Jet Ski Lift

Abstract

A jet ski lift (100) for lifting a jet ski (10) out of water. The jet ski lift (100) includes a frame (128) with angled runners (150, 152, 156, 158) that permits a platform assembly (126) to be moved diagonally while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a lifting assembly for small watercraft, particularly jet skis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional watercraft lifts exist for lifting boats out of the water. Many of these are configured for larger watercraft and ill-suited for watercraft such as jet skis. Lifts configured for small watercraft are usually designed for light-weight watercraft such as row boats, canoes and kayaks, which are inappropriate for jet skis, which can weigh as much as 423 Kg (933 lbs.). Existing lifts which might accommodate jet skis often rely on a tilt mechanism to pivot the jet ski out of water. Such lifts are prone to frequent breakdown because the heavy weight of the jet ski is concentrated along a single pivot or hinge axis. Furthermore, such lifts usually require a stable structure onto which the lift is fixed, which does not lend itself easily to situations where a portable, floating lift is desired. Therefore, what is needed is a jet ski lift which is easier to maintain, durable and has improved structural integrity when compared to conventional lifts.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for a jet ski lift for lifting a jet ski out of water. The jet ski lift includes a portable flotation having a leading end, a trailing end and opposed sides from the leading end to the trailing end, the flotation including a horizontal plane through the front end, trailing end and sides, the flotation including a parking bay configured to receive the jet ski therein. The jet ski lift further includes at least one runner fixed to the flotation at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of the flotation. The jet ski lift also includes a platform assembly having an upper surface configured to receive the jet ski thereon, the platform assembly including a portion moveable within at least a portion of the runner; and a lifting mechanism configured to move at least the upper surface of the platform assembly from a first, submerged position to a second, elevated position out of the water.

[0004] In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides for a lifting assembly for lifting a jet ski out of water. The lifting assembly includes a frame including first and second opposed runners, the runners being parallel to one another and being in a fixed, unmovable position relative to one another. The lifting assembly also includes a platform assembly having an upper surface configured to receive the jet ski thereon, the platform assembly including a first portion moveable within at least a portion of the first runner, the platform assembly including a second portion moveable within at least a portion of the second runner, the platform assembly being diagonally moveable along the frame from a first, submerged lower horizontal position to a second, elevated horizontal position out of the water.

[0005] In further preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method for lifting a jet ski out of water. The method incudes engaging a jet ski with a platform configured to receive the jet ski, the platform being secured to a structure; and moving the platform diagonally from a first, submerged position to a second, elevated position out of the water without pivoting the platform relative to the structure.

[0006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] FIG. 1 is side elevation view of a jet ski lift in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a partial cross sectional view taken around line 1A of the leading end of the hull of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1, shown without a roof attachment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a trailing end view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the jet ski lift of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIGS. 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of a jet ski lift for lifting a jet ski 10 out of water. Jet ski lift 100 preferably includes a flotation or watercraft 102 and a lifting assembly 104. In use, an operator manoeuvrers their jet ski into a parking bay of the watercraft and actuates the lifting assembly to diagonally move a platform assembly (described in more detail below) from a first, submerged position to a second, elevated position out of the water. The preferred elements of the jet ski lift and their interrelationship are described below.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, jet ski lift 100 preferably includes watercraft 102, more preferably, a pontoon watercraft, to provide the jet ski with flotational mobility while in the water. This has advantages over jet ski lifts fixed to immovable structures. For example, a water-borne jet ski lift may be moved quickly in the event of a flood, whereas a jet ski lift on a dock may become inundated during a flood event.

[0017] Watercraft 102 preferably includes a hull 106, a leading end 108, a trailing end 110, and opposed first and second sides 112, 114, respectively, which each extend from leading end 108 to trailing end 110. Watercraft 102 preferably includes a parking bay 116 sized and configured to accommodate the dimensions of an average jet ski therein.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, watercraft 102 preferably includes a roof 118 for shielding a jet ski parked in parking bay 116 from any adverse weather. If desired, solar panels may be attached to roof 118 to power an electric wench, described in further detail below. One or more lights may be attached to roof 118 to improve visibility in low light conditions.

[0019] FIG. 1A shows leading end 108 of watercraft 102 preferably including a storage compartment 120 in the hull of the pontoon. Storage compartment 120 is preferably sized and configured to retain a wench, which is preferably part of lifting assembly 104. Storage compartment 120 may be sufficiently dimensioned to store other objects as desired.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, jet ski lift 100 preferably includes a pair of U-shaped members 122, 124 that help prevent damage to the watercraft and lifting assembly caused where the water level is too shallow.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, lifting assembly 104 preferably includes a platform assembly 126, a frame 128 and a lifting mechanism 130. The upper portion of platform assembly 126 preferably includes a pair of parallel bars 132, 134 oriented along the length of watercraft 102. Each bar 132, 134 preferably includes a layer or coating of a friction material 136 on its upper surface so that when engaged with the bottom of jet ski 10, the jet ski will frictionally engage each bar to minimise disengagement therefrom.

[0022] With continued reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the lower portion of platform assembly 126 preferably includes a pair of cross bars 138, 140 oriented perpendicular to the length of bars 132, 134. Each cross bar 138, 140 has axially opposed ends 142, 144. Each cross bar 138, 140 preferably includes a roller 146 at end 142, and a second roller 148 at end 144. Rollers 146, 148 are preferably configured to engage a portion of frame 128, described in further detail below.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, frame 128 preferably includes a first pair of runners 150, 152 for engagement with the respective rollers 146 of the cross bars of platform assembly 126. Runners 150, 152 are preferably attached to the inner surface of side 112 of watercraft 102. FIG. 5 shows runners 150, 152 being substantially parallel to one another and fixed diagonally relative to a horizontal plane of watercraft 102. To increase the stability of runners 150, 152, frame 126 preferably includes a cross bar or brace 154 connecting runners 150, 152 at their respective lower portions.

[0024] Frame 126 preferably includes a second pair of runners 156, 158 directly opposite first pair of runners 150, 152 along the width of watercraft 102. Second pair of runners 156, 158 are preferably connected by a cross bar or brace 160 at their respective lower portions. Second pair of runners 156, 158 are preferably parallel to one another and angled at the same angle as first pair of runners 150, 152. When composing frame 126, runners 150 and 156 are preferably parallel to each other, and runners 152 and 158 are preferably parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 5, each runner preferably includes a groove to facilitate engagement of the runner with a respective roller of the platform assembly. Each runner further preferably includes axially opposite ends. At least one, preferably both ends include a stop to limit travel of a roller therealong. The stop may be configured as a closed end or wall.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, lifting mechanism 130 is preferably a wench, more preferably an electric wench. If desired, lifting mechanism 130 may be powered by mains power and/or an independent power source such as solar panels and/or one or more wind turbines. It will be appreciated that lifting mechanism may be configured for manual operation if desired.

[0026] Preferably, lifting mechanism 130 includes a magnetic reed switch configured to shut off power and stop the forward progression of a cable attached to jet ski 10. Lifting mechanism 130 may be further configured to operate via a remote control, described in further detail below.

[0027] Preferred dimensions are set forth below, although it will be appreciated that the dimensions may be varied as suitable for the intended application. Watercraft 102 preferably has a maximum exterior length in the range of 2.2 meters to 4.0 meters measured from the planes containing the distal-most portions of leading end 108 and trailing end 110. Watercraft 102 more preferably has an exterior length in the range of 3.0 to 4.0 meters, and most preferably, approximately 3.8 meters as measured between the aforementioned planes.

[0028] Watercraft 102 preferably has a maximum exterior width in the range of 1.2 meters to 1.6 meters perpendicular to the length of watercraft 102. The maximum exterior width is more preferably in the range of 1.3 meters to 1.6 meters, and most preferably approximately 1.5 meters.

[0029] Parking bay 116 preferably is shaped to accommodate the dimension of most jet skis and has an inner length parallel to the maximum exterior length of watercraft 102. Preferably, the maximum length of parking bay 116 is in the range of 2.0 meters to 4.0 meters, more preferably 3.0 meters to 4.0 meters, and most preferably approximately 3.5 meters. Parking bay 116 preferably has a maximum length of no greater than 3.5 meters, which is important so that the entire length of the jet ski will fit within the parking bay.

[0030] Parking bay 116 preferably has a maximum width in the range of 0.70 meters to 1.5 meters, more preferably a range of 1.2 meters to 1.45 meters, and most preferably approximately 1.4 meters. Parking bay 116 preferably has a maximum width of no greater than 1.4 meters, which is important so that the gap between any jet ski in the parking bay and the inner sides of the parking bay is not too large to create a tripping hazard, but large enough to prevent scraping between the jet ski and the watercraft.

[0031] The angles of the runners composing frame 126 may be varied. Preferably, the angels of each runner range between 30 to 60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane of watercraft 102. More preferably, the angle of each runner is approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

[0032] The ranges described above may include a subset of ranges therein without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these dimensions are representative only and may be varied as appropriate.

[0033] Preferably, watercraft 102 and lifting assembly 104 are formed of a metal such as aluminium or an alloy thereof. Other suitable materials include fibreglass and steel. The materials of the watercraft and the lifting assembly may be the same or different as desired. Suitable materials for the platform include polyethlene.

[0034] Having described the preferred components of jet ski 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, an operator manoeuvrers jet ski 10 into parking bay 116 of watercraft 102 while platform assembly 126 is in a first, submerged position. Once the jet ski is sufficiently over parallel bars 132, 134 (FIG. 5) and further forward motion is impeded by a stop projecting from the platform assembly, the operator presses a remote control to activate lifting mechanism 130 to wench a cable connected to the stop to diagonally move platform assembly 126 from the first, submerged position to a second, elevated position in which at least the upper portion of the platform assembly breaches the surface of the water. During movement of the platform assembly between the first and second positions, rollers 146, 148 (FIG. 5) roll along respective grooves in the runners of frame 128. A magnetic reed switch located proximate the distal-most point of travel of at least one of the rollers stops lifting mechanism from further wenching of the cable.

[0036] The jet ski may be disengaged from the jet ski lift by letting the cable run, either controllably via lifting mechanism 130, or manually, thereby lowering the platform assembly back into the water until sufficiently submerged to permit the jet ski to manoeuvre free of bars 132, 134 (FIG. 5).

[0037] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, an operator may park their jet ski in the parking bay, disembark from the jet ski, then wench the platform assembly to an elevated height rather than relying on a remote control or automatic lift.

[0038] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the jet ski lift may be manufactured without an associated watercraft. In this example, the lifting assembly may be attached to a stationary structure, such as a dock or boathouse. When a watercraft is used to provide an attachment structure for the lifting assembly, the watercraft may take various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the watercraft may be a solid flotation (i.e., not a pontoon). The watercraft may be a yacht to which the lifting assembly is attached. The watercraft is preferably a small, mobile flotation capable of being tied to a dock. The watercraft may include mooring clicks to engage a jetty. The watercraft itself preferably does not any propulsion means such as a propeller, but has a parking bay as noted above and at least one attachment point for securing the watercraft to a dock or other fairly stable structure.

[0039] The lifting mechanism may be automatic and/or manual. Where the lifting mechanism is automatic, it may be electric or gas-powered. Electric lifting mechanisms may be powered by solar cells, wind turbines, mains power, or any combination thereof.

[0040] The cable for moving the platform assembly between positions may be configured for attachment to the jet ski so that pulling the jet ski forward (while it is against the forward stop of the platform assembly) moves the platform assembly from the first position to the second position.

[0041] Preferably, the jet ski lift is used only for lifting a jet ski out of the water. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the jet ski lift is configured only for jet skis, and dimensions accommodating watercraft other than jet skis are hereby excluded. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the typical dimensions of a jet ski and understand the scope of the dimensions being excluded in the embodiment of the present invention configured only for use with jet skis.

[0042] Preferably the lifting assembly utilises rollers to move the platform assembly between positions. Other means may be utilised to move the platform assembly without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the platform assembly may include one or more shafts that engage one or more corresponding shafts of the frame in a telescopic manner, with one of the shafts slideably engaging the other. Engagement of the platform assembly via rollers or telescopic interaction are but a few of the ways that the platform assembly may be moved while maintaining the platform in a substantially horizontal orientation during movement from the first position to the second position. Another example may include a chain drive in one of more of the runners, thereby eliminating any need for a cable wench. In a preferred form, pivotal or hinged movement of the platform assembly is specifically excluded because of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0043] The frame may include anywhere from one to many runners. The frame is preferably fixed to the sides of the structure. The frame may be integrally attached by welding, or securely attached by means such as rivets and/or bolts or other fasteners. One or more of the runners may include a ratchet mechanism to inhibit rearward motion of the platform assembly as a safety enhancement.

[0044] Although diagonal movement of the platform assembly is preferred when moving from the first position to the second position, the platform may be elevated in a straight vertical manner, for example, via a chain drive placed in one or more of the runners, which would permit the platform assembly to be elevated while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0045] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046] The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantages of durability and simplicity that are often lacking in devices in the prior art. Additionally, the configuration of the lifting assembly enhances the weight distribution, leading to a longer-lasting jet ski lift compared to conventional devices.

[0047] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A jet ski lift for lifting a jet ski out of water, the jet ski lift comprising: a portable flotation having a leading end, a trailing end and opposed sides from said leading end to said trailing end, said flotation including a horizontal plane through said front end, trailing end and sides, said flotation including a parking bay configured to receive the jet ski therein; at least one runner fixed to said flotation at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of said flotation; a platform assembly having an upper surface configured to receive the jet ski thereon, said platform assembly including a portion moveable within at least a portion of said runner; and a lifting mechanism configured to move at least said upper surface of said platform assembly from a first, submerged position to a second, elevated position out of the water.

2. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said portion of said platform assembly includes a roller configured to rotate along said runner.

3. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said portion of said platform assembly is configured to slide along a portion of said runner while said platform moves from the first position to the second position.

4. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said portion of said platform assembly is configured to telescopically engage said runner.

5. The jet ski lift of claim 1, further comprising at least a second runner parallel to said runner.

6. The jet ski lift of claim 5, wherein said runner is attached to one of said sides, said second runner being attached to the other of said sides.

7. The jet ski lift of claim 5, wherein said runner and said second runner are attached to a single side of said flotation.

8. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said runner is fixed to said flotation at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane of said flotation.

9. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said runner is fixed to said flotation at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane of said flotation.

10. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said platform assembly includes two parallel bars configured to engage the jet ski.

11. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said lifting mechanism includes a wench.

12. The jet ski lift of claim 11, wherein said wench is manually operable.

13. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said lifting mechanism is electrically powered.

14. The jet ski lift of claim 13, wherein said lifting mechanism includes a safety switch configure to shut off said lifting mechanism once a jet ski being lifted on said platform assembly has reached a predetermined position.

15. The jet ski lift of claim 13, wherein said lifting mechanism is powered at least in part by a solar panel.

16. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said platform assembly includes a stop configured to limit forward motion of the jet ski therealong, said lifting mechanism including a cable attachable to the jet ski, said lifting mechanism being configured to wench the jet ski forward to lift the jet ski and said platform assembly to the second position.

17. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said platform assembly includes an attachment point for a cable, said lifting mechanism including a cable having an end attachable to said attachment point for winching said platform assembly to the second position.

18. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said flotation includes a pontoon.

19. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said flotation includes a roof.

20. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said parking bay has a maximum length less than 4 meters.

21. The jet ski lift of claim 1, wherein said parking bay has a maximum width less than 1.5 meters.

22. A lifting assembly for lifting a jet ski out of water, the lifting assembly comprising: a frame including first and second opposed runners, said runners being parallel to one another and being in a fixed, unmovable position relative to one another; and a platform assembly having an upper surface configured to receive the jet ski thereon, said platform assembly including a first portion moveable within at least a portion of said first runner, said platform assembly including a second portion moveable within at least a portion of said second runner, said platform assembly being diagonally moveable along said frame from a first, submerged lower horizontal position to a second, elevated horizontal position out of the water.

23. The lifting assembly of claim 22, wherein said first and second portions of said platform assembly each include a roller configured to rotate along the respective first and second runners.

24. The lifting assembly of claim 22, wherein said first and second portions of said platform assembly are each configured to slide along a respective portion of said first and second runners while said platform moves from the first position to the second position.

25. The lifting assembly of claim 22, wherein said first and second portions of said platform assembly are each configured to telescopically engage the respective first and second runners.

26. The lifting assembly of claim 22, wherein said first and second runners are connected to one another by a brace, said first and second runners being at an angle to said brace.

27. The lifting assembly of claim 22, wherein said platform assembly includes two parallel bars configured to engage the jet ski.

28. The lifting assembly of claim 22, further comprising a lifting mechanism configured to move either the jet ski and/or said platform assembly from the first position to the second position.

29. The lifting assembly of claim 28, wherein said lifting mechanism includes a wench.

30. The lifting assembly of claim 29, wherein said wench is manually operable.

31. The lifting assembly of claim 28, wherein said lifting mechanism is electrically powered.

32. The lifting assembly of claim 31, wherein said lifting mechanism includes a safety switch configure to shut off said lifting mechanism once a jet ski being lifted on said platform assembly has reached a predetermined position.

33. The lifting assembly of claim 31, wherein said lifting mechanism is powered at least in part by a solar panel.

34. A method for lifting a jet ski out of water, the method comprising: engaging a jet ski with a platform configured to receive the jet ski, the platform being secured to a structure; and moving the platform diagonally from a first, submerged position to a second, elevated position out of the water without pivoting the platform relative to the structure.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the platform is moved while maintaining the platform in a substantially horizontal position.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the platform is moveably secured to a frame attached to a docking bay.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the moving of the platform includes sliding the platform along a portion of the frame.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the moving of the platform includes rolling a portion of the platform along a portion of the frame.

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