A MOORING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Abstract

 Mooring assistance device comprising:
at least one articulated mechanical arm (1) movable, mechanically fixed at one end (3) to the quay / pier (7) by means of at least one joint connection (5) and provided at the opposite end with a support base (10) on which cleats are fixed ( 11, 12, 13) adapted to hold corresponding mooring lines (11a, 12a, 13a);
said articulated mechanical arm comprising at least a first arm (1a) and a second arm (1b) connected to each other by means of a hinge element (2) configured to allow reciprocal angulation so as to allow extension in length of the articulated mechanical arm;
wherein said arms being respectively provided with a first linear length and a second linear length and are movable, at least along a horizontal rotation plane, between a retracted configuration, in which they are placed side by side in proximity of said quay / pier and an extended configuration in which they define a total length substantially equal to the sum of the first and second length;
said device further comprising:
- at least one motor (4) capable of varying, by means of suitable mechanisms, the angle formed by the arms in correspondence with the hinge element, extending the length of the articulated mechanical arm up to achieving the extended configuration or by folding the arms against each other in the retracted configuration; said motor also allowing the variation of the distance from the water of the movable articulated mechanical arm by changing the angle of the articulated joint at which the end (3) of the mechanical arm (1a) is made supportive;
- means for connecting and transmitting the motion of the motor, to the articulated arms and to the articulated joint;
- remote engine control devices.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mooring assistance device, in particular a mechanical or electromechanical device configured to simplify and / or assist the docking of at least one boat at at least one pier or dock.

[0002] Therefore, the invention is advantageously used in the nautical sector and in particular in the technical sector of the production and marketing of equipment and devices intended to be installed at docks or piers.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] For several years, pleasure boating has seen a considerable increase in the number of berths in tourist ports along the coasts.

[0004] The current tourist ports are structures equipped both to obviously make a mooring available, and to offer boaters mechanical assistance and useful services during their stay in the port, such as the possibility of connecting to the electricity network or the water network, bathrooms, shops, refueling facilities, etc.

[0005] Contrary to past years, however, it is increasingly rare to have the assistance of personnel during mooring maneuvers and during the operations necessary to leave the mooring.

[0006] In the docking phase, if you cannot count on the presence on the quay of a person, preferably an expert person, there can be a real difficulty in mooring the boat safely, particularly if the helmsman is alone and / or if the weather conditions they are adverse, for example when strong winds blow.

[0007] To carry out the mooring it is in fact necessary to dangerously approach the quay or jetty with the boat in order to "jump" to the ground in order to recover the mooring lines that are on the quay and return to the boat with the ropes in hand to secure them. to the bollards of the boat. In the event that the mooring lines are on the boat, it is still necessary to get very close to the quay / jetty to allow a person to jump to the ground and tie the ropes to the bollards on the quay / jetty. Obviously when you have to leave the mooring it is necessary to carry out the opposite maneuver, that is to untie the mooring lines from the bollards and / or the ring and in a few seconds jump on the boat and set sail.

[0008] The problem is evident and can be increased from an age no younger than the yachtsman and / or in cases where the yachtsman is alone on the boat.

[0009] A second very annoying aspect concerns the recovery of the mooring lines to the dead body. For the recovery of these lines, a "trappa" is generally used, ie a line of limited diameter that runs from the mooring line of the dead body to the quay remaining submerged in water. To retrieve the mooring lines from the dead body it is necessary to slide the "trappa" in the hands along the entire length of the boat, for example from stern to bow, an operation which, as you can imagine, is not absolutely pleasant because the trape is almost always very dirty.

[0010] From document KR20130134838A, from document WO2020035632A1 and from document EP2048076A1 a particular type of known mooring assistance devices is known, which are equipped with a telescopic extensible arm configured to bring the top of a mooring from the quay to a boat.

[0011] However, the device described therein has proved to be not free from drawbacks in practice.

[0012] The main drawback lies in the fact that this type of device has extremely generous dimensions, requiring installation on the quay, which is uncomfortable and bulky.

[0013] In fact, the presence of known devices often results in an inability for the operators to operate easily on the quay.

