US20140290556A1

US20140290556A1 - Keel case

Info

Publication number: US20140290556A1
Application number: US14/242,864
Authority: US
Inventors: Eric Desmarest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-01
Filing date: 2014-04-01
Publication date: 2014-10-02

Abstract

This invention relates to a customized, portable, durable, lightweight cover for protecting the hull of a boat from marine growth, algae and invertebrate organisms. The cover is moored to a boat's docking station and remains submerged until the boat is docked. Portions of the cover are inflated to form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull that seals the hull from sunlight. Saltwater remaining within the cover is pumped out to protect the hull. Fresh water may also be pumped into the cover to flush the hull.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/807,160, filed on Apr. 1, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a customized portable, durable, lightweight device for protecting the hull of a boat from marine growth, algae and invertebrate organisms.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Boat owners often leave their boats floating in water for long periods of time to save time and money.
To transport a boat to and from water usually requires transporting the boat on a boat trailer to a water access point, such as a boat ramp. Alternatively, a boat owner may pay for access to a boat crane to transport the boat onto water. Both of these methods require an investment of time and money. The boat must be transported to a specific water access point that may be a great distance from the boat's docking or mooring point. The boat must be unloaded or unloaded with at least two experienced people. Finally, a boat removed from the water must be stored and often protected from the elements.
To save on resources, boat owners leave their boats floating at their docking or mooring points in the water for long periods of time. However, leaving a boat in the water for a long period of time allows damaging marine organisms to attach to the boat's hull at any water-contacting surfaces. Maintaining the boat's hull from these damaging organisms requires time and money. The boat's hull must be periodically scraped or cleaned of any organisms, and re-painted. This requires removing the boat from the water and transporting it to a painting facility.
Accordingly, a need exists for the long-term protection of the hull of a boat in the water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting
The subject invention discloses a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-impermeable cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-impermeable pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a weight ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery pocket on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the pocket is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain strainer at the bottom of the weighted water-recovery pocket; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain strainer, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of sprinklers facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the weight ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the water-impermeable pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery pocket into the drain strainer and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
Another embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a metal ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the metal ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
A further embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
Another embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first plurality of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first plurality is inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull and the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
A further embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-impermeable cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-impermeable pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a weight ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery pocket on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the pocket is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain strainer at the bottom of the weighted water-recovery pocket; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain strainer, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of sprinklers facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the weight ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the water-impermeable pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery pocket into the drain strainer and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
An additional embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a metal ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the metal ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
A further embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
Another embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first plurality of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first plurality is inflated with the air compressor and form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull and the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
An additional embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first plurality of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first plurality is inflated with the air compressor and forms a complementary shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull and the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and a top edge of the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
Another embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-impermeable cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-impermeable pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a weight ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery pocket on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the pocket is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain strainer at the bottom of the weighted water-recovery pocket; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain strainer, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of sprinklers facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the weight ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the water-impermeable pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery pocket into the drain strainer and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a first portion of fresh water from the plurality of sprinklers and the supply of fresh water, wherein this first portion of fresh water flows into the weighted water-recovery pocket into the drain strainer and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; and the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a second portion of fresh water from the plurality of sprinklers and the supply of fresh water, wherein this second portion of fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
A further embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a metal ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the metal ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a first portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this first portion of fresh water flows into the weighted water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; and the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a second portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this second portion of fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
Another embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a first portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this first portion of fresh water flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; and the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a second portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this second portion of fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
An additional embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull and the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a first portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this first portion of fresh water flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; and the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a second portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this second portion of fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
