Marine Cleat Assembly

The present disclosure relates generally to generally to marine cleat assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cleat assembly configured to be moved from a retracted, stowed position and to be raised to an extended, operating position.

Cleat assemblies are used to secure marine vessels such as recreational and commercial boats, as well as ships, using a mooring line affixed to the cleat. Cleat assemblies that are retractable can be retracted from an operating position in which the cleat assembly is extended when a mooring line is affixed to the cleat to a retracted position to move the cleat out of the way when the cleat assembly is not in use. In the retracted position, the cleat is substantially flush against the boat deck, preventing personnel on the boat from tripping on the cleat assembly or catching fishing line or clothing on the cleat assembly.

Existing retractable cleat assemblies include a face plate, a support base having two tubes and a retractable cleat having handle portion and two legs that are slidably engaged with the two tubes. Many existing retractable cleat assemblies comprise numerous parts which can be difficult to assemble the final cleat assembly to a marine vessel or dock, and some of the parts are made from plastic. Plastic parts have a tendency to wear out, which results in some existing cleat assemblies having a reduced service life. When the parts wear out, many existing cleat assemblies are not easy to service, and the cleat assembly must be completely replaced, which is expensive.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved cleat assemblies that can be easily assembled to a mounting surface such as a marine vessel or a dock. It would also be desired to provide cleat assemblies that were configured so that if one of the components of the cleat assembly requires replacement or maintenance, the cleat assembly can be easily disassembled and reassembled with a tool such as a hex wrench, a socket wrench or a screwdriver.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a cleat assembly comprising a base plate comprising a face plate including a first leg receptable, a second leg receptacle, and a first tube in communication with the first leg receptacle and a second tube in communication with the second leg receptacle, both the first tube and the second tube integral with the face plate and extending from the face plate, the first tube and the second tube each comprising a lower portion and a threaded portion to respectively receive a first threaded fastener and a second threaded fastener configured to mount the base plate; a first base plate bushing receptacle in an upper portion of the first tube and including a first ledge and a second base plate bushing receptacle in an upper portion of the second tube and including a second ledge; a first friction bushing and a second friction bushing, each of the first friction bushing and the second friction bushing comprising a sleeve of flexible material including a gap configured to allow expansion and contraction of the friction bushing to be inserted respectively in the first base plate bushing receptacle and the second base plate bushing receptacle; a cleat comprising a securing portion and a first leg and a second leg extending from the securing portion, the first leg and the second leg spaced apart and configured to respectively slide in the first friction bushing and the second friction bushing to allow the securing portion to be raised from a stowed position to an extended position to allow a line to be secured to the securing portion; and a first fastener and a second fastener, each of the first fastener and the second fastener comprising threads and a head configured to secure the cleat to the base plate and prevent the cleat from being removed from the base plate when the cleat is in the extended position.

Before describing several exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of a cleat assembly, regardless of its orientation. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms, such as “above”, “below”, “bottom”, “top”, “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher”, “lower”, “upper”, “over”, and “under”, are defined with respect to the horizontal plane, as shown in the figures.

The term “on” indicates that there is direct contact between elements. The term “directly on” indicates that there is direct contact between elements with no intervening elements.

Referring to, according to one or more embodiments, a cleat assemblyis provided. The cleat assemblycomprises a base platecomprising a face plateincluding a first leg receptacle, a second leg receptacle, and a first tubein communication with the first leg receptacleand a second tubein communication with the second leg receptacle, both the first tubeand the second tubeare integral with the face plateand extending from the face plate. As used herein according to one or more embodiments, “integral” means that face plate, the first tubeand the second tubeare not separate components and form a unitary structure that comprise the base plate. In some embodiments, the first tubeand the second tubeare affixed to a lower portion of the face platein a permanent manner such as by a welded or soldered joint between each of the first tubeand a bottom portion of the face plateand the second tubeand a bottom portion of the face plate. In some embodiments, the face plateand the first tubeand the second tubeare integrally cast as a single piece of metal material. In other embodiments, the first tubeand the second tubeare affixed to the face plateby threads on an upper end of each of the first tubeand the second tube

The first tubeand the second tuberespectively comprise a lower portionassociated with the first tubeand a lower portionassociated with the second tube. The first tubecomprises a threaded portionto receive a first threaded fastener. The second tubecomprises a second threaded fastener. The first threaded fastenerand the second threaded fastenereach comprise female threads, and in some embodiments, each of the first threaded fastenerand the second threaded fastenercomprises a threaded nut that are configured mount the base plate.