[0014] A further drawback resides in the fact that the devices of this type are not transportable and their high weight makes them unsuitable to be installed on floating docks or in any case on mobile docks.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The main object of the present invention is to propose a mooring assistance device which allows to obviate the drawbacks briefly described above.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that is easy and simple to install.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that is light and compact.

[0018] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that is easily transportable between different piers and / or docks.

[0019] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that is structurally and functionally completely reliable.

[0020] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that is ameliorative and / or alternative to traditional ones.

[0021] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that can be manufactured simply, quickly and at low costs.

[0022] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that can be easily installed on any pier or jetty, obviating the need to perform specific and expensive design calculations.

[0023] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that can be easily installed, obviating the need to carry out invasive masonry works and / or static sealing calculations of the pier.

[0024] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that can be installed with the sole consent of the local marina management, and without the need for paperwork.

[0025] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that can also be installed on floating docks and is easily removable.

[0026] Another purpose of the invention is to propose a mooring assistance device that has an alternative characterization, both in constructive and functional terms, compared to traditional ones.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0027] All the purposes mentioned here, considered both individually and in any combination thereof, and others that will result from the following description are achieved, according to the invention, with a mooring assistance device as defined in claim 1.

[0028] According to the present invention, the mooring assistance device comprises, in a possible embodiment, a movable articulated mechanical arm, for example extensible and shortenable, made integral at one end to the quay or to the mooring jetty with an interposed articulated support element, said extensible mechanical arm is provided at the opposite end to the quay / jetty with a support on which a certain number of cam cleats are fixed which are suitable for detachably retaining ropes or sheets for mooring the boat.

[0029] The subject of the present invention is a mooring assistance device capable of carrying the free ends of the mooring lines by means of a movable articulated mechanical arm, for example extensible and shortenable, orientable, or other means that perform the same function , the opposite end of which is tied to cleats or rings integral with the quay or pier, near the boat, i.e. at a distance of about 200/300 cm. from the quay or jetty. The device according to the present invention avoids having to dangerously approach the boat to the quay / jetty to allow the mooring attendant to jump from the boat to the quay / jetty, and vice versa, to take or carry the heads of the ropes in the boat or on the quay to moor or set sail.

[0030] The articulated mechanical arm, which can be extended and shortened, or other similar means, is, as mentioned, also used during the maneuvers to set sail, to bring the mooring lines from the boat to the quay or jetty.

[0031] In a possible constructive example, the articulated, movable, orientable, extensible and shortenable mechanical arm can comprise two mechanical arms connected to each other by means of a hinge that allows them to be reciprocally oriented on the same rotation plane allowing to reach in operative position (i.e. in the extended configuration) a length equal to the sum of the length of the two arms hinged together.

[0032] In a possible alternative constructive example, the extendable and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm can be of the extension type in which a certain number of elements slide axially with respect to each other until reaching the total length of the arm necessary to carry the ends of the ropes. mooring near the boat to be moored.

[0033] In a further possible constructive example, the extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm can consist of elements of the extension type which form or support a walking surface which can be used as a connecting walkway between the pier and the boat and vice versa.

[0034] In each configuration, the extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm comprises an end which can be oriented in an orientable manner to the quay / pier by means of a support or the like which can also be orientated and at the opposite end a plurality of means, for example cleats, integral with both an interposed support that directly, suitable for binding in a removable way the heads of the mooring lines not tied to the bollards or rings present on the quay or jetty.

[0035] According to the present invention, the movable, extendable and shortenable articulated mechanical arm, or other similar means, can be moved with different means and methods according to requirements.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the adjustable, movable, extendable and shortenable articulated mechanical arm is moved by a motor, for example an electric motor, controlled remotely, for example by the boat to be moored.

[0037] The commands allow, by means of the motor, to move the articulated mechanical arm that can be swiveled, mobile, extensible and shortened, allowing the reciprocal angle of the segments that compose it to be varied by lengthening or shortening the arm. The controls by means of the motor and the relative actuation means allow to vary the inclination of the movable articulated mechanical arm which can be extended and shortened by raising or lowering it with respect to the quay or the boat.