A further embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-impermeable cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-impermeable pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a weight ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery pocket on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the pocket is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain strainer at the bottom of the weighted water-recovery pocket; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain strainer, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of sprinklers facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the weight ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the water-impermeable pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery pocket into the drain strainer and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with fresh water from the plurality of sprinklers and the supply of fresh water, wherein this fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
An additional embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a metal ballast attached proximate to the front edge of the cover base; a weighted water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water; a fluid conduit attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the fluid conduit is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base in fluid communication with the fluid conduct; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface, with the metal ballast maintains the cover base beneath the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the weighted water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
A further embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; a second plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the top surface; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull with a bow-conforming front portion proximate to the front edge, a stern-conforming rear portion proximate to the rear edge, and a port-conforming side portion and a starboard-conforming side portion proximate to the side edges; the inflated second plurality of tubes rigidifies the cover base; the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat; such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this second portion of fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
Another embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull and the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
A further embodiment of the subject invention is a protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes are inflated with the air compressor and the inflated first plurality of tubes form a complementary shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull and the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and a top edge of the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.
In embodiments of the subject invention, as the first plurality of tubes inflates, the boat lifted off the water's surface.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the boat remains lifted off the water's surface as long as the first plurality of tubes are inflated.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the boat is returned to the water by deflating the first and second pluralities of tubes with the air compressor.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the cover remains submerged in the water, moored and proximate to the boat docketing location when not in use.
In embodiments of the subject invention, one the first plurality of tubes is inflated, the ambient water flows into the water-recovery pocket or drain by the force of gravity.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the cover further comprises one or more rear edge lines configured to hold the cover onto the boat's hull. In embodiments of the subject invention, the cover further comprises one or more side edge lines configured to hold the cover onto the boat's hull. In embodiments of the subject invention, the cover further comprises one or more front edge lines configured to hold the cover onto the boat's hull.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the cover further comprises one or more rear edge mooring lines configured to hold the cover onto docking or mooring locations. In embodiments of the subject invention, the cover further comprises one or more side edge mooring lines configured to hold the cover onto docking or mooring locations. In embodiments of the subject invention, the cover further comprises one or more front edge mooring lines configured to hold the cover onto docking or mooring locations.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the removal of the ambient water protects the boat's hull and engine against the formation of dirt, algae, shellfish (fouling), and electrolysis.
In embodiments of the subject invention, cover may be composed of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) neoprene hypalon or polyurethane.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the shape and size of the cover is customized to the length and width of the boat.
In embodiments of the subject invention, the term “substantially” is defined as at least close to (and can include) a given value or state, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the term “substantially” refers to ranges within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.1% of the given value or state being specified.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a keel case device for the hulls of boats.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water underneath a boat.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top isometric view of the keel case device in the water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the subject invention is a portable, durable, lightweight Keel Case 1 for protecting the hull 2 of a boat 3 from marine growth, algae and invertebrate organisms. The Keel Case 1 is composed of an inflatable, water-impermeable, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. In other embodiments of the subject invention, the Keel Case 1 may be composed of neoprene hypalon or polyurethane.
The Keel Case 1 is a totally submersible device that rests beneath the water's surface until a boat 3 is docked or moored above the Keel Case 1. Once the boat 3 is docked, the Keel Case 1 is inflated to form a configuration dimensioned to closely conform to the water-contacting portion of the boat's 3 hull 2. The inflated Keel Case 1 creates a sunlight seal on the hull 2 of the boat 3. Flotation devices on the Keel Case 1 engage the back (stern), sides (port and starboard), and front (bow) of the boat's 3 hull 2 as the Keel Case 1 inflates and the PVC material ascends around the boat's 3 hull 2 to form a seal. Saltwater pumps remove salt water from the Keel Case 1 replace it with fresh water to effectively clean the boat's 3 hull 2 of any debris. Once all of the salt water has been removed, a complete seal on the hull 2 is created. These series of saltwater pumps flush both the hull 2 and engine to protect against the formation of dirt, algae, shellfish (fouling), and the electrolysis. The Keel Case 1 installs in minutes on a dock or mooring and is a customized solution configured upon the make, beam, and length of a boat 3.
A flexible pocket envelope 4 forms the central portion of the Keel Case 1. The pocket envelope 4 is dimensioned to closely conform to the water-contacting portion of the boat's 3 hull 2.
A first plurality of inflatable tubes 5 surrounding the pocket envelope 4 forms the outer portion of the Keel Case 1. The first plurality of tubes 5 is configured to have a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat 3 hull 2 and propulsion system 15. Each Keel Case 1 is customized in length and width proportional to the size of the boat 3. The corresponding shape of the first plurality of tubes 5 allows the Keel Case 1 to encircle the boat's 3 hull 2 and propulsion system 15 once inflated. The first plurality of tubes 5 form a bow-confirming front portion 7, a stern-conforming rear portion 8, a port-conforming side portion 9 and a starboard-conforming side portion 10 for the Keel Case 1. The port-conforming side portion 9 and the starboard-conforming side portion 10 are substantially parallel with each other. The stern conforming rear portion 8 is substantially perpendicular with both the port-conforming side portion 9 and the starboard-conforming side portion 10.
A second plurality of inflatable tubes 6 are welded or adhered to the pocket envelope 4 of the Keel Case 1 to rigidify and work as stringers. The second plurality of inflatable tubes 6 is substantially parallel with each other and the first plurality of tubes 5.
An inflation hose 11 connects the first and second pluralities of inflatable tubes 5, 6 to an air compressor/vacuum 12 within an external control box 13 for inflation and deflation of the tubes 5, 6. In this embodiment, the inflation hose 11 is attached to the pocket envelope 4 proximate to the stern-conforming portion 8 of the first plurality of tubes 5.
The Keel Case 1 also includes a metal-ballast 14 adhered or welded to the pocket envelope 4 proximate to the bow-conforming portion 7 of the first plurality of inflatable tubes 5. The weight of the metal-ballast 14 causes the Keel Case 1 to sink rapidly underneath the water at the front of the pocket envelope 4 when the Keel Case 1 is deflated.