The base plateis configured to be mounted to a mounting surface, such as a dock or a pier were a marine vessel is docked, or to a portion of a marine vessel. The portion of the marine vessel would be on any usual topside surface of a marine vessel, including the bow, the stern, typically on both the port and starboard sides of the marine vessel, and on an intermediate topside surfaces such as on a gunwale. The base platemounted to a mounting surfaceis shown in, and it is noted that the mounting surface is shown only on one side of the base plateso as not to obscure the reference characters shown on the right side of the base plate. It will be understood that the base platewill be mounted through two openings in the mounting surfaceby inserting the first tubeand the second tubethrough the openings in the mounting surface. After insertion of the first tubeand the second tubethrough the mounting surfacea first flat washerand a second flat washerare respectively positioned above the first threaded fastenerand the second threaded fastener, and the first flat washerand the second flat washerare moved upwardly as the first threaded fastenerand the second threaded fastenerare tightened to secure the base plateto the mounting surface.

The cleat assemblyfurther comprises a first base plate bushing receptaclein an upper portion of the first tubeand including a first ledgeand a second base plate bushing receptaclein an upper portion of the second tubeand including a second ledge. There is a first friction bushingand a second friction bushing, each of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingcomprising a sleeve of flexible material including a gapconfigured to allow expansion and contraction of the friction bushingto be inserted respectively in the first base plate bushing receptacleand the second base plate bushing receptacle

The cleat assemblyfurther comprises a cleatcomprising a securing portionand a first legand a second legextending from the securing portion. The first legand the second legare spaced apart and configured to respectively slide in the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingmounted in the base plateto allow the securing portionto be raised from a stowed position to an extended position as shown to allow a line to be secured to the securing portion. Referring to, which shows the securing portionin a raised position to a height H. By applying a downward force on the securing portion, the cleat assemblycan be moved to a stowed or a closed position where the height H is reduced to zero or near zero. It will be appreciated that the height H can be adjusted depending on the diameter of the line, which can be a rope, secured to the cleat assembly. As shown in, the securing portion of the cleatcan be moved up and down as indicated by the arrow. The cleatis moved to a stowed position when the marine vessel has left a dock, pier or mooring, so that the cleat does not present a tripping hazard or interferes with fishing lines or other activities on the boat.

The cleat assemblyfurther comprises a first fastenerand a second fastener, wherein each of the first fastener and the second fastener respectively comprise threads,and a head,configured to secure the cleatto the base plateand prevent the cleatfrom being removed from the base platewhen the cleatmoved to the extended position. It will be appreciated that the first fastenerand the second fastenercan be in the form of a screw or a bolt, and the threads,are male threads. The heads,can comprise a flared portion and include a hex socket, a slotted head, or a Philips head.

In one or more embodiments, each of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingcomprises inner channelson an interior openingthereof. The inner channelsare configured to allow water to pass through the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingand through the first tubeand the second tubeto exit the cleat assembly. In addition, the outside surfaceof each of the friction bushingand the second friction bushingis shaped to provide outer channels, which are configured to allow water to pass through the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingand through the first tubeand the second tubeto exit the cleat assembly. In one or more embodiments, as shown, the lower portionassociated with the first tubeand the lower portionof the second tubeeach comprise a textured surface, which may be in the form of barbs configured to receive a hose or tubing to direct water that passes through the first tubeand the second tubeand drain to a desired location, for example to the bilge of a marine vessel or outside of the marine vessel.

In some embodiments, each of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingcomprises friction extensionsconfigured to contact the first legand the second legas cleatis raised and lowered. As the cleatis raised and lowered the outer surface of the first legcontacts the friction extensionfacing the interior openingof the first friction bushingand the outer surface of the second legcontact the friction extensionfacing the interior openingof the second friction bushing

In one or more embodiments of the cleat assemblythe friction extensionscomprise longitudinal protrusions extending radially on an inner surface of the friction bushing facing the interior openingof each of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushing. In some embodiments of the cleat assembly, the longitudinal protrusions that form the friction extensionsare spaced on the inner surface of each of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushing. The friction extensionsare separated by the inner channelsconfigured to allow water to pass through each of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingand through the first tube and second tube to exit the cleat assembly. In other embodiments, the friction extensionscan comprise a series of spaced inward protrusions in the form of discrete bumps.