[0038] The articulated mechanical arm can be brought from a rest position (i.e. in the retracted configuration) adjacent or very close to the quay or jetty, to an operative position (i.e. in the extended configuration) which places the support with the sheets secured in the cleat, in close proximity to the boat to be moored in such a way that the occupants of the boat can easily grab the ropes for mooring and then return the articulated mechanical arm back to the rest position adjacent to the quay or jetty.

[0039] During the unmooring phase, the support with the cleat integral with the extremity of the movable articulated mechanical arm, which can be extended and shortened, is brought to the boat, the person in charge of the maneuver frees the mooring lines from the bollards of the boat and easily secures them to the integral cleats at the end of the movable articulated mechanical arm which can be extended and shortened. The movable articulated mechanical arm that can be extended and shortened with the sheets is then sent back to the rest position on the quay ready to serve the boat when, on its return to the port, it will have to be moored again. The device according to the present invention provides suitable means for controlling the electric motor which allows the movement of the articulated arm. Such means can be constituted for example by an "APP" to be installed on the smartphone or by a remote control also in the form of a joystick or by other means which can perform the same functions.

[0040] The device according to the present invention can also comprise photovoltaic panels for powering the electric motor, lights to illuminate the berth during mooring, safety cameras and other devices deemed useful.

[0041] In a possible alternative embodiment, the extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm can be operated for example by springs and / or gas pistons with manual opening / closing assisted for example by the use of a boat of suitable length.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] What has been said up to now can be better understood from the following detailed description of explanatory but not limiting embodiments of the invention given with reference to the attached drawings in which:

The fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of the device in the operative position

The fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of the device in the rest position

The fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the device in the operative position.

The fig. 4 shows a schematic view in axonometry of the device in the operative position and of the mooring quay.

The fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment in which the sliding elements act both as a means for approaching / moving away the ends of the mooring lines to the boat and as a gangway

The fig. 5a shows a schematic plan view of fig. 5

The fig. 6 shows a partial schematic view in axonometry of the device in the operative position.

Fig. 7 shows a partial schematic view in axonometry of the attachment detail between the mechanical arm / joint and support.

DESCRIZIONE DETTAGLIATA DELL'INVENZIONE E DI ALCUNE SUE FORME PREFERITE DI REALIZZAZIONE

[0043] With reference to the attached figures, the mooring assistance device comprises at least one mobile means suitable for bringing from the quay / pier 7 to the docked boat 26 and from the moored boat 26 to the quay / pier 7, the mooring lines necessary for mooring a boat 26, this mobile means is, in one embodiment, driven by a preferably electric motor and said electric motor is controlled by suitable means, for example by a remote control or by an "APP" downloaded on the smartphone.

[0044] In a possible embodiment, the means suitable for bringing the mooring lines from the quay / pier 7 to the boat 26 and vice versa consists of an extendable and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm 1 fixed at one end, for example with an interposed joint 5 and a base or support 8, to the quay / pier 7 and provided at the opposite end with a support base 10 on which the cleats 11, 12, 13 which hold the mooring lines 11a, 12a, 13a are fixed.

[0045] Conveniently, the articulated mechanical arm 1, extensible and mechanically shortenable, fixed at one end to the quay / pier 7 by means of at least one joint attachment 5 and provided at the opposite end with a support base 10 on which cleats 11, 12, 13 are fixed. to hold corresponding mooring lines 11a, 12a, 13a. The extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm 1 in one construction solution comprises at least two arms 1a, 1b connected to each other by means of a hinge element 2 which preferably allows their reciprocal angulation at least on the same rotation plane so as to allow the " length extension of the articulated mechanical arm 1.

[0046] The two arms 1a and 1b in one constructive solution can each be about 125 cm in length so as to reach together a total length of about 250 cm.

[0047] In the rest position (fig. 2) the two arms 1a and 1b are approximately parallel and the angle between them can be 0° or close to this value, so as to reduce the overall dimensions as much as possible, while in the maximum extension of the extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm 1, the angle formed between the two arms 1a and 1b can reach 180 °, i.e. a flat angle.

[0048] Advantageously, the device comprises a first arm 1a and a second arm 1b mechanically connected to each other.

