AU2019101849A4 - Shock absorbing device - Google Patents

Abstract

IV ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a shock absorbing device for transporting a marine vessel, a vessel support device for supporting a marine vessel during transport and a trailer for a marine vessel. The trailer includes: (i) A frame; (ii) At least two wheels mounted relative to the frame; (iii) A plurality of vessel support devices for supporting a marine vessel, wherein each said vessel support device is mounted on the frame and includes a vessel support for contacting the marine vessel; and a shock absorber located between the vessel support and the frame. 14 44030 444 500 52f -. ~--~ - ~ -42 52 66~UJJ 56 Figure12

Description

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I SHOCK ABSORBING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates, inter alia, to a shock absorbing device for transporting a marine vessel, to a vessel support device for supporting a marine vessel during transport and to a trailer for a marine vessel including a vessel support device.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

[0003] When marine vessels such as boats are transported, especially by road, the vessels can be subjected to jarring or vibrational forces due to uneven road surfaces. This can be exacerbated as owners of such vessels frequently need to use dirt or unsealed roads in order to transport their vessels to a site where the vessel is to be launched. Such forces can damage the marine vessel, especially the hull. For example, the hull of the vessel may be dented or cracked, or the surface of the hull may be abraded. Over time, boat rollers may even wear through the hull of the vessel.

[0004] Marine vessel trailers typically include conventional shock absorbers in association with the trailer tires, which can lessen the impact of such forces on the marine vessel. However, even when such conventional shock absorbers are present, such forces may still damage the vessel. For larger or more expensive vessels it can be costly to repair such damage.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] In various aspects, the present invention advantageously provides a shock absorbing device and/or a trailer that will ameliorate the impact on a marine vessel of jarring or vibrational forces due to uneven road surfaces. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a trailer, a shock absorbing device and/or a marine vessel support device which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a trailer for a marine vessel, including:

A frame;

At least two wheels mounted relative to the frame;

A plurality of vessel support devices for supporting a marine vessel, wherein each said vessel support device is mounted on the frame and includes:

A vessel support for contacting the marine vessel; and

A shock absorber located between the vessel support and the frame.

[0007] Advantageously, mounting multiple vessel support devices for supporting a marine vessel on a trailer frame, in which each vessel support device includes at least one shock absorber located between a vessel support and the frame, means that any shocks transmitted to the trailer frame are further lessened before being transmitted to the marine vessel.

[0008] The marine vessel may be of any suitable size, shape or make. In one embodiment, the marine vessel is a boat or dinghy. In another embodiment, the marine vessel is a jetski. The marine vessel may include a motor, especially an outboard motor. The marine vessel may be less than 20 metres long, especially less than 18 metres long, or less than 16 metres long, more especially less than 14 metres, less than 12 metres or less than 10 metres long. The marine vessel may be greater than 2 metres long, especially greater than 3 metres long, or greater than 4 metres long, or greater than 5 metres long. The marine vessel may have a hull made of any suitable material, for example metal (such as aluminium) or fibreglass.

[0009] The trailer for a marine vessel may be of any suitable dimensions or shape. In one embodiment, the trailer is towable by an automobile, such as a car or utility. However, the trailer may be a railway carriage for transport of a marine vessel by train.

[0010] The trailer includes a frame. The trailer may be configured so that the marine vessel rests on top of the frame. The trailer may include a hitch for connection to a vehicle. The trailer may include at least two wheels, especially two wheels. However, the trailer may include at least four wheels, especially four wheels. The at least two wheels may be mounted to or relative to the frame. The trailer may include at least one wheel shock absorber positioned between the or each wheel and the frame. The or each wheel shock absorber may be of any suitable type, as would be used for vehicular trailers. For example, the wheel shock absorber may be or include at least one of a hydraulic shock absorber, a pneumatic shock absorber, or a spring (including a leaf spring or a coil spring). The trailer may include a brake. The brake may be a hand brake

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(for braking the trailer when stationary), or wheel brakes (for example, electric brakes). The trailer may include a winch, and a winch cable. The winch cable may include a fastener (such as a hook) for connection to the bow of the marine vessel. The winch may be positioned proximate to a draw bar of the trailer.

[0011] The trailer may include any number of vessel support devices. In one embodiment, the trailer includes at least two vessel support devices. In another embodiment, the trailer includes at least three, four, five or six vessel support devices.

