a second end that is distal from the hull of the vessel, wherein the second end extends beyond an edge of the thru-hull fitting, the channel body tapering in width from the first end adjacent to the hull to the second end of the channel body; and a ring having an inner diameter that is at least as wide as a diameter of the bore in the hull of the vessel, the resiliently flexible channel body attached to the ring at the first end of the channel body. The drainage device is secured to the hull of the vessel by securing the ring between the thru-hull and the hull of the vessel. The channel body and ring are formed of a resiliently flexible material. 
     In one embodiment, the channel body further comprises a groove formed at a center of the channel body. In another embodiment, the groove has a tapered width such that a width of the groove expands from a narrower width at a first end to a wider width at a second end of the groove, wherein the second end of the groove is adjacent the second end of the channel body. In yet another embodiment, the drainage device further includes a lip formed on a lower surface of the channel body and extending downward from the channel body at the second end of the channel body. 
     In one embodiment, the drainage device further includes a lip formed on a lower surface of the channel body and extending downward from the channel body at the second end of the channel body, the lip aligned with the groove formed in the channel body. In another embodiment, the channel body has a width that is greater than a width of the ring. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a thru-hull fitting installed on a hull of a vessel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a thru-hull drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of a thru-hull drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of a thru-hull drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective rear view of a thru-hull drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of a thru-hull drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective side view of a thru-hull fitting drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a combination drainage device and thru-hull fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows a front view of a combination drainage device and thru-hull fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of a combination thru-hull fitting and drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view of a combination thru-hull fitting and drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows a rear view of a combination thru-hull fitting and drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  shows a bottom view of a combination thru-hull fitting and drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective side view of a combination thru-hull fitting and drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 15-17  show a modified thru-hull fitting and drainage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of a drainage device including a ring for mounting the drainage device to a thru-hull according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  shows a front view of a drainage device including a ring for mounting the drainage device to a thru-hull according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  shows a top view of a drainage device including a ring for mounting the drainage device to a thru-hull according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  shows a cross-sectional side view of a drainage device including a ring for mounting the drainage device to a thru-hull according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  shows an exploded view of a drainage device and thru-hull according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 23  shows a drainage device installed on a thru-hull of a boat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control. 
     A marine thru-hull fitting drainage device  10  is provided for directing fluid from a thru-hull fitting installed through the hull of a marine vessel away from the hull to reduce the formation of streaks or other stains on the surface of the hull caused by fluid from the thru-hull fitting. In one embodiment, the thru-hull fitting drainage device is readily installed on the hull of a vessel adjacent an outlet of the thru-hull fitting without requiring removal or loosening of the thru-hull fitting and is shaped to direct fluid discharged from the thru-hull fitting outlet away from the hull of the vessel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a typical thru-hull fitting  12  is installed on a hull  14  of a vessel, the thru hole fitting including a thru-hull fitting flange  16  shaped to conform to the hull  14  of the vessel. The thru-hull fitting  12  includes a discharge outlet  18  through which fluid from a hose attached to the thru-hull fitting  12  on an inner side of the hull  14  is discharged. The thru-hull fitting flange  16  is substantially flat such that the flange  16  is flush to the hull  14  or does not extend significantly beyond a surface of the hull  14 . The thru-hull fitting flange  16  is generally circular in shape, however, it is also understood that the thru-hull fitting flange  16  may be formed into various other shapes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the marine thru-hull fitting drainage device  10  is formed of a channel body  20  and a flange  22  formed on an end of the channel body  20  adjacent the vessel&#39;s hull. The flange  22  includes a surface  23  for receiving an adhesive  25  ( FIG. 5 ) to secure the drainage device  10  to the hull  14  of the vessel. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the channel body  20  is formed into a U-shape along a length of the elongate channel body such that a cross-sectional area of the elongate channel body when looking along a length of the elongate channel body  20  is substantially cupped in shape. The U-shaped channel body  20  urges a fluid received in the elongate channel body  20  towards a bottom of the channel body  20  to maintain fluid within the channel body  20 . The elongate channel body  20  preferably has a uniform U-shaped cross-sectional area along a length of the channel body  20 . Alternatively, the channel body  20  may have a U-shaped cross-sectional area that varies from a width that is greatest at a point adjacent the hull of the vessel and narrowest at a point distal from the hull of the vessel such that the channel body  20  forms a spout at a distal end of the channel body  20 . 
