Device and method for removing kelp/debris from a keel

Abstract

A kelp removing system is provided. The system may comprise a kelp remover and an access tube. The access tube is pre-installed on the hull of the boat adjacent to and exterior of the keel for providing access to the leading edge of the keel from within the boat. A proximal end of the access tube is located above the water level such that the water does come into the boat through the access tube and flood the boat. The kelp remover is insertable into the access tube with a blade in a retracted position. Once the kelp remover is inserted into the access tube, the blade may be traversed to the extended position exposing a sharp edge. The blade is rotated against the leading edge of the keel by rotating the handle. The handle is lifted up while applying pressure on the keel leading edge with the blade. In this manner, kelp tangled on the keel is cut off of the keel.

1 . A device for removing kelp from a keel, the device comprising: 
 a handle sized and configured to be graspable by a human hand;    a trigger attached to the handle;    a rigid push/pull rod attached to the trigger;    a blade attached to the trigger via the rigid push/pull rod, the blade being traversable between a retracted position and an extended position via actuation of the trigger;    wherein the blade is disposable adjacent to the keel to remove the kelp off of the keel.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a blade linkage system actuatable by the trigger, the blade linkage system having a three pivot point system, and the three point pivot system is undercenter such that the blade is traversable to the extended position from the retracted position.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the handle is aligned to the blade for indicating an angular position of the blade.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the blade is pushable in a downward direction against the keel and is pullable in an upward direction against the keel to cut the kelp off of the keel.  
   
   
       5 . A boat comprising: 
 a hull;    a keel attached to the hull;    an access tube defining a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being disposable inside the hull and above a water level of the boat, the distal end being disposable adjacent to an exterior of the hull of the boat and the keel, the tube providing a passageway from an interior of the boat to the keel; and    a kick plate attachable to the hull of the boat for protecting the boat hull; and    a device comprising: 
 a handle sized and configured to be graspable by a human hand;  
 a trigger attached to the handle; and  
 a blade attached to the trigger, the blade being traversable between a retracted position and an extended position via actuation of the trigger;  
 wherein the blade is disposable adjacent to the keel through the access tube to remove the kelp off of the leading edge.  
   
   
   
       6 . (canceled)  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the kick plate circumscribes the distal end of the access tube.  
   
   
       8 . A method for removing kelp from a leading edge of a keel of a boat, the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) installing an access tube on the boat adjacent the leading edge of the keel and exteriorly of the keel for providing access to the keel from an interior of the boat;    b) inserting a kelp removing device into the access tube;    c) extending a blade of the kelp removing device;    d) traversing the blade adjacent to the keel leading edge;    e) moving the blade up the keel leading edge to cut kelp off of the keel leading edge;    f) moving the blade down and against the keel leading edge;    g) retracting the blade; and    h) removing the kelp removing device from the tube.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein step c) comprises the step of pushing a trigger downward to traverse the blade to an extended position.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein step d) comprises the steps of: 
 i) rotating a handle of the kelp removing device; and    ii) stopping rotation of the handle when a contact force between the blade and the keel leading edge is transferred to a trigger through a rigid push/pull rod connecting the blade and the trigger.    
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the blade has a distal portion and a proximal portion, a second pivot point positioned between the distal and proximal portions of the blade such that the blade remains in the extended position when kelp is being pushed off of the keel with the blade distal portion.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the keel is removable from the hull.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the keel is fixed to the hull.