The Keel Case 1 includes a plurality of mooring adaptor lines 16 that are sewn, adhered, or welded onto an exterior surface of the pocket envelope 4. Each of the mooring adaptor lines 16 encircles the first plurality of inflatable tubes 5.
The Keel Case 1 also includes a bow fixation line 17 that is adjustable upon mooring configuration.
The Keel Case 1 further includes one or more rear lines 18 or rear mooring adaptor lines on the first plurality of tubes 5 on the port-conforming side portion 9 and the starboard-conforming side portion 10 proximate to the stern-confirming portion 8 to help fit the inflated Keel Case 1 to boat's 3 hull 2.
In other embodiments of the subject invention, the Keel Case 1 may have mooring adaptor lines 16 or rear lines 18 attached to various locations on the first plurality of tubes according to the different mooring rules of various marinas and other docking locations.
The Keel Case 1 also includes a metal-ballasted lested water-recovery pocket 19 adhered or welded to the pocket envelope 4 proximate to the stern-conforming portion 8 of the first plurality of inflatable tubes 5. The lested water-recovery pocket 19 is the lowest point of the Keel Case 1 pocket envelope 4. Gravity causes saltwater contained within the Keel Case 1 to flow to the lested water-recovery pocket 19. The pocket envelope 4 is custom made to conform closely to the boat's 3 hull 2 in order to include the lested water recovery pocket 19 at the lowest point near the boat's 3 propulsion system 15.
The Keel Case 1 includes a drain strainer 20 at the bottom of the lested water-recovery pocket 19. A drain hose 21 connects the drain strainer 20 to a water pump 22 in an external control box 13.
The external control box 13 contains a circuit, breaker, a water pump 22, an air compressor 12, and a freshwater inlet valve 23.
The Keel Case 1 further includes a stern rigidifying system 24 to keep the pocket envelope 4 opened at all times. These stern rigidifying system 24 reinforcements of the pocket envelope 4 are located proximate to the stern-conforming portion 8 of the first plurality of tubes 5.
The Keel Case 1 also includes a freshwater hose 25 with a plurality of sprinklers 26 for flushing and cleaning the boat's 3 hull 2 and propulsion system 15 with freshwater.
A deflated Keel Case 1 is placed in the saltwater proximate to a docking or mooring 27. The Keel Case 1 is placed in the saltwater such that it will be underneath the waterline of the docked or moored boat 3.
The Keel Case 1 is installed over a boat's 3 hull 2 in the following manner. First, a deflated Keel Case 1, designed with a configuration dimension to closely conform to the water-contacting portion of the boat's 3 hull 2, is submerged in saltwater at the docking or mooring location of the boat 3. The weight of the metal-ballast 14 of the pocket envelope 4 proximate to the bow-conforming portion 7 of the first plurality of inflatable tubes 5 causes the Keel Case 1 to sink rapidly underneath the saltwater.
Prior to submersion, the inflation hose 11 is attached to the Keel Case 1.
The Keel Case 1 is maintained in a flattened, deflated position in the saltwater by attaching the one or more mooring adaptor lines 16 to the docking or mooring location 27.
The boat 3 is then positioned at the docking or mooring location 27 above the submerged Keel Case 1. The boat 3 is aligned with the submerged Keel Case 1 such that the bow of the boat 3 is aligned with the bow-confirming front portion 7 of the first plurality of tubes 5, the stern of the boat 3 is aligned with the stern-confirming rear portion 8 of the first plurality of tubes 5, the port of the boat 3 is aligned with the port-confirming side portion 9 of the first plurality of tubes 5, and the starboard of the boat 3 is aligned with the starboard-confirming side portion 10 of the first plurality of tubes 5.
Once the boat 3 is aligned with the submerged Keel Case 1, the boat 3 is attached to the docking or mooring location 27. The bow fixation line 17 on the Keel Case 1 is attached to the bow of the boat's 3 hull 2, and the rear lines 18 are attached to the hull 2 of the boat 3.
The boat 3 operator now uses the control box 13 to activate the air compressor 12 to inflate the first and second plurality of tubes 5, 6. The first and second plurality of tubes 5, 6 inflate from the rear of the Keel Case 1 to the front so that the inflated first plurality of tubes 5 closely conform to the water-contacting portion of the boat's 3 hull 2. As the Keel Case 1 inflates, it emerges from the saltwater and lifts the boat 3 off the saltwater surface.
The boat 3 operator then turns on the water pump 22 to remove saltwater from the space between the Keel Case 1 pocket envelope 4 and the water-contacting portion of the boat's 3 hull 2. As this water is removed, the pocket envelope 4 gradually closely conforms to the boat's 3 hull 2 and the propulsion system 15 of the boat 3. Gravity causes any remaining saltwater remaining in the Keel Case 1 to flow to the lested water-recovery pocket 19, which is the lowest point near the boat's 3 propulsion system 15. Once the drainage system removes all the saltwater the water pumps 22 will automatically stop.
The inflated Keel Case 1 forms a configuration dimensioned to closely conform to the water-contacting portion of the boat's 3 hull 2. The inflated Keel Case 1 prevents sunlight from entering the space between the Keel Case 1 and the water-contacting portion of the hull 2 of the boat 3. Preventing sunlight from entering this space prevents microorganisms, algae, and shellfish from engaging in the process of photosynthesis.
In one embodiment of the subject invention, a MIST option may include a fresh water hose 25 attached to a plurality of freshwater sprinkler apertures 26 on the interior surfaces of the first plurality of tubes 5. After the saltwater is removed, freshwater is pumped through the freshwater hose 25 by the water pump 22 through the plurality of sprinkler apertures 26. These freshwater flushes the boat's 3 hull 2 and propulsion system 15 with freshwater.
The process of removing saltwater and flushing the water-contacting portion of the hull 2 of the boat 3 sealed by the Keel Case 1 with freshwater removes dirt, algae, shellfish (fouling) from the hull 2 and prevents further growth saltwater organisms. To remove the Keel Case 1, the boat 3 operator uses the control box 13 to activate the air vacuum 12 to deflate the first and second plurality of tubes 5, 6. The first and second plurality of tubes 5, 6 deflate from the rear of the Keel Case 1 to the front so that the deflated first plurality of tubes 5 disengages the water-contacting portion of the boat's 3 hull 2. As the Keel Case 1 deflates, the case submerges into the saltwater and the boat 3 sinks back into the saltwater surface.
The bow fixation line 17 on the Keel Case 1 is detached from the bow of the boat's 3 hull 2, and the rear lines 18 are detached from the hull 2 of the boat 3. The boat 3 is detached from the docking or mooring location 27 and moved.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A protective cover for a boat hull comprising: a substantially planar, flexible, water-proof cover base having a top surface, a bottom surface, substantially parallel side edges, a front edge having a notch therein, a rear edge opposed to the top edge, wherein the rear edge is substantially perpendicular to the side edges; a flexible, water-proof pouch adapted for placement about a bottom, water-contacting portion of a motor of a boat, wherein a top edge of the pouch is affixable to the rear edge of the cover base; a first plurality of inflatable tubes attached to the cover base at the front edge, the rear edge, and the side edges; an inflation hose in fluid communication with the first plurality of inflatable tubes, wherein the inflation hose is operatively connected to an air compressor; a water-recovery drain on the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the drain is the lowest point of the cover base; a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain, wherein the drain hose is operatively connected to a water pump; wherein, in use: the cover rests beneath and proximate to the water's surface until a boat is docked above the cover; further wherein the first plurality of tube is inflated with the air compressor and forms a corresponding shape to the underwater configuration of the boat hull and the substantially water-proof pouch surrounds the water-contacting portion of the motor of the boat such that the inflated cover substantially seals the underwater hull configuration of the boat from sunlight and the inflated first plurality of tubes is retainable above the water line; ambient water in the space between the boat hull and the cover and the space between the pouch and the motor of the boat, flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.

