Variations of a bumper systems are disclosed. A bumper system may have one
or more rotatable members and/or non-rotatable members configured to
protect a vessel or structure during docking maneuvers and mooring. The
rotatable and non-rotatable members may be located at any one or more
desired locations on the vessel and/or its mooring. In use, rotatable
members are rotated from a first rotational position to a second
rotational position. Various components of the bumper system may be
configured to provide protection due to their compressibility,
tiltability, flexibility and/or moveability. The connection between a
rotatable member and its substrate may serve as an axis of rotation of
the rotatable member, may be configured to include one or more mechanisms
for rotating the rotatable member and may also include mechanisms for
absorbing and/or dissipating the energy transmitted during physical
interactions between vessels, and/or structures. The rotatable and
non-rotatable members may be configured to extend from a surface to which
they are connected, and the bumper system may also be configured such
that a boundary is formed between one or more rotatable members,
non-rotatable members, and the substrate to which they are connected.
Methods for manufacturing and using bumper systems according to the
described configurations are also disclosed.