[0012] Each vessel support device is for supporting a marine vessel and may be mountable on the frame. Each vessel support may be integral with the frame.

[0013] Each vessel support device may include a vessel support for contacting the marine vessel. The vessel support may include a vessel support member. The vessel support may include or the vessel support member may be a roller or a skid. The roller may be of a shape configured to contact the hull of the marine vessel. For example, the roller may include a central depression for accommodating a keel of the vessel. The roller may define a central aperture, especially a longitudinal central aperture. The vessel support may include a shaft extendable through the roller. The vessel support may include a bracket, and the roller may be mounted to the bracket by way of the shaft. The shaft may be secured to the bracket in any suitable way. For example, the shaft may have an enlarged head at one end. The other end of the shaft may be fastened to the bracket by way of a suitable fastener, such as a pin. Alternatively, both ends of the shaft may be fastened to the bracket by way of a pin. The bracket may be substantially U shaped or L-shaped.

[0014] The vessel support member, and especially a roller or skid, may be made of any suitable material, especially a polymer such as polypropylene. The vessel support member (especially a roller or skid) may be deformable, but especially may not be deformable. While a deformable vessel support member may lessen shocks and vibrations transmitted to the marine vessel, typically as a vessel support member becomes more deformable it also becomes more difficult to load and unload the marine vessel onto a trailer. Suitable vessel support members may be known in the art. The vessel support bracket may be made of any suitable material, especially metal, more especially stainless steel, more especially marine grade or 316 grade stainless steel.

[0015] The vessel support device may include a shock absorbing device. The device may include a base mountable to a trailer for a marine vessel. The base may be integral with the

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trailer for a marine vessel, or integral with the frame of the trailer. The device may include a head mounted to the base. The head may be moveable relative to the base. The vessel support may be mountable to the head. For example, the bracket of the vessel support may be mountable to the head. In another embodiment, the vessel support is integral with the head. In one embodiment, each vessel support device includes a shock absorbing device, wherein the shock absorbing device includes a base mounted to the trailer, a head mounted to and moveable relative to the base, and the shock absorber which is located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together.

[0016] The shock absorbing device may include a shock absorber located between the base and the head, especially wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together. The shock absorber may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the shock absorber is made of a deformable material. The shock absorber may be made of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be or include rubber and/or polyurethane. In other embodiments, the shock absorber may be a hydraulic or pneumatic shock absorber. The shock absorber may include pressurized fluid, including liquid or gas. The shock absorber may include a spring, especially a coil spring. The spring may be made of any suitable material, especially metal, more especially stainless steel (or marine grade stainless steel or 316 grade stainless steel). In one embodiment, the shock absorber may be or include an airbag.

[0017] The shock absorber may be of any suitable shape. In one embodiment, the shock absorber defines a central aperture. The head and the base of the device may connect in the central aperture of the shock absorber. The shock absorber may be moulded to fit between the head and the base.

[0018] The shock absorber may be of any suitable width. For example, the shock absorber may be from 20-80 mm wide (or diameter), especially from 25-60 mm or from 30-50 mm wide (or diameter), more especially from 35-45 mm or about 40 mm wide (or diameter). The shock absorber may be from 20-150 mm in length, especially from 30-100 mm in length, more especially from 40-90 mm in length or from 45-75 mm in length or from 50-60 mm in length or about 55 mm in length. The central aperture may be from 10 mm to 40 mm wide, especially from 12 mm to 30 mm wide, more especially from 15 mm to 25 mm wide, most especially about 18 mm or 20 mm wide.

[0019] The base may be mountable to the trailer in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the base is fastenable to the frame. The base may include a clamp for fastening the base to the frame. The clamp may include a bracket, especially a substantially U-shaped bracket. The clamp may be closed with a fastener, such as a nut and bolt, to secure the clamp to the frame.

[0020] In another embodiment, the device or the trailer includes a clamp for mounting the base to the trailer frame. The clamp may be of any suitable size and shape. In one embodiment, the clamp includes a sleeve. The base may be slideably engaged within the sleeve. The base may be secured within the sleeve via a fastener. Advantageously, this arrangement allows the height of the device, and especially the vessel support member, to be readily adjusted on the frame. The clamp may include a bracket, especially a substantially U-shaped bracket. The clamp may be closed with a fastener, such as a nut and bolt, to secure the clamp to the frame.

