Watercraft docking system

Abstract

A watercraft docking system for use with watercraft facilitates unassisted docking of the watercraft by preventing the watercraft from engaging the dock at either approach or departure. A simple reconfiguration of the watercraft docking system allows the watercraft to remain affixed to the dock while still reacting to external forces, such as wind, waves, and other phenomena. Accordingly, an individual can fully operate a recreational watercraft without the aid of another individual while reducing or eliminating the risk of potential damage resulting from contact between the watercraft and the dock.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A docking apparatus comprising: 
 an axle arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position; and    a bumper rotatably mounted on the axle and arranged to rotate to a horizontal position when the axle is rotated to the first position and to rotate to a vertical position when the axle is rotated to the second position.    
     
     
         2 . The docking apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a linkage coupled to the axle and arranged to cause the axle to rotate between the first and second positions.  
     
     
         3 . The docking apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a lever coupled to the linkage and arranged to cause the axle to rotate between the first and second positions.  
     
     
         4 . The docking apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting assembly.  
     
     
         5 . The docking apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises a receiver in which the axle is rotatably mounted.  
     
     
         6 . The docking apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bumper comprises an inner portion and an outer portion formed from an energy absorbing material.  
     
     
         7 . A docking system comprising: 
 a plurality of docking arrangements each comprising 
 an axle arranged to rotate between a first position and a second position, and  
 a bumper rotatably mounted on the axle and arranged to rotate to a horizontal position when the axle is rotated to the first position and to rotate to a vertical position when the axle is rotated to the second position;  
   a linkage operatively coupling the plurality of docking arrangements; and    a lever coupled to the linkage and arranged to cause the axles of the plurality of docking arrangements to rotate between the first and second positions.    
     
     
         8 . The docking system of  claim 7 , wherein at least one docking arrangement comprises a mounting assembly.  
     
     
         9 . The docking system of  claim 8 , wherein the mounting assembly comprises a receiver in which the axle is rotatably mounted.  
     
     
         10 . The docking system of  claim 7 , wherein the bumper of at least one docking arrangement comprises an inner portion and an outer portion formed from an energy absorbing material.  
     
     
         11 . A method for docking a watercraft, the method comprising: 
 causing the watercraft to enter a dock;    securing the watercraft to the dock; and    rotating at least one bumper from a horizontal position to a vertical position.