[0049] In other words, the arms 1a, 1b are respectively provided with a first linear length and a second linear length and are movable, in particular along a horizontal rotation plane, between a retracted configuration, in which they are placed side by side near the quay / pier 7 and an extended configuration in which they define a total length substantially equal to the sum of the first and second lengths.

[0050] The rotation along the horizontal rotation plane allows the articulated arm 1 to be arranged in the configuration retracted substantially against the platform 7 resulting extremely compact and not bulky.

[0051] Furthermore, the device 1 according to the invention is preferably made of light material, for example aluminum, preferably recycled. In this way, the device 1 has reduced mass and weight, in particular the device 1 has a mass equal to or less than 25 kg.

[0052] This reduced mass allows the device according to the invention to be easily moved and, if necessary, transported from one quay to another.

[0053] Preferably, the two arms 1a, 1b are movable between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration in rotation around a vertical rotation axis passing through the hinge element 2.

[0054] Advantageously, the two arms 1a, 1b are rotatably linked to each other by means of a hinged element 2 which allows the aforementioned movement between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

[0055] Preferably, the two arms 1a, 1b are movable between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration on a substantially horizontal plane.

[0056] In other words, the two arms 1a, 1b are movable between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration in rotation around an axis of vertical rotation passing through the hinge element 2. Conveniently, the axis of rotation is integral with the hinged element 2 and movable with respect to the quay / jetty 7. The arm 1a has the end 3 facing the quay / pier 7 provided with a joint 5 which allows the mechanical arm 1a to rotate assuming an angle equal to or greater than 90 ° with respect to the quay and to orient itself vertically so to reach the height of the edge of the boat 26.

[0057] The joint 5 is, in a constructive solution, bound to a support 8 integral directly to the platform 7. Said support 8 can also comprise the housing of mechanisms for the transmission of the movements impressed by a motor, for example by the electric motor 4, to the articulated joint 5 and to the arms 1a, 1b.

[0058] Advantageously, the electric motor is mechanically connected at least to the joint 5 and preferably to the hinged element 2. Preferably also, the electric motor 4 comprises at least one gear motor.

[0059] Preferably, the articulated joint 5 is configured to be arranged on a side wall of the quay 7. More in detail, the articulated joint 5 is configured to be mechanically fixed on an external vertical wall of the quay 7, in particular facing towards the boat 26. Advantageously, said joint 5 is configured to be mechanically mounted on said quay / pier 7 in a removable way to be moved by an operator.

[0060] Advantageously, the joint 5 is mechanically connected to the quay / jetty 7 by means of a vice operated by an operator to connect and / or disconnect said device from said quay 7.

[0061] Conveniently, the articulated joint 5 is configured to rotate the articulated mechanical arm 1 around a corresponding vertical rotation axis, parallel to the rotation axis of the hinge element 2 interposed between the first arm 1a and the second arm 1b.

[0062] These mechanisms can conveniently be those usually used in the movement of articulated arms used in different sectors.

[0063] The end 9 of the arm 1b is provided with a base 10 to which a suitable number of cleats are made integral, for example the cleats 11, 12, 13.

[0064] Cleats can for example be of the type with jumper and lock with spring lid.

[0065] In each of said cleats 11, 12, 13 there is inserted one end of a mooring rope 11a, 12a, 13a while the opposite end is linked to the bollards, for example to the bollards 16 and 17 or to the ring 18 present on the quay or jetty 7 .

[0066] Among the ropes present on the cleats there is, as mentioned, the rope 13a with the head secured to a carabiner or cricket 13b in which the "trappa" rope 13c runs during the recovery of the mooring ropes linked to the dead body.

[0067] More in detail, the device 1 according to the invention is configured to offer the boat 26 the top of the traps 13c. The trapeze line 13c is configured to support a line or trape of anchoring means to the seabed, such as for example a dead body for a buoy or the like.

[0068] Conveniently, the top of the trapper 13c comprises at least one handle, which can be used by a user to reach the top or trape of the anchoring means, in particular of the dead body.

[0069] Advantageously, the top of the trapper 13c comprises at least one ring slidably crossed by said top or trape of the anchoring means, in particular the top or trape of the dead body.