[0021] The base may include a shaft. The shaft may be substantially hollow. The shaft may be a pipe. The shaft may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the shaft may have a substantially circular, ovoid, elliptical, square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section. The shaft may be threaded or knurled. The shaft may have an adjustable length. For example, the shaft may include a first member and a second member. The second member may include an internal thread which engages with the external thread of the first member. The first and second members may be fixable in position by a fastener. The fastener may be, for example, a locking nut. A length adjustable shaft may be advantageous, as this may permit small adjustments to the height of the vessel support members after the marine vessel is loaded on the trailer.

[0022] The shaft may be of any suitable dimensions. The shaft may be, for example, from 30 to 300 mm long, especially from 50 to 200 mm long, more especially from 70 mm to 150 mm long. The shaft may be of any suitable width or diameter. In one embodiment, the shaft is from 10 mm to 40 mm wide, especially from 12 mm to 30 mm wide, more especially from 15 mm to 25 mm wide, most especially about 20 mm wide.

[0023] The base may include a seat for the shock absorber. The seat may be of any suitable shape. The seat may be substantially circular (especially if the shock absorber is substantially cylindrical). The shock absorber may sit within the seat. The seat may include a flange. The seat may include a projecting rim. The seat (especially the flange or the projecting rim) may partially extend along the outside of the shock absorber. The flange or projecting rim may extend along the outside of the shock absorber any suitable length, for example 1-6 mm, especially 2-4 mm, more especially about 3 mm. The flange or projecting rim may be of any suitable thickness, for example 1-5 mm, especially about 2 mm. The seat may be of any suitable width. For example, the seat may be from 20-80 mm wide (or diameter), especially from 25-60 mm or from 30-50 mm wide (or diameter), more especially from 35-45 mm or about 40 mm wide (or diameter). The base of the seat may be from 2-10 mm thick, especially from 4-8 mm thick, more especially about 6 mm thick.

[0024] The seat may include a central aperture. The shaft may extend through the central aperture. The seat may be fastened to the shaft in any suitable way, for example, the seat may be welded, clinched, press fitted or fastened together by any suitable means (for example a screw, nut and bolt or the like). The seat may be integral with the shaft. The central aperture of the seat may be from 10 mm to 40 mm wide, especially from 12 mm to 30 mm wide, more especially from 15 mm to 25 mm wide, most especially about 18 mm or 20 mm wide. The seat may be positioned any suitable distance from the end of the shaft that connects to the head, for example from 30-60 mm, especially about 40-45 mm. If the head is slideably engaged within the base, then the base may be of larger diameter or thickness than the head, and so it may be advantageous for the base to extend a larger distance within the central aperture of the shock absorber to minimise spaces where salt water may collect.

[0025] The head may be of any suitable shape. The head may include a shaft. The shaft may be substantially solid. The shaft may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the shaft may have a substantially circular, ovoid, elliptical, square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section. The shaft may have a threaded end. The shaft may be threaded for any suitable length from the end, especially from 10-40 mm or from 15-35 mm, more especially from 20-30 mm or about 25 mm. The shaft may include a slot distal to the threaded end. The slot may extend laterally through the shaft. The slot may extend longitudinally along the shaft for 10-40 mm, especially from 10-30 mm or from 15-25 mm, or about 20 mm. The slot may be about 5-30 mm from the end opposite the threaded end, especially from 5-15 mm, more especially about 10 mm from the end opposite the threaded end.

[0026] The shaft may be of any suitable dimensions. The shaft may be, for example, from 40 to 120 mm long, especially from 60 to 100 mm long, more especially from 70 mm to 90 mm long or about 80 mm long. The shaft may be of any suitable width or diameter. In one embodiment, the shaft is from 5 mm to 30 mm wide, especially from 5 mm to 20 mm wide, more especially from 8 mm to 16 mm wide, most especially about 12 mm wide.

