Patent Abstract:
A tethering device for use in securing a boat to a dock is mounted to the underside of the dock decking with its deck trim assembly flush with the top of the dock and only the looped, running end of the tethering line extending from a hole in its deck trim assembly. Threaded studs welded to the underside to the deck trim assembly enable its line retraction mechanism and line locking mechanism to be supported below the decking leaving the deck surface free of tripping hazards and excess line. Below the decking, an assembly cover houses a self-retracting reel and a line-locking mechanism for control over the line, retracting excess line but enabling the user to set and hold the length of line needed for tethering a boat to the dock.

Full Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to boat docks. In particular, the disclosure relates to devices for tethering boats to docks. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to devices for tethering watercraft, such as boats, to docks. Currently, the most common way for a boat to be secured to a dock is to wrap a rope running from a boat around a cleat on a dock. A cleat is a device with a base fastened to the decking surface of the dock and two prongs extending laterally from opposing sides of the base. A rope may be looped in a figure eight pattern or lashed in some other manner around the two opposing prongs to secure the boat to the cleat and thereby to the dock. 
     There are several shortcomings in the use of cleats. Primarily the cleats together with a mass of rope used to tether the boat are a tripping hazard to those walking on the dock. The oftentimes casual manner in which ropes are wrapped around cleats on docks is ironic in view of the care generally taken by boat owners when securing gear on their boats in order to eliminate tripping hazards. Also, as docks weather, the security of the cleat&#39;s moorings becomes an insidious issue because a cleat may look secure, but the wood holding it may have rotted. Thus there remains a need for a better way to tether a boat to a dock. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure describes a tethering device for use in securing a boat to a dock. The device is mounted to the underside of the decking of the dock but with its deck trim assembly flush with the top of the dock so only the looped, running end of the tethering line extends above the decking through a hole in the deck trim assembly. Threaded studs are welded to the underside to the deck trim assembly to enable the device&#39;s retraction mechanism and its line locking mechanism to be supported below the decking thereby leaving the deck surface free of tripping hazards and excess line. Below the decking, an assembly cover houses a self-retracting reel and a line-locking mechanism for control of the line, the first retracting excess line and the second enabling the user to set and hold the appropriate length of line for tethering the boat to the dock. 
     An aspect of the disclosure is a tethering device for use with a boat dock. The tethering device includes a line with a running end having a loop formed in it; a retracting reel deploying that line when force is applied to the running end and retracting the line when no force is applied; a reel frame that holds the retracting reel; a dock board having a top surface and a bottom surface to which the reel frame is secured, and with a hole is formed in the dock board through which the running end of the line runs from the retracting reel to the top surface of the dock board; a latch arm carried by the dock board and having a top surface and a bottom surface, a latched position and an unlatched position; a cam connected to the latch arm at a point proximate to the line between the retracting reel and the hole in the dock board so that, when the latch arm is moved to the latched position, it moves the cam into engagement with the line, holding it against movement so that, and when the latch arm is moved to the unlatched position, it moves the cam away from the line so that the line can be retracted by the retracting reel unless force is applied to the line resisting retraction; a deck trim assembly having a top surface and a bottom surface with a recess formed in the top surface configured and dimensioned to receive the dock board. When the dock board is in the, the top surface of the dock board is flush with the top surface of the deck trim assembly. Threaded studs secured to the bottom surface of the deck trim assembly are long enough to pass through decking of a boat dock so they can be secured from underneath the decking. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is that the dock board also has a recess formed therein for the latch arm when in the latched position, and the top surface of the latch arm is then flush with the top surface of the dock board and the top surface of the deck trim assembly. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosure is that the cam is configured to have teeth to grip the line. 
     Yet another aspect of the tethering device is that the dock board has a with that is the same as the width of the decking boards of which the dock is made. 
     A further aspect of the tethering device is that the deck trim assembly extends partially over adjacent decking boards with the dock board fitting in the recess of the deck trim assembly fitted between two parallel, spaced apart decking boards. 
