Boat mooring device

Abstract

A boat mooring device which self-adjusts to fluctuations in water level due to tidal action, floods, storms and the like is disclosed. The boat mooring device comprises an elongate, generally vertical pylon with a narrow vertical slit extending along most of the length of the pylon, an inner flotation device positioned within the pylon, means to attach the inner flotation device to a mooring line, and means to attach the pylon to a mooring structure such as a dock pole. The inner flotation member moves vertically within the interior of the vertical pylon as water level fluctuates, and the attached mooring line moves vertically in concert. The inner flotation member further includes a cylindrical collar containing brushing means, wherein the brushing means scour the interior surface of the pylon to clear barnacles or other debris which would interfere with the operation of the device.

1 . A boat mooring device comprising:
 (a) an elongate, generally vertical pylon including a wall, an internal cavity, an interior wall surface, an exterior wall surface, and a narrow vertical slit aperture extending through said wall along a majority of the length of said elongate, generally vertical pylon;   (b) an inner flotation member positioned within said internal cavity of said elongate, generally vertical pylon such that said inner flotation member translates vertically within said internal cavity of said elongate, generally vertical pylon in response to water level fluctuations, where said inner flotation member further includes an upper end and a lower end;   (c) means engageable with said inner flotation member for attaching said inner flotation member to a boat mooring line; and   (d) means engageable with said elongate, generally vertical pylon for attaching said elongate, generally vertical, pylon to a fixed mooring structure.   
   
   
       2 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said elongate, generally vertical pylon and said internal cavity of said elongate, generally vertical pylon are generally cylindrical. 
   
   
       3 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said means for attaching said inner flotation member to a boat mooring line are attached near said upper end of said inner flotation member. 
   
   
       4 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said means for attaching said inner flotation member to a boat mooring line project through said narrow vertical slit aperture of said elongate, generally vertical pylon. 
   
   
       5 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said means for attaching said inner flotation member to a boats mooring line include an eye bolt. 
   
   
       6 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said eye bolt further includes a water-resistant and weather-resistant coating. 
   
   
       7 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said water-resistant and weather-resistant coating is a rubber coating. 
   
   
       8 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said inner flotation member further includes an interior cavity. 
   
   
       9 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said interior cavity of said inner flotation member further includes a filling of buoyant material. 
   
   
       10 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said filling of buoyant material of said interior cavity of said inner flotation member further includes buoyant foam material. 
   
   
       11 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 9 , wherein a cap impervious to water is attached over the upper end of said inner flotation member. 
   
   
       12 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a cylindrical collar is attached near said lower end of said inner flotation member. 
   
   
       13 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said cylindrical collar further includes a plurality of brushes. 
   
   
       14 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said plurality of brushes contact said interior wall surface of said elongate, generally vertical pylon. 
   
   
       15 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said means for attaching said elongate, generally vertical pylon to said fixed mooring structure include a plurality of wings, said wings spaced along a vertical axis and projecting from said exterior wall surface of said elongate, generally vertical pylon. 
   
   
       16 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said wings further include a narrow, vertically-oriented aperture. 
   
   
       17 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said elongate, generally vertical pylon is secured to said fixed mooring structure by securing means extending through said narrow, vertically-oriented aperture of said wings. 
   
   
       18 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said securing means include at least one rope. 
   
   
       19 . A boat mooring device as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said securing means include at least one water-resistant and weather-resistant strap. 
   
   
       20 . A boat mooring device comprising:
 (a) an elongate, generally vertical pylon including a wall, an internal cavity, an interior wall surface, an exterior wall surface, and a narrow vertical slit aperture extending through said wall along a majority of the length of said elongate, generally vertical pylon;   (b) an inner flotation member positioned within said internal cavity of said elongate, generally vertical pylon such that said inner flotation member translates vertically within said internal cavity of said elongate, generally vertical pylon in response to water level fluctuations, and where said inner flotation member further includes an upper end and a lower end, a filling of buoyant foam, a water-impervious cap positioned on said upper end, and a cylindrical brush-containing collar positioned near said lower end;   (c) an eye bolt capable of engagement with a boat mooring line, wherein said eye bolt is attached to said inner flotation member and said eye bolt extends through said narrow slit aperture; and   (d) a plurality of wings, said wings spaced along a vertically parallel axis and further projecting from said exterior wall surface of said elongate, generally vertical pylon, where said wings further include a narrow, vertically-oriented aperture capable of receiving means for attaching said elongate, generally vertical pylon to a fixed mooring structure.   
   
   
       21 . A boat mooring system for securing a boat with respect to a fixed mooring structure while automatically responding to fluctuations in water level comprising, in combination:
 (a) a boat positionable in water having a water level, where said water level and boat rise and fall together with the tide and weather conditions, the boat including cleats for attaching mooring lines;   (b) a plurality of boat mooring structures including a securement surface, said plurality of mooring structures adjacent to said boat and at an elevation above said water level;   (c) a plurality of boat mooring devices, each comprising an elongate, generally vertical pylon including a wall, an internal cavity, an interior wall surface, an exterior wall surface, and a narrow vertical slit aperture extending through said wall along a majority of the length of said elongate, generally vertical pylon;   
     an inner flotation member positioned within said internal cavity of said elongate, generally vertical pylon such that said inner flotation member translates vertically within said internal cavity of said elongate, generally vertical pylon in response to water level fluctuations, and where said inner flotation member further includes an upper end and a lower end, a filling of buoyant foam, a water-impervious cap positioned on said upper end, and a cylindrical brush-containing collar positioned near, said lower end; 
     an eye bolt capable of engagement with a boat mooring line, wherein said eye bolt is attached to said inner flotation member and said eye bolt extends through said narrow slit aperture; and 
     a plurality of wings, said wings spaced along a vertically parallel axis and further projecting from said exterior wall surface of said elongate, generally vertical pylon, where said wings further include a narrow, vertically-oriented aperture capable of receiving means for attaching said elongate, generally vertical pylon to a fixed mooring structure;
 (d) means engageable with said narrow, vertically-oriented apertures on said wings of said boat mooring devices for attaching said boat mooring devices to said fixed boat mooring structures; and 
 (e) boat mooring lines for attaching said boat to said boat mooring device, said boat mooring lines engageable with said eye bolts and said cleats.