Abstract:
Method and apparatus for the lifting and extension of objects, including the lifting and elevating objects such as boats, and the extension and support of protective covers such as awnings and the like.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to lifting and extension devices and, more particularly, to a lifting device for elevating objects such as boats, and an extension device for use to support protective covers such as awnings and the like.  
         [0002]     It often is necessary to elevate objects in order to move them from a lower position to an upper position. Such is the case with auxiliary vessels such as lifeboats and dinghies that are used with yachts and similar vessels. The conventional practice is to employ a davit formed by inverted L-shaped, heavy structural supports that are positioned in the vicinity of shipboard railings for vertical loads. Each support includes an end-position pulley that is operated using lines that extend from within the vessel through the pulley and is attached to the boat. It is then necessary, in order to elevate the boat, to pull on both lines of both supports. This requires coordination of the pulling effort in order to prevent the boat from tilting as it is elevated from the water or lowered into the water, and requires heavy structure and connection to the hull to support the vertical load.  
         [0003]     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to overcome the difficulties, complexity and objections associated with the conventional davit for storage of auxiliary vessels, such as lifeboats.  
         [0004]     Another object of the invention is to provide for the elevation of auxiliary vessels such as lifeboats by apparatus that can have other uses as well.  
         [0005]     A related object is to provide an elevational mechanism for lifeboats, but can also serve as an extension frame for such devices as awnings and the like.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In accomplishing the foregoing and related objectives, the invention employs structures already on the boat, or building, which are higher than the conventional davit, e.g. such as masts or building walls, to support the vertical load of the dinghy, or other device, and allow for a much less heavy and costly structure, which is far more easily attached to handle horizontal loads.  
         [0007]     In particular, the invention provides apparatus for moving an object with a davit or awning frame formed by opposed side members joined to an end member. A first line has one end connected to the intersection of the frame with one of the side members, and a second line has one end connected at the intersection of the frame with the other side members. The other ends of the first line and the second line are connected to an end extending to and beyond a pulley, so that a force applied to the end extending to and beyond a pulley can exert a lifting force at the connections of the first line and the second line to the end member.  
         [0008]     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the apparatus is for elevating an object in the form of a boat attachable to the frame. Alternatively, the apparatus is for providing a frame to support a protective cover, such as an awning.  
         [0009]     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the boat is attachable to the end member of the frame, or to the side members of the frame. The first line can extend continuously to the second line, and a connection is attached to a mid-position of the continuous extension of the first line to the second line. The connection to the continuous extension causes the first line and the second line to form a triangular configuration with respect to the end member. The continuous extension can be cord-like.  
         [0010]     In a method of the invention for moving an object, the steps include: (a) forming a frame by opposed side members joined to an end member; (b) connecting one end of a first line to the intersection of the frame with one of the side members; (c) connecting one end of a second line to the intersection of the frame with the other of the side members; (d) connecting the other ends of the first line and the second line by an end extending to and beyond a pulley; whereby a force applied to the extension of the end can exert a lifting force at the connections of the first line and the second line to the end member.  
         [0011]     The method includes the step of elevating the object as a boat attachable to the frame, and the step of providing a protective cover using the frame to support an awning. The method includes the step of attaching the boat to the frame.  
         [0012]     In the method of the invention for moving an object from one position to another position, the steps include of: (a) attaching a frame to the object; (b) connecting a line to the frame; and (c) passing the line over a pulley connected to a position in fixed relationship to the object, higher than the davit or awning frams.  
         [0013]     The method for elevating a boat from a water level to an elevated position includes the steps of: (a) attaching a frame to the boat; (b) connecting a line to the frame; and (c) passing the line over a pulley connected to a position in fixed relationship to the boat, and higher than the davit frame.  
         [0014]     The method also includes supporting an awning from an elevated position by the steps of (a) attaching a frame to the awning; (b) connecting a line to the frame; and (c) passing the line over a pulley connected to a position in fixed relationship to the awning.  