     Another aspect of the tethering device is an assembly cover secured to the bottom surface of the dock board and surrounding and housing the retracting reel, the reel frame, and the cam. 
     An aspect of the tethering device is an arm mount located proximate to the cam and having two parallel flanges. The line runs between the two parallel flanges, confined laterally, from the retracting reel to the hole in the dock board. 
     Still another aspect of the tethering device is that the latch arm includes a plunger and a locking arm. The locking arm has a distal end and a proximal end that carries the cam. The plunger engages the distal end of the locking arm and pivots the proximal end of the locking arm when it presses the distal end of the locking arm thereby bringing the cam into engagement with the line when the latch arm is moved from the unlatched position to the latched position. 
     An aspect of the disclosure is a tethering device with a line having a fixed end and a running end, and the running end having a loop formed in it; a deck trim assembly with a top surface and a bottom surface and a recess formed in the top surface, a dock board dimensioned and configured to be received in the recess of the deck trim assembly, the dock board having a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein, when the dock board is in the recess of the deck trim assembly, the top surface of the dock board is flush with the top surface of the deck trim assembly, and the top surface of the deck trim assembly extends laterally from the recess to define a flange, the dock board having a hole formed therein through which the line passes, with the running end above the top surface and the fixed end of the line below the bottom surface of the dock board; an assembly cover secured to the bottom surface of the dock board; a retracting reel inside the assembly cover which reel deploys the line when force is applied to the running end, and retracts the line when no force is applied, the fixed end of the line being attached to the retracting reel; a reel frame inside the assembly cover and secured to the bottom surface of the dock board and the retracting reel is secured to the reel frame; a latch arm carried by the dock board and having a latched position and an unlatched position, a proximal end and a distal end; and a cam connected to the proximal end of the latch arm at a point between the retracting reel and the hole in the dock board so that, when the latch arm is moved to the latched position, it moves the cam to engage and hold the line against movement, and when the latch arm is moved to the unlatched position, the latch arm moves the cam away from the line so that the line moves toward the retracting reel unless another force is applied to the line. 
     An aspect of the disclosed tethering device is that the dock board has a width that is the same as the width of a decking board. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed tethering device is that the deck trim assembly is securable to several decking boards of a boat dock. 
     Still another aspect of the disclosed tethering device is that the deck trim assembly has plural threaded studs attached to its bottom surface. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure is that the retracting reel includes a spool with the line wound to it. The spool has a hole formed in it that includes a narrower slot. The fixed end of the line has a knot tied in it that will pass through the hole but not the narrower slot. 
     An aspect of the disclosure is a tethering device that has a line having a fixed end and a running end with a loop in the running end; a deck trim assembly that has a top surface and a bottom surface with a recess formed in the top surface, a dock board dimensioned and configured to be received in the recess of the deck trim assembly. The dock board has a top surface and a bottom surface. When the dock board is in the recess of the deck trim assembly, the top surface of the dock board is flush with the top surface of the deck trim assembly, and the top surface of the deck trim assembly extends laterally from the recess to define a flange. The dock board also has a hole in it for the line with the running end above the top surface and the fixed end below the bottom surface. The device has an assembly cover secured to the bottom surface of the dock board, and a retracting reel inside the assembly cover. The retracting reel deploys the line when force is applied to the running end of the line and retracts the line when no force is applied. The fixed end of the line is attached to the retracting reel. A reel frame is secured to the bottom surface of the dock board inside the assembly cover, and the retracting reel is secured to the reel frame. A hole is formed in the dock board through which the running end of the line passes from the retracting reel to the top surface of the dock board. A latch arm, carried by the dock board, has a latched position and an unlatched position. When the latch arm is moved to the latched position, the latch arm holds the line against movement, and when the latch arm is moved to the unlatched position, the line moves toward the retracting reel unless force is applied to the running end of the line. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosed tethering device of claim  13 , further comprising a locking arm pivotally connected to the latch arm, so that when the latch arm moves between the latched position and the unlatched position, the locking arm pivots between a position toward the line and away from the line, and wherein the proximal end of the locking arm carries a cam that engages the line when the locking arm moves toward the line and disengages from the line when the locking arm moves away from the line. 