[0070] Operationally, the user brings the 13c trappa rope (known in jargon with the term "half rope") to the bow using the handle and only at the bow collects the top of the dead body. In this way, the device according to the invention allows the user to avoid touching the trappa (notoriously very dirty) and dirtying the entire side of the boat.

[0071] Positioned in a suitable container present for example on the quay or jetty 7, in a convenient position with respect to the motor 4, there may be a battery 15 connected to the motor 4 with suitable cables.

[0072] The motor 4, in one constructive solution, is powered by the mains current and the battery 15, connected to a battery charger powered by the mains current or by photovoltaic panels, intervenes in the event of a mains power failure. Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention is powered at low voltage, in particular preferably at 12V, making the device electrically safe. In fact, in this way the device 1 does not need suitable grounding connections and at the same time obviates the risk of electrocution for the users.

[0073] The mooring assistance device according to the present invention allows, as already mentioned, to "offer" heads of the lines necessary for mooring to the person of the crew who is in charge of maneuvering on the boat thanks to the movement, also towards the top, of the arms 1a, 1b and the cleats 11, 12, 13 which hold the free ends of the mooring lines 11a, 12a, 13a integral with the end 9 of the arm 1b. The cleats 11, 12, 13 can be fixed to the end 9 of the arm 1b also with the aid of the support base 10.

[0074] Thanks to the device of the present invention, the boat to dock avoids dangerously approaching the quay to allow one of the crew to jump ashore in order to retrieve the ropes necessary for mooring abandoned on the quay and very short times on the boat to moor it.

[0075] The person of the crew assigned to mooring by means of a remote control or a smartphone can operate the motor 4 and the controls provided so that the arms 1a and 1b which form the articulated mechanical arm that can be oriented, mobile, extendable and shortened 1 assume the 'reciprocal angle and height with respect to the surface of the water, necessary to properly position the cleats 11,12,13, in which the ends of the mooring lines 11a, 12a, 13a are secured, on the edge of the boat or at a distance minimum from this and in any case in a useful position to be able to easily take the mooring lines from the cleats and secure them to the bollards and / or rings on the boat.

[0076] After having taken the ends of the ropes, the person in charge of mooring brings the articulated mechanical arm 1, movable, extensible and shortenable 1 to rest position near quay 7 (fig. 2) using the remote control or by means of the smartphone.

[0077] Advantageously, to each device according to the invention it is possible to associate two or more smartphones for its control, for example up to four smartphones.

[0078] Advantageously, two or more devices can be associated with the same smartphone, for example a plurality of devices, for example up to one hundred. Advantageously, the device is configured to generate a code and / or key for associating a smartphone to the device in a temporary manner, preferably with a preset expiry date.

[0079] In this way, the device according to the invention is configured to allow its rental, i.e. its temporary use by a user, in particular with a smartphone associated with a code and / or temporary key.

[0080] At the time of setting sail, the extendable and shortenable mobile articulated mechanical arm 1 is brought back to the vicinity of the boat, the mooring lines 11a, 12a, 13a, freed from the boat's cleats, are fixed again to the cleats 11,12,13 integral with the support 10 and the extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm 1 is returned to the rest position so as to be ready for subsequent use.

[0081] The device according to the present invention can comprise, in addition to the listed devices, a vertical element 20 having a suitable height, for example 2 meters, on which further devices and service apparatuses are housed, such as for example:

a plurality of lights 25, for example LEDs, which make it possible to illuminate the berth and the stretch of water of the mooring; solar panels 22,

a video surveillance camera 24 which allows you to monitor the berth and the boat; a slot for sim, router and wifi.

[0082] As mentioned, the device according to the present invention can be controlled both with a remote control and by means of an APP downloaded on the smartphone which will take into account some parameters such as:

• serial coding (each system will have its own code and can only be used by the phone on which it is enabled, it will be possible to enter up to four numbers during registration), and will have the ability to generate "disposable" codes
• the APP will have the ability to store the limit switches pre-set by the individual user both for what concerns the arm (extension and gradation), and for what concerns the "trappa" system.
• with the APP you can manage the video surveillance camera, turn the lighting of the water mirror on and off.