In the embodiments shown of the cleat assembly, wherein each of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingcomprises at least three longitudinal protrusions. The first friction bushingand the second friction bushingaccording to other embodiments include any suitable number of longitudinal extensions, for example, two, three, four five, six or more longitudinal extensions, provided the longitudinal extensions provide sufficient friction to prevent the cleatfrom freely sliding through the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingand their channels to allow water to escape through the cleat assemblythrough the first tubeand the second tube

In the embodiment shown, the first friction bushingis seated upon the first ledgeof the base plate and the second friction bushingis seated upon the second ledgeof the base plate. The first ledgeholds the first friction bushingand the second ledgeholds the second friction bushingin place as a downward force is applied to the cleatto move the cleatto retracted position.

The first legof the cleatcomprises a first threaded receptacleand the second legof the cleatcomprises a second threaded receptacle. Each of first threaded receptacleand the second threaded receptacleare respectively configured to receive the first fastenerand the second fastenerto secure the cleatto the base plateand prevent the cleatfrom being removed from the base platewhen the cleat is moved upwardly to the extended position. The cleat assemblyof one or more embodiments further includes at least a first washerand a second washer, which respectively configured to be positioned on the first fastenerand the second fastener. In some embodiments of the cleat assembly, there is at least a first lock washerand a second lock washerrespectively configured to be positioned on the first fastenerand the second fastenerand to lock the first fastenerand the second fastenerrespectively to the first tubeand the second tubeof the base plate. Advantageously, the cleat assembly can be easily assembled to a mounting surfaceby fastening the first fastener in the first threaded receptacleand the second fastenerin the second threaded receptacle. The first washerand the first lock washerlock the first fastenerin place, and the second washerand the second lock washerlock the second fastenerin place.

Another advantage of the cleat assemblyof one or more embodiments is that if one of the components of the cleat assemblyrequires replacement or maintenance, for example the first friction bushingand the second friction bushing, the cleat assemblycan be easily disassembled and reassembled with a tool such as a hex wrench, a socket wrench or a screwdriver.

According to one or more embodiments, the cleat assemblyconsists essentially of metal material, except for the first friction bushingand the second friction bushing. In some embodiments, the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingconsist of plastic and the base plateand the cleatconsist of stainless steel. Advantageously, the stainless steel resists rusting.

In one or more embodiments, the first tube, the second tubeand the face plateof the base plate comprise a unitary piece of metal. In specific embodiments, the base plate consists of stainless steel. In some embodiments of the cleat assemblythe first tubeand the second tubeare welded to the face plate. In other embodiments, of the cleat assembly, the first tubeand the second tubeare fitted to the face plate. The first tubeand the second tubecan be friction fitted to the face plate or threadably fitted to the face plate.

Advantageously, according to one or more embodiments of the cleat assemblydescribed herein, the cleat assembly has one or more advantages. The plastic material of the first friction bushingand the second friction bushingprovides a smooth pull up and push down for the cleatas the cleatis moved from an extended to a retracted position. As previously noted, the individual components are replaceable and easier to assemble and disassemble compared to existing designs.

By placing the first friction bushingand the second friction bushing below the face plateon the respective first ledgeand the second ledge, the overall height of the cleat assemblyis reduced and less distance is required beneath the face plate. In addition, the load bearing point of the cleat assembly comprises a first solid joint comprising the junction of the first fastener, the first lock washerand first washerand a second solid joint comprising the junction of the second fastener, the second lock washerand second washerwithout having to add a friction element.

In addition, the cleat assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments, the first lock washerand the second lock washerretainer the first fastenerand the second fastenerin place retain the during boat movement instead of using a thread locking agent, providing a more a more reliable cleat assembly. Also, eliminating the thread locking agent allows the cleat assembly to be disassembled more readily.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “one or more embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in one or more embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the cleat assembly of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.