[0027] The head may include a seat for the shock absorber. The seat may be of any suitable shape. The seat may be substantially circular (especially if the shock absorber is substantially cylindrical). The shock absorber may sit within the seat. The seat may include a flange. The seat may include a projecting rim. The seat (especially the flange or the projecting rim) may partially extend along the outside of the shock absorber. The flange or projecting rim may extend along the outside of the shock absorber any suitable length, for example 1-6 mm, especially 2-4 mm, more especially about 3 mm. The flange or projecting rim may be of any suitable thickness, for example 1-5 mm, especially about 2 mm. The seat may be of any suitable width. For example, the seat may be from 20-80 mm wide (or diameter), especially from 25-60 mm or from 30-50 mm wide (or diameter), more especially from 35-45 mm or about 40 mm wide (or diameter). The base of the seat may be from 2-10 mm thick, especially from 4-8 mm thick, more especially about 6 mm thick.

[0028] The seat may include a central aperture. The shaft of the head may extend through the central aperture. The central aperture of the seat may be threaded. The seat may be engageable with the threaded end of the shaft. The central aperture of the seat may be from 5 mm to 30 mm wide, especially from 5 mm to 20 mm wide, more especially from 8 mm to 16 mm wide, most especially about 12 mm wide.

[0029] The head may be mounted to the base in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the shaft of the head is engaged within the shaft of the base. The head shaft may be slideably engaged with or within the base shaft. The device may include a friction sleeve between the head shaft and the base shaft. The head shaft may be engaged with the base shaft by way of a fastener. For example, a fastener (such as a grub screw of pin of any suitable diameter or size) may pass through a wall of the base shaft, through the slot of the head shaft, and then through an opposite wall of the base shaft. In this way, the head shaft may be moveable relative to the base shaft. In one embodiment, the head is slideably engaged with the base.

[0030] The device may further include a fastener, such as a nut, which is engageable with the threaded end of the head shaft. In one example, the device may be assembled by providing a base including a shaft and seat, wherein a head shaft is slideably engaged within the base. The shock absorber may then be then slid over the head and base shaft. A head seat may then be positioned on top of the shock absorber. A vessel support member bracket may then be positioned on top of the seat, and then a fastener secured to the head shaft threaded end to fasten the device together. In one embodiment, the head seat and the vessel support bracket may be integrally formed.

[0031] In another embodiment, the shock absorber may not include a central aperture. The base may be fastened to the shock absorber, and the head may be fastened to the shock absorber. For example, the shock absorber may be moulded with the base and head.

[0032] The base, head and clamp may be made of any suitable material. For example, the base, head and clamp may be made of a corrosion resistant material. The base, head and clamp may be made of metal, especially stainless steel, more especially marine grade stainless steel or 316 grade stainless steel.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a trailer for a marine vessel, including:

A frame including at least two wheels;

At least one vessel support device for supporting a marine vessel, wherein each said vessel support device is mounted on the frame and includes:

A vessel support for contacting the marine vessel; and

A shock absorber located between the vessel support and the frame.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least one vessel support device is a plurality of vessel support devices. Features of the second aspect of the present invention may be as described for the first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a vessel support device for supporting a marine vessel during transport, including:

A base mountable to a trailer for the marine vessel;

A head mounted to and moveable relative to the base;

A shock absorber located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together; and

A vessel support for contacting the marine vessel, wherein the vessel support is connected to the head.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a vessel support device for supporting a marine vessel during transport, including:

A base mountable to a trailer for the marine vessel;

A head moveable relative to the base;

A shock absorber located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together; and

A vessel support for contacting the marine vessel, wherein the vessel support is connected to the head.

[0037] Features of the third and fourth aspects of the present invention maybe as described for the first aspect of the present invention.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a shock absorbing device for transporting a marine vessel, wherein said device includes:

A base mountable to a trailer for a marine vessel;

A head mounted to and moveable relative to the base; and

A shock absorber located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together; and wherein the shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.

[0039] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a shock absorbing device for transporting a marine vessel, wherein said device includes:

A base mountable to a trailer for a marine vessel;

A head moveable relative to the base; and

A shock absorber located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together.

[0040] In one embodiment, the shock absorber is made of a polymeric material. In one embodiment, the head is mounted to the base. Features of the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention may be as described for the first aspect of the present invention.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a use of the trailer of the first or second aspects, the vessel support device of the third or fourth aspects, or the shock absorbing device of the fifth or sixth aspects of the present invention for transporting a marine vessel.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a method of transporting a marine vessel, the method including the step of loading a marine vessel onto the trailer of the first or second aspects of the present invention.

[0043] The method of the eighth aspect may include the step of contacting the marine vessel

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on the vessel supports.