         [0015]     The method further includes the step of pulling the line over the pulley to elevate the boat in accordance with the extent to which the line is pulled over the pulley.  
         [0016]     The method also includes the step of releasing the line over the pulley to lower the awning in accordance with the extent to which the line is released over the pulley.  
         [0017]     The method further includes the step of pulling the line over the pulley to cause the connection to the continuous extension to form a triangular configuration with respect to the end member.  
         [0018]     The method additionally includes the step of forming a triangular configuration of the continuous extension with respect to the end member when the awning is elevated or lowered. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     Other and more detailed objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following description and the accompanying drawings.  
         [0020]     In the drawings:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional davit in accordance with the prior art for lowering and raising an auxiliary boat with respect to the water surface supporting the principal vessel on which the davit is located.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the preferred davit frame in accordance with the invention for providing additional lift in elevating and lowering an auxiliary boat with respect to a principal vessel, or for providing additional lift in raising and lowering an awning.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an alternative davit frame in accordance with the invention for elevating and lowering an auxiliary boat with respect to a principal vessel, or for raising and lowering an awning.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2B  is a partial side view of the davit of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0025]      FIG. 2C  is a top view of the davit of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0026]      FIG. 2D  is a front view of the davit of  FIG. 2A .  
         [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a vessel equipped with an alternative davit in accordance with the invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view showing the davit of  FIG. 3A  being used to elevate an auxiliary boat.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3C  is an end view of the elevated auxiliary boat of  FIG. 3B .  
         [0030]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a lowered awning using the frame of the invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an alternative lowered awning using the frame of the invention 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]     With reference to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a davit  10  in accordance with the prior art for lowering and raising an auxiliary boat  11  with respect to a water surface (not shown) on which a principal vessel  12  is floating. The davit  10  is formed by L-shaped supports  13 A and  13 B, which extend from the railing  14  of the vessel  12 . At the end of each support  13 A and  13 B, is a pulley  15  through which a line  16  extends from a fitting  16 F on the railing  14  through the pulley  15  to a connection  16 C on the boat  11 .  
         [0033]     When the boat  11  is to be lowered from its elevated position to the surface of the water on which the vessel  12  is floating, the lines  16  are loosened to allow the boat  11  to be lowered. It is apparent that unless both lines  16  are lowered simultaneously and evenly, the boat  11  will not be lowered properly and may even be engulfed by the water surface so as to render the boat not usable. In addition, it is necessary for two persons to engage in the lowering operation again adding to the possibility that the boat  11  will not be lowered evenly. Supports  13 A and  13 B must be very strong and have reinforced attachment to the vessel  12 .  
         [0034]     The invention overcomes the difficulties associated with the davit  10  of  FIG. 1  by the apparatus of  FIGS. 2 and 2 A through  2 D for moving an object, such as a boat, or an awning by a frame  20  or  20 ′ formed by opposed side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  joined to an end member  22 . A first line  23 - 1  has one end  23 -E 1  connected at the intersection  24 - 1  of the end member  22  with the side member  21 - 1 . A second line  23 - 2  has one end  23 -E 2  connected at the intersection  24 - 2  of the end member  22  with the side members  21 - 2 . The other ends  23 -O 1  and  23 - 02  of the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  are connected to a further line  25  having an end  25 -E extending to and beyond a pulley  26 .  
         [0035]     Although the connection to the further line  25  is at the mid-position of a continuous extension of the first line  23 - 1  to the second line  23 - 2 , the lines  23 - 1  and  23 - 2  need not extend continuously and their connection to the further line  25  need not be at a mid-position.  
         [0036]     For the mid-position connection of  FIG. 2A , the continuous extension causes the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  to form a triangular configuration with respect to the end member  22 . The continuous extension can be cord-like, or take any other form that is suitable for receiving a force F applied at the end of the line  25 .  
         [0037]     As a result, a force applied to the end  25 -E of the line  25  can exert a lifting force F at the connection of the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  to the end member  22 .  