[0083] A "daily berth rental" portal can also be created. Owners of the assisted mooring system will be able to access this portal and rent their berth during periods of non-use (for example when on vacation or in storage). The function will be very simple and already tested in the platforms of other sectors. On days when the berth is free, it is offered on the portal at a price deemed "reasonable and convenient", the customer in transit can book the berth directly from the portal, enter information relating to the boat and crew requests from the marina, pay by credit card and receive information for docking (whf channel, geolocation, itinerary to follow at the port, "disposable" access code, information on bathrooms, bars, restaurants and general marina services and of the nearby places to visit, instructions for using the mooring assistance system. The portal will deduct a commission from the transaction and can be used to convey geo-localized advertising messages for users (for example an offer at a restaurant or shop of the marina).

[0084] In a further implementation, the mooring assistance device can be activated automatically by recognition signals sent by the boat approaching the mooring and received by an optical system housed in the vertical element 20, the signals will be picked up by a transponder which sends a further activation signal to the mooring assistance device.

[0085] As previously mentioned, the mooring assistance device according to the present invention can be made in a version without the motor in which the movements of the articulated mechanical arm are impressed by springs and / or gas pistons. The extendable and shortenable mobile articulated mechanical arm, in the non-motorized version, can receive the thrust, to pass from a rest position (i.e. in the retracted configuration) to an operative position (i.e. in the extended configuration), by springs and / or hydraulic pistons appropriately positioned and sized, which in a possible solution are kept compressed by a stop, for example by a mechanical and / or magnetic stop.

[0086] The energy of the springs or hydraulic pistons compressed in the rest position of the extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm can be released by acting on the mechanical stop or by moving the movable part away from a magnet, for example with the aid of a boat hook or other similar device.. The movable, extendable and shortenable articulated mechanical arm can be brought back to rest position, with the springs and pistons compressed, for example by means of a rope which, passing through suitable transmissions, reduces the force necessary to bring it back to rest position and blocks it again in the stationary and / or in contact with the locking magnet.

[0087] In a further possible variant, the extensible and shortenable movable articulated mechanical arm capable of carrying the support 10 with the cleats 11,12,13 from the quay or jetty 7 to the mooring boat 26 and vice versa, comprises two or more sliding sliding elements along the longitudinal axis so as to be able to vary the overall length of the mechanical arm. Obviously, the higher the number of pull-out elements, the more the length of the arm in the rest position can be contained with the same total length of the arm in the operative position.

[0088] In another possible variant of embodiment shown schematically in figs. 5 and 5a, the extensible and shortenable mobile mechanical means comprises pull-out elements 27 and 28 shaped and structured in such a way as to act as elements of a gangway that can extend between quay or jetty 7 and a boat to allow the passage of people .

[0089] The sliding elements can be two or more in number. The element 27 is integral with the quay / pier 7 by means of an articulated support which allows it to be oriented both vertically and horizontally.

[0090] The element 28 has an adequate number of cleats 11, 12, 13 in which the mooring lines of the boat are secured integral with the external end, preferably with a support base 10 interposed. The movement of the sliding elements 27 and 28 can be carried out with known means normally used for similar applications, for example with one or more hydraulic pistons 29 which can control both the orientation in a horizontal and vertical direction and the sliding of the element 27 with respect to the element 28.

Claims

1. Mooring assistance device comprising:

at least one articulated mechanical arm (1) movable, mechanically fixed at one end to the quay / pier (7) by means of at least one joint connection (5) and

provided at the opposite end with a support base (10) on which cleats are fixed ( 11, 12, 13) adapted to hold corresponding mooring lines (11a, 12a, 13a);

said articulated mechanical arm (1) comprising at least a first arm (1a) and a second arm (1b) connected to each other by means of a hinge element (2) configured to allow reciprocal angulation so as to allow extension in length of the articulated mechanical arm (1);

characterized in that said arms (1a, 1b) being respectively provided with a first linear length and a second linear length and are movable, at least along a horizontal rotation plane, between a retracted configuration, in which they are placed side by side in proximity of said quay / pier (7) and an extended configuration in which they define a total length substantially equal to the sum of the first and second length;

said device further comprising:

- at least one motor (4) capable of varying, by means of suitable mechanisms, the angle formed by the arms (1a and 1b) in correspondence with the hinge element (2), extending the length of the articulated mechanical arm (1) up to achieving the extended configuration or by folding the arms against each other in the retracted configuration; said motor (4) also allowing the variation of the distance from the water of the movable articulated mechanical arm (1) by changing the angle of the articulated joint (5) at which the end (3) of the mechanical arm (1a) is made supportive;

- means for connecting and transmitting the motion of the motor (4), to the articulated arms (1a, 1b) and to the articulated joint (5);

- remote engine control devices (4).

2. Mooring assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two arms (1a, 1b) are movable between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration in rotation around a vertical rotation axis passing through the element a hinge (2).

3. Mooring assistance device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the articulated joint (5) is configured to be mechanically fixed on an external vertical wall of the quay (7) facing the boat (26).

4. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable articulated mechanical arm (1) is moved by a preferably electric motor, said electric motor being controlled by suitable means, for example with a remote control or with a smartphone in which there is an appropriately programmed "APP" or the like; said mooring assistance device being also able to comprise a vertical support of suitable height positioned on the quay / jetty suitable for housing devices useful for facilitating mooring and use of the device itself.

5. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the movable, extendable and shortenable articulated mechanical arm moved by springs and / or hydraulic pistons, is brought back from the extended operative position to the rest position by mechanical means recall such as for example ropes passing through pulleys suitably positioned to reduce the effort necessary to overcome the resistance of the springs and / or gas pistons ensuring their compression.

6. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a rope (13a) at the end of which a carabiner (13b) or the like is fixed which will be secured to the "trape" rope to facilitate the recovery of the mooring lines to the dead body.

7. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that there may be an emergency battery (15) connected by means of a battery charger to the electrical network and / or to solar panels, suitable for allowing the electric motor drive (4)

8. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (8) integral with the quay / jetty (7) can comprise the housing of mechanisms for the transmission of the movements imparted by an engine, for example from the electric motor (4), to the articulated joint (5) and to the arms (1a, 1b).

9. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated joint (5) is secured to the support (8).

10. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (8) houses the mechanisms for transmitting the movements imparted by the electric motor (4) to the joint (5) and the mechanical arms (1a and 1b).

11. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the device can be controlled by means of an APP which will take into account some parameters such as:

- serial coding, each system will have its own code and can only be used by the telephone on which it is enabled, it will be possible to enter up to four numbers during registration, and will have the ability to generate "disposable" codes,

- the app will have the ability to store the limit switches preset by the individual user both for what concerns the arm (extension and gradation), and for what concerns the trappa system,

- with the app you can manage the video surveillance camera, turn on and off the lighting of the water mirror relevant to the mooring.

12. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the device can be remotely controlled by means of a remote control or by recognition signals sent by the approaching boat and received by an optical system housed in the vertical element (20).

13. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the extendable and shortenable articulated mechanical arm comprises a plurality of elements sliding one into the other along the longitudinal axis, the sliding of said elements allowing the variation of the length of the mechanical arm from a minimum length in rest position to a length sufficient to bridge the distance between the quay (7) and the boat (26) in the mooring.

14. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the means which allows the ends of the mooring lines to be brought from the quay (7) to the boat (26) comprises a plurality of elements (27, 28) sliding axially into each other according to the longitudinal axis, said elements being shaped in such a way as to act as segments of a walkway suitable for the passage of people, and in which the element (27) is constrained in an orientable manner both vertically and horizontally by means of a joint to the quay / jetty (7) and in which the outermost element (28) is made integral, both with the base (10) in between and directly on the element (28), cleats suitable for retaining the ends of the mooring lines; the movement of said sliding elements (27 and 28) being able to be carried out by means of one or more hydraulic pistons (29), or other similar known means which can control both the orientation in a horizontal and vertical direction and the axial sliding of the element (27) with respect to element (28).

15. Mooring assistance device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said joint (5) is configured to be mechanically mounted on said quay / jetty (7) in a removable way to be moved by an operator.

Drawing