[0044] Features of the eighth aspect of the present invention may be as described for the first or second aspects of the present invention.

[0045] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is a side view of a shock absorbing device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 is a side view of the shock absorbing device of Figure 1, clamped to the frame of a trailer;

[0049] Figure 3 is a side view of a vessel support device including the shock absorbing device of Figure 1, clamped to the frame of a trailer;

[0050] Figure 4 is a partial side view, illustrating the shaft of the head slideably engaged with the shaft of the base, of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0051] Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of a head seat of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0052] Figure 6 is a top view of the head seat of Figure 5;

[0053] Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a base seat of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0054] Figure 8 is a top view of the base seat of Figure 7;

[0055] Figure 9 is a side view of a head shaft of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0056] Figure 10 is a top view of the head shaft of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0057] Figure 11 is a rear view of a trailer for a marine vessel with mounted vessel support devices according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0058] Figure 12 is a close up view of the vessel support device shown at A in Figure 11.

[0059] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The following Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 12. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features.

[0061] Figure 11 illustrates a trailer for a marine vessel 1. The trailer includes a frame 2, and two wheels 4 mounted relative to the frame 2. The trailer 1 of Figure 11 illustrates three vessel support devices 10 for supporting a marine vessel. Each vessel support device 10 is mounted on the frame 2, and includes a vessel support 12a, 12b for contacting the marine vessel, and a shock absorber 14 located between the vessel support 12a, 12b and the frame 2. In Figure 11, vessel support 12a includes a roller 20, and vessel support 12b include skids. The trailer 1 of Figure 11 is for use with a boat and is towable by an automobile.

[0062] Roller 20 defines a central aperture, and a shaft 22 extends through the roller 20. The vessel support 12a also includes a substantially U-shaped bracket 24, and the shaft 22 is secured to the bracket by way of a pin 26 on each end (see Figures 3 and 12). The roller 20 and skids are made of polypropylene. The bracket 24 is made of 316 grade stainless steel.

[0063] The vessel support device 10 includes a shock absorbing device 30 (see Figures 1-3 and 12; components of the shock absorbing device 30 are illustrated in Figures 4-10). The device 30 includes a base 40 mountable to a trailer, and a head 50 mounted to the base 40 and moveable relative to the base 40. The vessel support 12a is mounted to the head 40 (see Figures 3 and 12).

[0064] The device 30 includes a shock absorber 14 located between the base and the head, and the shock absorber 14 is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together. The shock absorber 14 is made of a polyurethane and includes a central aperture, with the base 40 and head 50 extending through the central aperture and connecting in the central aperture. In the Figures, the shock absorber 14 is cylindrical, about 55 mm long, about 40 mm in diameter, and the central aperture is about 18 mm in diameter.

[0065] The device 30 includes a clamp 60 for mounting the base 40 to the trailer frame 2 (see Figures 2, 3 and 12). The clamp 60 includes a sleeve 62 and the base 40 (especially shaft 42

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of base 40) is slideably engaged within the sleeve 62 and is secured by way of a fastener 64. This arrangement allows the height of a roller 20, for example, to be readily adjusted on the frame 2. The clamp 60 may includes a substantially U-shaped bracket 66 closed with a fastener 68 (nut and bolt) to secure the clamp 60 to the frame 2.

[0066] The base 40 includes a shaft 42, which is substantially hollow with a substantially circular cross section. The shaft 42 illustrated in Figure 12 has an adjustable length. The shaft includes a first member 42a (which is threaded in Figure 12) and a second member 42b. The second member 42b has an internal thread which engages with the external thread of the first member 42a. The first and second members 42a, 42b are fixable in position by a locking nut fastener 43. The shaft 42 may be about 20 mm in diameter.

[0067] The base 42 includes a seat 44 for the shock absorber 14 (see Figures 1, 7 and 8). The seat 44 is substantially circular, and the shock absorber 14 sits within the seat. The seat 44 includes a projecting rim 45 which extends 3 mm along the outside of the shock absorber 14 and is 2 mm thick. The base of the seat is 6 mm thick, has a 40 mm diameter and includes an 18 mm aperture. The seat 44 is welded to shaft 42 and is positioned about 42 mm from the end of the shaft 42 that connects to the head 50.