         [0038]     When an object is to be elevated by a boat  27 , shown in phantom in  FIG. 2 , the object to be elevated (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) can be attachable to the frame  20  in a variety of ways.  
         [0039]     In  FIG. 2  the side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  extend at an approximate right angle to respective side members  21 - 3  and  21 - 4  where there ends  21 E are inserted into connectors  28  that are attachable to the boat  27 .  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the opposed side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  extend directly to connectors  28  that receive rotationally the ends  21 -E. Consequently, when the force F is applied to the line  25 , the frame  20 ′ rotates in the connectors  28  until it is in a higher position in relation to its original horizontal position with reference to the vessel  27 . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 3B , further force F causes elevation of the boat  11 , that is being raised after being suitably attached to the dinghy frame  20 , to position it, for example, alongside the vessel to which the pulley  26  (not shown in  FIG. 3B ) is connected above the line  25 .  
         [0041]     Alternatively, the frames  20  and  20 ′ can provide a frame for a protective cover, wherein the frames  20  and  20 ′ supports awnings  40  and  40 ′, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B .  
         [0042]     In addition to attachment of the davit frame  20  to a boat  11 , as shown in  FIG. 3B , the davit frame  20 ′ of  FIG. 2A , can be used to attach the boat  11  (not shown in  FIG. 2A ).  
         [0043]     In  FIG. 2B , which is a partial side view of the davit  20  of  FIG. 2A , the slide member  21 - 1  is horizontal and the lines  23 - 1  and  25  extend linearly to the pulley  26  by being held in position either because of a force F applied at the end  25 E or because the line  25 E is fixed to a connector on the vessel (not shown) to which the pulley  26  is attached. When the force F is released, the pull of gravity will cause the frame  20  to rotate downwardly with respect to the connectors  28  so that both the frame  20  and the lines  23  and  25  will adopt a more vertical position.  
         [0044]     In  FIG. 2C , which is a top view of the davit  20  of  FIG. 2A , the lines  23 - 1  and  23 - 2  form the sides of an isosceles triangle whose base is the end member  22 .  
         [0045]     In  FIG. 2D , which is a front view of the davit of  FIG. 2A , the line  25  elevates the sides  23 - 1  and  23 - 2  of the isosceles triangle formed relative to the base  22 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 3A  shows a vessel V equipped with the davit frame  20  in accordance with the invention. As with the davit  20 ′ of  FIG. 2A , the alternative davit  20  has side tubes  21 - 1  and  21 - 2 , but has added vertical tubes  21 - 3  and  21 - 4  positioned between hinges  38  on the mother ship V and the side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  of the davit frame  20  to provide additional vertical lift, and further overcome the difficulties associated with the davit  10  of Figure  
         [0047]     Consequently the davit frame  20  is formed by opposed side members  21 - 1  and  2 - 2  joined to an end member  22 . A first line  23 - 1  has one end  23 -E 1  connected at the intersection  24 - 1  of the end member  22  with the side member  21 - 1 . A second line  23 - 2  has one end  23 -E 2  connected at the intersection  24 - 2  of the end member  22  with the side member  21 - 2 . The other ends  23 -O 1  and  23 - 02  of the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  are connected to a further line  25  having an end  25 -E extending to and beyond a pulley  26  mounted on a mast M of the vessel V.  
         [0048]     Although the connection to the further line  25  is at the mid-position of a continuous extension of the first line  23 - 1  to the second line  23 - 2 , the lines  23 - 1  and  23 - 2  need not extend continuously and their connection to the further line  25  need not be at a mid-position.  
         [0049]     For the mid-position connection of  FIG. 3A , the continuous extension causes the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  to form a triangular configuration with respect to the end member  22 . The continuous extension can be cord-like, or take any other form that is suitable for receiving a force F applied at the end of the line  25 .  
         [0050]     As a result, a force applied to the end  2 -E of the line  25  can exert a lifting force F at the connection of the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  to the end member  22 .  