     The channel body  20  has a first end  30  ( FIG. 4 ) that is adjacent to the hull of the vessel and a second end  26  at a point that is distal from the hull of the vessel when the thru-hull fitting drainage device  10  is affixed to the vessel. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first end  30  of the channel body  20  is substantially flat when viewed from above, such that the first end  30  of the channel body  20  conforms to a shape of the hull of the vessel. The second end  26  of the channel body  20  is preferably rounded or tapered, such that the second end  26  of the channel body  20  narrows to a tip  28  of the channel body  20 . The channel body  20  preferably has a length of from about ¼ to about 2 inches, and has a length such that the tip  28  of the channel body  20  terminates at a point that is beyond an outermost edge of the thru-hull fitting flange  16 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the flange  22  is attached to the first end  30  of the channel body  20 . The flange  22  has a shape that conforms to the U-shaped cross-sectional area of the channel body  20 . The flange  22  is preferably attached to the first end  30  of the channel body  20 , and extends perpendicular to the channel body  20  to an inner edge  32 . Surface  23  is formed between the first end  30  of the channel body  20  and inner edge  32 . The inner edge  32  is shaped to conform to the hull of the vessel around a circumference of the thru-hull fitting flange  16 . While the figures illustrate the flange  22  and channel body  20  being attached to one another at the first end  30  of the channel body  20 , it is also understood that the channel body  20  may be attached to the flange  22  at the inner edge  32  of the flange  22 , or at a point between the first end  30  of the channel body  20  and inner edge  32 . 
     The channel body  20  and flange  22  are preferably made of a resiliently flexible material, such as a polymer or rubber-like material. The channel body  20  and flange  22  are preferably flexible such that if the drainage device  10  contacts a dock or other object near a vessel, the channel body  20  flexes relative to the hull of the vessel to prevent the drainage device  10  from being removed from the hull. In one embodiment, the channel body  20  may be formed of a resiliently flexible material, while the flange  22  is formed of a substantially solid polymer or metal material. The channel body  20  and flange  22  preferably have a thickness of from about 1/16 inches to about 3/16 inches. 
     The surface  23  of the flange  22  is shaped to conform to a shape of the hull of the vessel around the thru-hull fitting such that the surface  23  is flush with the hull of the vessel. The surface  23  is preferably flat and U-shaped to conform to a shape of the channel body  20 . The flange  22  is attached to the channel body  20  such that the surface  23  is perpendicular to a length of the channel body  20 . Alternatively, the flange  22  may be attached to the channel body  20  at an angle, such that the surface  23  is angled relative to a length of the channel body  20 . The flange  22  and channel body  20  may be angled such that when the drainage device  10  is mounted to the hull of a vessel adjacent a thru-hull fitting, the channel body  20  angles in a downward direction from the first end  30  to the second end  26  of the channel body  20  to encourage water within the channel body  20  towards the tip  28  of the channel body  20 . 
     In one embodiment, an adhesive such as tape, glue, or other type of adhesive is placed on the flange  22  of the drainage device  10  to secure the device to the hull of the boat. The adhesive is preferably formed of a U-shaped adhesive strip attached on a first side to the surface  23 . The adhesive strip may have an adhesive surface on both the first side and a second side facing away from the flange  22  such that the second side of the adhesive attaches to the hull of a vessel. A non-adhesive layer may be placed over the second side of the adhesive strip to substantially conceal the adhesive second side until a user is ready to install the drainage device on the hull of a boat. A suitable adhesive may include, for example, an automotive adhesive available from 3M®. While the above description contemplates an adhesive strip applied to the flange  22 , it is also understood that other various adhesives may be used. For example, a liquid adhesive may be applied to the flange  22  upon installation. 
     Embodiments of the drainage device  10  include a groove  36  formed in the channel body  20  for further diverting water along the drainage device  10  and away from the hull. The groove  36  is preferably located at a center of the channel body  20  and is formed on a surface of the channel body  20  for collecting water received by the drainage device  10  and dispensing the collected water from a central portion of the drainage device  10 . The groove  36  begins at a first end  38  that is proximate to the flange  22  and extends to a second end  40  adjacent the tip  28  of the drainage device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first end  38  of the groove  36  may be located proximate to but spaced apart from the flange  22 . However, it is also understood that the groove  36  may be located directly adjacent the flange  22 . The groove  36  is preferably formed having a tapered width such that a width of the groove  36  expands from a narrower width at the first end  38  to a wider width at the second end  40 . Further, the groove  36  is preferably sloped such that a depth of the groove increases from a shallow portion at the first end  38  of the groove  36  to a deeper portion at the second end  40  of the groove  36 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the channel body  20  preferably includes a lip  42  formed adjacent the tip  28  of the drainage device  10 . The lip  42  is preferably formed on a lower surface  44  of the channel body  20  and projects downwardly from the lower surface  44  of the channel body  20 . The lip  42  extends at least partially across a width of the tip  28  of the channel body  20 . The lip  42  preferably extends across a portion of the tip  28  of the channel body  20  such that the lip  42  is aligned with the second end  40  of the groove  36 . The lip  42  prevents water from the channel body  20  and groove  36  from flowing along the lower surface  44  of the channel body  20  and back to the hull  14  of the vessel. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-14 , in one embodiment a combined thru hull drainage device  46  includes a drainage channel  48  molded or otherwise formed on a thru hull flange  50  prior to installation of the drainage device  46 . The combined thru hull drainage device  46  includes a threaded body  52  and a nut  54  threadably engaged with the threaded body  52 . The drainage device  48  of the combined thru hull drainage  46  is formed according to the description above of the drainage device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and preferably includes groove  56  formed in the drainage channel  48  for directing water away from a hull of a boat. 