[0068] The head 50 includes a shaft 52, which is substantially solid and has a circular cross section and a threaded end 53 (see Figures 9 and 10). The shaft 52 is threaded for about 25 mm from the end 53. The shaft 52 includes a slot 54 which extends laterally through the shaft 52. The slot 54 starts about 10 mm from the end opposite to the threaded end 53 and is about 20 mm long. The shaft is about 80 mm long and about 12 mm in diameter.

[0069] The head includes a seat 56 for the shock absorber 14 (see Figures 1, 5 and 6). The seat 56 is substantially circular, and the shock absorber 14 sits within the seat. The seat 56 includes a projecting rim 57 which extends 3 mm along the outside of the shock absorber 14 and is 2 mm thick. The base of the seat is 6 mm thick, has a 40 mm diameter and includes a 12 mm threaded aperture for the shaft 52.

[0070] The shaft 52 is slideably engaged within shaft 42 by way of a fastener such as a pin or grub screw which passes through the sidewall of shaft 42, through slot 54 and then through an opposite sidewall of shaft 42. In this way, the shaft 52 is moveable relative to shaft 42.

[0071] Device 30 further includes a fastener 70 (nut) which is engageable with the threaded end 53 of shaft 52. The device 30 is assembled by placing shock absorber 14 over shafts 42, 52 and onto seat 44. Then seat 56 and bracket 24 are placed on shaft 52, and then the assembly is

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secured together with nut 70. The base, head and clamp in the Figures are made from 316 grade stainless steel.

[0072] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0073] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0074] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0075] Advantages of a preferred embodiment of the present invention may include:

- Simple construction. This is advantageous as in a marine environment corrosion and wear can be an issue. As the construction becomes more complex, durability may decrease and manufacturing cost may increase.

- Corrosion will be limited (or will not occur) in a marine environment.

- Compression of the shock absorber over a small area, allowing a relatively short shock absorber. As the length of the shock absorber increases, this may raise the position of the marine vessel on the trailer, raising the centre of gravity and decreasing stability.

- Shocks may be absorbed along the whole of the hull or keel of the vessel when multiple

shock absorbers are used.

Claims (19)

1. A trailer for a marine vessel, including:

A frame;

At least two wheels mounted relative to the frame;

A plurality of vessel support devices for supporting a marine vessel, wherein each said vessel support device is mounted on the frame and includes:

A vessel support for contacting the marine vessel; and

A shock absorber located between the vessel support and the frame.

2. The trailer of claim 1, wherein the vessel support includes a roller or a skid.

3. The trailer of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each vessel support device includes a shock absorbing device, wherein the shock absorbing device includes a base mounted to the trailer, a head mounted to and moveable relative to the base, and the shock absorber which is located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together.

4. The trailer of claim 3, wherein the trailer includes a clamp for fastening the base to the frame.

5. The trailer of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the head is slideably engaged with the base.

6. The trailer of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the base includes a shaft which is adjustable in length.

7. The trailer of any one of claims I to 6, wherein the shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.

8. The trailer of claim 7, wherein the shock absorber is made of rubber and/or polyurethane.

9. The trailer of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the trailer is towable by an automobile.

10. The trailer of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the trailer includes at least one wheel shock absorber positioned between each wheel and the frame.

11. The trailer of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the trailer includes at least four vessel support devices.

12. A vessel support device for supporting a marine vessel during transport, including:

A base mountable to a trailer for the marine vessel;

A head mounted to and moveable relative to the base;

A shock absorber located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together; and

A vessel support for contacting the marine vessel, wherein the vessel support is connected to the head.

13. The vessel support device of claim 12, wherein the vessel support includes a roller or a skid.

14. The vessel support device of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the head is slideably engaged with the base.

15. The vessel support device of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.

16. The vessel support device of claim 15, wherein the shock absorber is made of rubber and/or polyurethane.

17. A shock absorbing device for transporting a marine vessel, wherein said device includes:

A base mountable to a trailer for a marine vessel;

A head mounted to and moveable relative to the base; and

A shock absorber located between the base and the head, wherein the shock absorber is adapted to compress when the base and head are driven together; and wherein the shock absorber is made of a polymeric material.

18. The shock absorbing device of claim 17, wherein the head is slideably engaged with the base.

19. The shock absorbing device of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the shock absorber is made of rubber and/or polyurethane.