US3693573A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-purpose boat fender
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-08-20
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1990-08-20
Abstract
Abstract A boat hull has an elongated, flat platform suspended by straps from the gunwale to serve as a fender along the outside surface of the hull sides. The fender has suction cups which releasably hold it to the hull and with the straps support the platform in a horizontal position. The suction cups are hinged to the inside longitudinal edge of the platform so that the platform can be swung upwards to a vertical position. Additional platforms can be provided for the stern and bow of the boat and extendable rods can be connected between various platforms and the suction cups to adapt the assembly for use with various hull shapes.
Inventors
- 👤 Willard J Murphy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 06:30
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B59/00; B63B59/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A fender apparatus for attachment to the hull of a small boat, comprising: an elongated platform being adapted to extend along an exterior portion of the hull; vertically adjustable support means secured to said platform for suspending said platform at selected vertical levels from the hull; and a plurality of suction cup assemblies spaced along the length of said platform and adapted to releasably attach said platform to the hull; each suction cup assembly including a support bracket and at least one suction cup mounted on the bracket and adapted to releasably engage the hull, and hinge means connecting each bracket to the platform, whereby the platform is pivotable relative to the hull between a generally vertical storage position and a generally horizontal operating position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A fender apparatus for attachment to the hull of a small boat, comprising: an elongated platform being adapted to extend along an exterior portion of the hull; vertically adjustable support means secured to said platform for suspending said platform at selected vertical levels from the hull; and a plurality of suction cup assemblies spaced along the length of said platform and adapted to releasably attach said platform to the hull; each suction cup assembly including a support bracket and at least one suction cup mounted on the bracket and adapted to releasably engage the hull, and hinge means connecting each bracket to the platform, whereby the platform is pivotable relative to the hull between a generally vertical storage position and a generally horizontal operating position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and including extendible means interconnecting the cup assemblies with the platform for spacing said platforms from the hull.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said platform has a linear inner edge and is adapted to extend along the side of the hull with the inner edge disposed beneath the gunwale; and including extendible members connected to the platform and supporting said suction cup assemblies, whereby said platform is supported on said hull beneath the gunwale.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said platform is constructed of expanded metal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means is releasably attached to the hull.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means are extendible whereby said platform is vertically adjustable relative to said hull.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means includes a set of inner support members and a set of outer support members connected to the respective inside and outside longitudinal sides of said platform, said inner and outer support members being supported by the gunwale of the hull in service.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each suction cup assembly comprises a pair of vertically spaced suction cups, the upper of said suction cups being located at a level above the hinge means and the lower of said suction cups being located beneath the level of said hinge means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |