GB2511532A

GB2511532A - Removable dinghy transom wheel

Info

Publication number: GB2511532A
Application number: GB1303993.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ralph Frederick Burkinshaw
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-06
Filing date: 2013-03-06
Publication date: 2014-09-10
Also published as: GB201303993D0

Abstract

A dinghy transom wheel is disclosed that can quickly and immediately be clamped onto the stem of a dinghy, so that the dinghy can then be transported by one or two persons to the water's edge for launching, or after landing away from the water's edge to a desired resting or storage place. The transom wheel is attached using a single screw clamp and is arranged such that in use the dinghy remains in an upright orientation. Items can then be placed in the dinghy, which in effect then acts rather like a wheelbarrow, until it reaches the water's edge. The example described is of sufficient size to enable a dinghy of from 1.8 to 3.65m to be transported.

Description

Section 9-Accompanying Documents

PATENT APPLICATION

-Burki-Wheel' invented by Ralph Burkinshaw

A) BACKGROUND INFORMATION

HOW DINGHIES CAN BE TRANSPORTED TO WATER'S EDGE Small boats, ie dinghies (1.8 to 3.65M) that are typically used as tenders' for larger boats -often need to be moved/transported to or from the water's edge.

The distance can vaty Two Typical secanarios: A) A Dinghy kept on a hard' fled fore and aft to mooring chains. Or in a dinghy park close to the water -stored upright in a rack.

Such a dinghy will usually need to be transported to the water's edge for launching.

B) A dinghy is transported on the roof of a vehicle.

On arrival at the launch site the dinghy is lifted or slid (via ramp) down onto the roadside or foreshore. It may then need to be transported a significant distance to the water's edge.

Launch sites are often congested in the summer season, so using a road trailer instead of car-topping' the dinghy can be inconvenient -as once the boat has been launched, the trailer needs to be parked and secured till needed at the end of the boating trip.

So much easier if the dinghy can be simply transported from car to water's edge using an easily fitted and removable wheel -and also with basic equipment such as oars, rowloeks and anchor on board ready to use.

How many ways are there for a dinghy to be transported ftom boat park or car to the beach? The dinghy can be: a) Dragged across the foreshore -can cause damage to its underside b) Carried by one person -possible ifjust a 1.8M lightweight dinghy. But without contents) c) Carried by two or more persons O Transported on a launching trolley -sometimes available for public use.

g) Transported on a road trailer -either using the vehicle itself or moving the trailer by hand.

As explained above, there is then often the problem of parking the trailer and securing it. Some launch sites do not have trailer parks.

h) Transported using the dinghy's own integral wheel (some dinghies are manufactured with a single or double wheel that is built into the boat) 1) Transported using a wheel or wheels that are permanently fixed onto the dinghy by the user.

j) If an inflatable dinghy -it may be easily carried to the water's edge, being lightweight, either inflated or un-inflated.

K) Transported using a detachable wheel -such as the Burki-Wheel Advantages of a detachable dinghy wheel: a) Can be used on other boats b) Does not damage the dinghy -eg need for hole drilling etc. c) Does not act as an obstruction or nuisance while attached.

d) Does not mar the dinghy's appearance

B) DESCRIPTION

The device clamps to the transom of a dinghy, of length 1.8-3.6 M. The device incorporates a wide wheel. Once fitted the dinghy can be wheeled to or from the water's edge for launching or de-launchirig.

The device is fabricated using 12mm thick plywood. For greater durability marine ply can be used. The plywood would be given an application of two coats of polyurethane varnish.

The four plywood components -the back, top and two sides, are joined using brass or stainless steel wood screws and waterproof adhesives.

The two side sections are drilled to house a wooden axle.

The top section has two layers of plywood to achieve adequate strength.

A stainless steel or plywood strap can be fitted across the front of the side pieces to help maintain rigidity. See image.

An aluminium bracket is bolted down onto the top section using four dome headed stainless steel nuts, washers and bolts.

A piece of aluminium 350 X 100 X 6mm is used. This could be increased to 8mm thickness if required.

This bracket is bent to a right angle using heat. Aluminium bar provides veiy good strength and rigidity during transporting.

Into the lower section of the metal bracket, a hole is tapped for the clamp screw.

A standard outboard clamp screw is fitted, which will enable the unit to be securely clamped to a boat transom.

The bracket is fitted on the prototype so as to allow a maximum thickness of transom of 55mm The wheel revolves around a 25mm dia hardwood axle. The axle could also be made of plastic tube.

Sections of plastic pipe are fitted each side of the wheel as sleeves to locate the wheel in the centre of the axle.

The axle is held in position by two 55mm S/S washers secured by S/S cotter pins passing through 4mm holes bored in each axle.

The back of the BurkE-Wheel has cut outs so upper and lower rudder fittings often fitted to a dinghy transom do not present an obstruction. The unit must be clamped finnly against the dinghy's transom so it does not unduly flex durng the boat transporting.

The wide wheel helps the dinghy balance during transporting. Being wide, the wheel would easily negotiate most shoreline types-except of course very soft mud, The persons moving the boat lift the boat at the bow end. Much of the dinghy's weight will be taken by the wheel at the stern end, thereby reducing effort needed to transport the boat to the water's edge.

For a heavy dinghy, two persons would help balance the dinghy during transportmg.