2. The cover of claim 1, further comprising: at least one rigid reinforcement member in the cover base proximate to the bottom edge, wherein the rigid reinforcement member maintains the cover base in a substantially planar position in the water.

3. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose, wherein after the ambient water is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this portion of fresh water flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump.

4. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a freshwater hose attached to the front edge, the sides edges, and the bottom edge to surround the top surface of the cover base, wherein the freshwater hose is operatively connected to the water pump and a supply of freshwater; a plurality of fluid outlets facing the top surface of the cover base attached to the freshwater hose, wherein after the ambient water is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a first portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this first portion of fresh water flows into the water-recovery drain and is evacuated by the drain hose and the water pump; and the space between the boat hull and the cover, and the space pouch and the motor of the boat, is flushed with a second portion of fresh water from the plurality of fluid outlets and the supply of fresh water, wherein this second portion of fresh water remains, thereby protecting the boat hull and motor from ambient water.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein as the first plurality of tubes inflates, the boat is lifted off the water's surface.

6. The cover of claim 1, wherein the boat remains lifted off the water's surface as long as the first plurality of tubes are inflated.

7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the boat is returned to the water by deflating the first plurality of tubes with the air compressor.

8. The cover of claim 1, wherein, the cover remains submerged in the water, moored and proximate to the boat docketing location when not in use.

9. The cover of claim 1, wherein once the first plurality of tubes is inflated, the ambient water flows into the water-recovery pocket or drain by the force of gravity.

10. The cover of claim 1, wherein the shape and size of the cover is customized to the length and width of the boat.