     The drainage channel  48  is attached to the thru hull flange  50  prior to installation of the combined thru hull drainage device  46  on a hull of a boat. The drainage channel  48  may be attached, for example, with an adhesive or by welding of a material of the drainage channel  48  to the thru hull flange  50 . The thru hull flange  50  and threaded body  52  are preferably formed of a harder plastic, such as a plastic typically used on existing thru hull fittings. The drainage channel  48  is formed of a softer and more flexible material than a material of the thru hull flange  50  such that the drainage channel  48  is deformable relative to the thru hull flange  50 . For example, the drainage channel  48  may be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer, such as commercially available ENFLEX or other related materials. The thermoplastic elastomer provides sufficient weatherability and flexibility such that the device is suited for marine applications. 
     The combined thru hull drainage device  46  is preferably installed on a boat during construction of the boat or, alternatively, may be installed on a boat by replacing an existing thru-hull fitting. To install the combined thru hull drainage device  46 , the thru hull flange  50  is placed against an outer surface of a hull of the boat with the threaded body  52  extending into the boat through a bore in the hull of the boat. The nut  54  engages the threaded body  52  behind the hull of the boat, thereby securing the combined thru hull drainage device to the boat. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , in one embodiment the drainage device  10  is mounted to or formed on a modified thru-hull fitting  58 . The modified thru-hull fitting  58  includes an attachment portion  60  ( FIG. 17 ) such as a flat portion formed on a face  62  of the thru-hull fitting  58 . The attachment portion  60  is preferably located on a lower portion of the face  62  and sized to accept the drainage device  10  on the face  62  of the thru-hull fitting  58 , such as with the adhesive as described above. An upper portion of the face  62  is preferably rounded or otherwise shaped similar to a traditional thru-hull such that a smooth transition is formed from the face  62  of the modified thru-hull fitting  58  and the drainage device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     In operation, a user installs the drainage device  10  adjacent to a thru-hull fitting of a vessel such that the flange  22  abuts the hull of the vessel and is placed around a bottom portion of the thru-hull fitting. The user removes the non-adhesive strip to expose the adhesive second side and presses the drainage device  10  against the hull to substantially secure the drainage device  10  to the hull of the boat. The drainage device  10  is secured to the hull without requiring removal or loosening of the thru-hull fitting. 
     After attaching the drainage device  10  to the hull of the boat adjacent the thru-hull fitting, any fluid that is discharged from the thru-hull fitting is collected in the channel body  20  of the drainage device  10  and deposited away from the hull of the boat. Fluid discharged from the thru-hull fitting is collected in the channel body and moves away from the hull of the boat to the tip  28  of the drainage device. From the tip the fluid flows substantially downward into a body of water below the vessel. The drainage device  10  directs fluid away from the hull of the boat such that the fluid does not contact the hull of the boat before reaching the body of water. To remove the drainage device  10 , a user may scrape the adhesive from the hull or otherwise use an adhesive remover to release the drainage device  10  from the hull of the boat. 
     An additional embodiment of the drainage device  10  is shown in  FIG. 18 . The device of  FIG. 18  includes the channel body  20 , lip  42 , and groove  36  as described above. The channel body  20  is preferably formed on a ring  64  having an aperture  66  formed therethrough. The ring  64  is preferably formed of the same resiliently flexible material of the channel body  20  and is sized to fit around a thru-hull of a boat for installation. The ring  64  and channel body  20  are preferably co-molded as a single piece. Sides of the channel body  20  are conform around an outside of the ring  64  and preferably extend at least halfway up the ring  64  as shown in  FIG. 19 . A width of the channel body  20  is preferably greater than a diameter of the ring  64  such that the channel body  20  conforms around a diameter of a thru-hull fitting when the drainage device  10  is installed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the drainage device  10  is installed on a boat between a thru-hull body  68  and a hull  70  of the boat. The thru-hull body  68  is maintained against the hull  70  of the boat with a threaded nut  72  that engages the thru-hull body  68  behind the hull  70 . The ring  64  is preferably sized such that an outer edge of the ring  64  is flush with an outer edge of the thru-hull body  68  when installed on a boat. The resiliently flexible ring  64  is compressed between the hull  70  and the thru-hull body  68  such that the ring  64  creates a seal to prevent entry of water into the hull  70  around the thru-hull body  68 . 
     The marine thru-hull fitting drainage device advantageously directs fluid discharged from a thru-hull fitting of a vessel away from a hull of the vessel such that the fluid does not contact the hull and leave a stain or streak on the hull of the vessel. The drainage device is readily installed on the vessel. The drainage device conforms around a shape of the thru-hull fitting to prevent fluid discharged from the thru-hull fitting to contact the hull of the vessel, and directs fluid to a point that is distal from a surface of the hull to prevent any stains or streaks from forming on the hull of the vessel. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.