     Another aspect of the disclosed tethering device is a plunger carried by the dock board. The plunger couples the latch arm to the locking arm so that the plunger pushes the distal end of the locking arm down as the latch arm moves to the latched position from the unlatched position, and plunger allows the distal end of the locking arm to rise when the latch arm is moved to the unlatched position. 
     A further aspect of the disclosure is that the low-profile, flush, upper surface of the device eliminates the tripping hazard of cleats, and the retraction reel eliminates the mass of excess line. The result is a neater appearance and certainly safer than the use of prior art cleats. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure is the internal line locking mechanism helps to assure that the line is securely fastened and remains securely fastened to the device at the length pre-determined by the user without slipping or play-out of the line over time. 
     These and other features and their advantages will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in tethering small craft to docks and marinas from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments, accompanied by the following drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the figures, 
         FIG. 1  is a rear, upper perspective view of the tethering device installed in a dock, showing a part of a dock with a part of a boat tethered to the tethering device, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a left side, front perspective view, of the tethering device lifted from the dock to show the latch arm in an unlocked position and with a plunger in the fully up position, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a left, lower front perspective view of the tethering device with latch arm in an unlocked, open position, showing the assembly cover and deck trim assembly with hidden mounting threaded studs, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a left, upper rear perspective view of the tethering device, assembly cover removed, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a left, lower rear perspective view of the tethering system, assembly cover removed, showing the reel support frame and reel with latch arm in the closed and latched position, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a left, partial cross-sectional, lower front perspective view of a of the present tethering device with assembly cover removed to show the reel support frame, reel, and line, with latch arm in the open and unlocked position, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a left side, partial cross-sectional, lower front perspective view of tethering device, with latch up, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a left side, partial cross-sectional, lower rear perspective view of tethering device with latch arm shown up to show cam device, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a right, rear perspective, cross-sectional, perspective view of the tethering system, showing the latch arm up to show the operation of the plunger and the cam, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a right, rear perspective, cross-sectional view of the tethering device showing the assembly cover and line removed the take-up reel and showing the latch in its open position, according to an aspect of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded, left side, upper front perspective view of the tethering device, according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the present device  20  from the rear and therefore the use of the term proximal as used herein will mean closer to the front of device  20  and distal as used herein will mean farther from the front of device  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a device  20  for tethering a boat  24  or other water craft to a dock  22  is disclosed. Dock  22  comprises a framework, often made of treated wood but sometimes made with other materials, and covered with decking  40 , which is typically treated wood or composite boards  44 ,  48 ,  52 . Dock  22  may, for example, extend from a shoreline out into a body of water such as a lake or river. Dock  22  may be supported above the surface of the water by pilings or may be a floating dock. Dock enables the user of boat  24  floating on the water to walk between shore and floating boat  24  easily. Boat  24  is tethered to dock  22  so that it remains proximate to dock  22  by a convenient distance for its user to step from the deck of dock  22  onto the deck of boat  24 . 
     Decking  40  may be made of deck boards  44 ,  48 ,  52 , such as pine boards laid in parallel across the framework of dock  22  and fastened to that framework with nails or screws. Decking  40  may alternatively be made of a plastic, composite, or other rigid, durable, material. 
     Tethering device  20  may be incorporated into the surface of dock  22 , as shown, by removing a part of a deck board, and is shown replacing a portion of the end of a deck board  48  of decking  40  to be flush with the top of decking  40  when installed so that it does not present a tripping hazard. Installation then requires cutting deck board  48  at a predetermined point near but spaced apart from edge  54  of dock  22  so that device  20  may be inserted in place of the removed portion of deck board  48 . 