         [0051]     When the object to be elevated is a boat  11 , shown in  FIG. 3B , it is attachable to the davit of the frame  20  in a variety of ways. As indicated in  FIG. 3A , connectors  28  are attachable to the vessel V to receive rotationally the ends  21 -E of the opposed side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2 . Consequently, when the force F is applied to the line  25 , the frame  20  rotates in the connectors  28  in relation to its original horizontal position.  
         [0052]     By contrast with the davit of  FIG. 2A , the davit D of  FIG. 3A , is connectable to the boat  11  by ring attachments  29  at the intersections of the end member  22  with the side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2 . To make the connection, the force F holding the davit frame  20  in a horizontal position in  FIG. 3A , is released to cause the davit frame  20  to swing downwardly toward the surface of the water where connection to the boat  11  is made in any standard fashion.  
         [0053]     Thereafter, reapplication of the force F causes elevation of the boat  11  to the position shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C .  
         [0054]     Alternatively, the frames  20  and  20 ′ can provide a protective cover, wherein the frame  20  or  20 ′ is covered by an awning  40  or  40 ′, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B .  
         [0055]     In the method of the invention for moving an object, the steps include forming a frame  20  or  20 ′ by opposed side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2  joined to an end member  22 .  
         [0056]     One end of a first line  23 - 1  or  33 - 1  is connected to the intersection of the frame  20  or  20 ′ with one of the side members  21 - 1 . One end of a second line  23 - 2  is connected to the intersection of the frame  20  or  20 ′ with the other side member  21 - 2 .  
         [0057]     The other ends of the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  are connected to a further line  25  having an end extending to and beyond a pulley  26 , whereby a force F applied to the end of the line  25  can exert a lifting force at the connections of the first line  23 - 1  and the second line  23 - 2  to the end member  22 .  
         [0058]     The method can provide for the step of elevating an object such as the boat  11  attachable to the davit frame  20  or  20 ′, or can provide a protective cover, such as a frame  40  or  40 ′ covered by an awning  41  or  41 ′. The method includes the step of attaching the boat  11  to the frame  20  or  20 ′ or attaching a cover to the frame  40  or  40 ′.  
         [0059]     The method of moving an object from one position to another position, includes the steps of attaching a frame  20  or  20 ′ to an object, such as a boat  11 , connecting a line to the frame  20  or  20 ′ and passing the line over a pulley  26  connected to a position in fixed relationship to the object.  
         [0060]     In the method of elevating a boat  11  from a water level to an elevated position, the steps include attaching a frame  20  or  20 ′ to the boat  11 , connecting a line to the frame  20  or  20 ′, and passing the line over a pulley  26  connected to a position in fixed relationship to the vessel V.  
         [0061]     In the method of providing an awning extension  41  for the vessel V, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the steps include connecting a line  25  to the frame  22  with the awning extension  41  attached to the end member  22 , leaving an angle A, as shown in  FIG. 4A , between the awning extension  41  and the plane formed by the side members  21 - 1  and  21 - 2 . The line  25  is passed over a pulley connected to a fixed position on the vessel V. The method includes the step of pulling or releasing the line  25  with respect to the pulley (not shown in  FIG. 4A ) to elevate or lower the awning extension  41  in accordance with the extent to which the line  25  is pulled over the pulley.  
         [0062]     In the method, in accordance with  FIG. 4B , of lowering an awning  41 ′ from an elevated position, the steps include attaching a frame  40 ′ to the awning  41 ′, connecting a line to the frame  40 ′, and passing the line over a pulley  42 ′ connected to a position, such as the side of a building, in fixed relationship to the awning  41 ′. The method includes the step of pulling or releasing the line over the pulley  42 ′ to elevate or lower an object in accordance with the extent to which the line is pulled over the pulley.  
         [0063]     Having fully described our invention it is to be understood that we do not wish to be limited to the details herein set forth or to the details illustrated in the drawings, but our invention is of the full scope of the appended claims.