     Dock  22  may have several of the present devices  20  installed at intervals along its edge  54  depending on how long dock  22  is and how many boats  24  may be tied up to dock  22 . A marina dock may have a tethering device  20  every 20 feet, for example. 
     Each device  20  includes a line  28  that may have a loop  34  formed in the running end  32 , preferably a spliced line loop  34  for use in hitching line  28  to a cleat  26  on boat  24  using, for example, a lark&#39;s head hitch as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As used herein, the term “line” refers to rope or other thin, long, flexible material with sufficient tensile strength to secure a boat  24  to a dock  22  against currents and winds, and which line may be made of cotton, nylon, wire, cable, or other similar natural or synthetic materials. 
     Device  20  is intended to provide a user-selectable length of line  28  for use in tethering boat  24  to dock  22 . Device  20  may be installed in dock  22  so that it holds running end  32  of line  28  at the dock&#39;s edge  54 . The user simply unlatches a latch arm  68  on device  20  by raising a latch  72  and lifting latch arm  68  as shown in  FIG. 2  in order to release line  28 . When line  28  is released, device  20 , as will be described more fully below, will release its hold on line  28  so that loop  34  of running end  32  of line can be pulled away from device  20  easily. The user may then pull a selected length of line  28  sufficient to reach boat  24  where loop  34  of the running end  32  may be attached to a cleat  26  or to another part of boat  24 . As will be explained herein, device  20  automatically retracts slack in line  28  to draw boat  24  toward dock  22 . 
     When latch arm  68  is lowered to its latched position from its unlatched position and latch  72  is closed, device  20  grips the retracted line  28 , preventing it from moving so that boat  24  cannot drift away from dock  22  beyond the pre-selected length of line  28  that has been selected by the user and which extends from device  20  when latch arm  68  was placed in the latched position. Latch arm  68  is shown in  FIG. 1  in the latched position, which is flush with decking  40 , and in the unlatched position in  FIG. 2 . Except when line  28  is being adjusted and latch arm  68  is in the unlatched, raised position, no part of device  20  extends significantly above decking  40  so as to present a tripping hazard and no pile of rope needs to clutter dock  22 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , device  20  includes an assembly cover  76  that protects the mechanisms inside from the elements, a deck trim assembly  96 , and a dock board  100 . Assembly cover  76  slides over a reel support frame and line lock mechanism, which are described below. 
     A proximal side  92  of assembly cover is intended to be parallel to and closest to edge  54  of dock  22  (see  FIG. 1 ). Assembly cover  76  is fastened through and to reel support frame  84  by screws  82  as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Deck trim assembly  96  is mounted to the surface of dock  22  by cutting deck board  48  short enough to allow a flush installation of deck trim assembly  96 . Deck trim assembly  96  is mounted in place by drilling holes through deck boards  44 ,  48 ,  52 , enabling hidden weld threaded studs  104  on the underside of a flange  108  on deck trim assembly  96  to go through the holes drilled in deck boards  44 ,  48 ,  52 , and be fastened to the undersides of deck boards  44 ,  48 ,  52 , with swivel nut plates  112  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     As best seen in  FIG. 11 , dock board  100  is seated in a recess  58  formed in deck trim assembly  96  with latch arm  68  and latch  72 , which are hinged to dock board  100  with a pivot pin  116  and rests on a cover plate  60 . Dock board  100  is attached to deck trim assembly  96  with screws  64  into swivel nut plates  112 . 
     Deck trim assembly  96  hangs from the top surface of dock  22  via deck boards  44 ,  52 , and allows tethering device  20  to be installed in a dock  22  despite different thicknesses of decking  40  and still remain flush with the top of that decking  40 . Dock board  100  has a width that is the same as that of deck boards  44 ,  48 ,  52 , which enables it to conveniently replace a portion of a single deck board  48  and not require more complicated fitting and piecing of deck boards. By “the same as” means simply that the width of dock board  100  and so much of deck trim assembly  96  on either side of dock board  100  will fit easily between two deck boards when the one between them is removed to leave a gap of one deck board plus the usual space between deck boards. 
       FIGS. 4, 5, and 6  illustrate device  20  with assembly cover  76  removed showing line spool  80  and reel support frame  84 . All three figures are perspective views from the left side.  FIG. 4  is an upper rear perspective view;  FIG. 5  is a lower rear perspective view; and  FIG. 6  is a lower front perspective view. Line  28  is visible in  FIG. 6  coming off a reel  128 . Reel has an axle  132  and reel support frame  84  has a slot  136  that receives an axle  132  for reel  128 . 
     From  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a return spring  140  can be seen, the operation of which will be described presently, and plunger  144  which is depressed when latch arm  68  is in the latched position, as seen in  FIG. 5 , but which plunger  144  is raised when latch arm  68  is in the unlatched position, as seen in  FIG. 6 . Plunger  144 , when pressed downward by lowering of latch arm  68 , lowers distal end of a locking arm  148  to load return spring  140 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , return spring  140 , mounted to a peg  164 , has two ends, a first end  256  that is engages locking arm  148  and a second end  260  that engages cam  152 . Lowering latch arm  68  presses plunger  144  down that in turn presses a distal end  176  of locking arm  148  down and raises a proximal end  180  to lift cam  152  against line  28 . 
     In  FIGS. 7 and 8 , both right, front, lower perspective view, partially cut away views of device  20 , shows latch arm  68  raised to release plunger  144  ( FIG. 5 ). Also visible is reel  128  with line  28  shown coming off, and locking arm  148  with its rearward end raised because latch arm  68  has released plunger  144  and thereby relieving return spring  140 . 
     Comparing  FIG. 7  with  FIG. 8 , both of which are partially cut away but showing different cross-sections image, plunger  144  is visible in  FIG. 8  in its released position because latch arm  68  is raised, and one can also see cam  152  pivoted away from engagement with line  28 . Cam  152  may have teeth  154 , as shown, to grip line  28  better. Locking arm  148  is pivotally mounted proximate to an arm mount  232  (best seen in  FIG. 10 ) and its proximal end carries toothed cam  152  and its distal end is positioned just below hole  160  ( FIG. 8 ) in dock board  100 . Plunger  144  is carried by distal end of locking arm  148 , with respect to hole  160  for line  28 , and extends through a hole  188  in cover plate  60  (see  FIG. 11 ) and deck trim assembly  96  so that latch arm  68  can engage it. As latch arm  68  is moved from the unlatched (raised) position to the latched (lowered) position, latch arm  68  presses plunger  144  down onto proximal end of locking arm  148  causing its distal end to pivot counter-clockwise about a pivot latch pin  236 . The counter-clockwise pivoting of locking arm  148  pushes cam  152  against line  28  to prevent further movement of line  28  as long as latch arm  68  is latched and plunger  144  is pressed down. A cam stopper pin  240  carried by locking arm  148  limits the distance cam  152  backs away from line  28  even when latch arm  68  is in the unlatched position and line  28  is free to retract. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 , line  28  comes off line spool  80  of reel  128  and turns upward as it passes around line roller  156  to head toward hole  160  in dock board  100  at the top of device  20 . Hole  160  may be beveled to reduce wear on line  28  as line  28  is pulled from, and retracts back into, device  20 . 
     To assure that line  28  is always positioned so that it can be held by cam  152 , an arm mount  232  is affixed to reel support frame  84  near to the inside surface of assembly cover  76  at proximal side  92 . Arm mount  232  has two opposing flanges  244  that define a channel therebetween which channel is positioned so that line  28  runs directly and vertically through it, between opposing flanges  244 , as line  28  passes around line roller  156  on its way to hole  160  in dock board  100 . Cam  152 , when so moved by the pivoting of locking arm  148  to the latched (closed) position, rotates into the channel defined by opposing flanges  244  and against line  28  to seize it and halt its movement. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are right side, rear, lower perspective, cross-sectional views of device  20 . Reel  128  is visible in  FIG. 9  as is cam  152 . Second end  260  of return spring  140  is shown urging cam  152  away from line  28  as latch arm  68  is raised to the unlatched position.  FIG. 10  shows latch arm  68  closed, plunger  144  depressed, and thereby also depressing distal end  176  of locking arm  148  down and raising proximal end  180  to drive cam  152  against line  28 . 
     Latch arm  68  fits within in a recess  184  formed in dock board  100 . As best seen in  FIG. 11 , a hole  188  is formed in recess  184  in dock board  100  (and a corresponding hole is in cover plate  60 ) that allows latch  72  to be operatively connected with a latch ring  192  on the end of latch arm  68  that is in turn connected with reel support frame  84  at a latch catch  196 . A second hole  200  in recess  184  (and cover plate  60 ) allows latch arm  68  to communicate with plunger  144 . 
     Inside assembly cover  76 , retraction reel  128  retracts slack in line  28 . Reel  128  includes a spool  80  rotatably mounted to axle  132 . An end of line  28  is secured to line spool  80  at hole  212  (best seen in  FIGS. 8 and 10 ) with a knotted end, which end is then slid down into narrower slot  216 . Line plug  220  is installed into spool  80  to fasten line  28  to spool  80  and is then wound therearound. Running end  32  of line  28  passes around a line roller  156 . Running end  32  of line  28  and line loop  34  extends through hole  160  in dock board  100 . Line loop  34  in running end  32  of line  28  serves to prevent line  28  from being retracted by retraction reel  128  through hole  160  in dock board  100  and into assembly  20 . Alternatively, a knot in running end  32  line  28  or an object to which running end  32  of line  28  is tied can serve the same purpose as long as the width of the knot or object is greater than the diameter of hole  160  so that running end  32  cannot be retracted back into device  20 . Retraction is accomplished using a power coil spring in spring retractor  228  that is loaded by the withdrawal of a length of line  28  and relieved when allowed to retract line  28  onto spool  80 . 
     The effects of return spring  140  and a cam biasing spring  248  will now be described. Return spring  140  urges locking arm  148  to rotate counter-clockwise when viewed from the right side of tethering device  20  (clockwise when viewed from the left side) so that plunger  144  is pushed up upon movement of latch arm  68  to the unlatched position. Conversely, closing latch arm  68  loads return spring  140 . Locking arm  148 , aided by a cam stopper pin  252  ( FIG. 11 ), causes cam  152  to pivot into the channel between opposing flanges  244  of arm mount  232  and against line  28  when latch arm  68  is closed and cam biasing spring  248  pivots cam  152  away from line  28  when latch arm  68  is moved to the unlatched position. 
     Return spring  140  is a coiled spring with a first end  256  and an opposing second end  260  and that is fixed into position by clevis pin  264 . First end  256  engages a catch  268  carried on locking arm  148  and movable therewith, so that first end  256  moves with the movement of locking arm  148 . Second end  260  is held by a catch  272  on arm mount  232 . As locking arm  148  is rotated clockwise (right view) about a pivot pin  276  by the downward movement of plunger  144 , return spring  140  is loaded against catch  272  on arm mount  232 . Counter-clockwise rotation of locking arm  148  relieves return spring  140 . Return spring  140  is mounted on a clevis pin  280 . First end  256  of return spring  140  is operated in notch  184  in locking arm  148  and second end  260  is applied against cam  152  so that return spring  140  is always urging cam  152  out of the channel in arm mount  232  and away from line  28 . Locking arm  148  and return spring  140  ultimately control movement of cam  152  into the channel of arm mount  232 . When latch arm  68  is in the latched position, tension on line  28  will act on cam  152  to further engage line  28 , but when latch arm  68  is moved to the unlatched position, and locking arm  148  is moved away from line  28 , return spring  140  pulls cam  152  from line  28 . 
     Those familiar with docks and boating will appreciate that many modifications and substitutions can be made to the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1