WO1996037403A1

WO1996037403A1 - Improvements relating to tender supports

Info

Publication number: WO1996037403A1
Application number: PCT/GB1996/001177
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Vollans
Original assignee: Keith Vollans
Priority date: 1995-05-26
Filing date: 1996-05-17
Publication date: 1996-11-28
Also published as: AU5770196A

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus which can be used for launching, recovering or stowing a tender, the apparatus comprising a platform which is typically mounted towards the rear end of boat and which is further pivotal so as it can be used in selected positions to launch and/or recover a tender, and which also is for use as a walkway to facilitate access to and from the boat.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO TENDER SUPPORTS

The invention relates to an apparatus for launching, recovering and supporting a tender and particularly, but not exclusively, to such apparatus for use in relation to a parent boat, yacht or ship.

A tender is typically a small boat or dinghy carried by a parent boat, yacht or ship in order to provide a means of access to the land or the parent boat to give access to areas of water inaccessible to the parent boat or to be used as a lifeboat in case of an emergency. It is desirable therefore for the tender to be carried or towed by the parent boat at all times. Towing is problematical if the parent boat travels at any great speed. Thus, for ease of transport, tenders are typically light in weight as well as small in size to enable them to be taken out of the water and carried on the parent boat.

There are two main systems available which facilitate transfer of a tender to the parent boat for carriage.

Firstly, a hoist or crane mechanism can be used which lifts the tender from the water and then rotates same so that it can be placed on a support structure on the boat. Whilst this is a secure way of carrying the tender, a large surface area is needed upon which to store the tender and furthermore such hoist or crane mechanisms are typically expensive. Thus, such a system is particularly applicable to larger boats, yachts or ships which have sufficient deck area to devote to storage of a tender and which may require the transfer of a number of such tenders or cargo to and from d e shore.

Secondly, a davit storage system can be used. Typically, davits comprise a cantilever and sling arrangement which extends over the edge of the boat. By hauling on lines from the davits, which are attached to fixing points on the tender, the tender is hoisted clear of the water. Use of such davits is particularly problematical when it is not possible to bring the tender close into the side of the boat prior to or during lifting - this is often the case when a low level swimming platform is provided on the parent boat which extends horizontally outwards from, for example, the rear of a boat. Thus the davits would have to be usually large in order to extend beyond the outermost edge of such a platform and to hoist the tender vertically out of the water.

Furthermore, the davit system of raising a tender does not suit all varieties of tender. In particular, tenders can be inflatable having a fabric hull and a solid floor inserted therein for rigidity. Heavy engines provided at one end of the tender limits the use of davits for hauling such tenders. Alternative tenders include those having a rigid glass fibre hull. More recently, roll away tenders such as those having a slatted floor permanently located in the tender have become available. These are particularly unsuitable for use with davits.

Furthermore, parent boats particularly of those of approximately 25 to 60 foot in length when moored astern in a Mediterranean style are difficult to embark and disembark often because of the distance between the rear of d e boat and the jetty and/or the presence of a tender hanging on its davits and/or a low level swimming platform which also spaces the boat from the jetty.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide apparatus for launching, recovering and stowing a tender on a parent boat or other structure such as a jetty which eliminates the use of a crane and/or davits.

It is a further object of the invention that such apparatus can be used even on boats having a low level swimming platform.

It is a further object of the invention that such apparatus does not unduly limit access to such a swimming platform.

It is a further object of the invention that the apparatus can be used to provide access to and from a parent boat.

It is a further object of the invention that tenders having a variety of shapes and/or sizes can be accommodated. It is a further object of the invention to provide apparatus which is simple and easy to manufacture and erect and relatively inexpensive.

According to the invention there is therefore provided apparatus for launching, recovering or stowing a tender comprising: a tender accommodating platform adapted for launching, recovering and stowing a tender and arranged to support a tender when in use on an, in use, upper side thereof and further adapted to be mountable to, for example, a parent boat or other structure such as a jetty.

In a preferred embodiment said platform comprises attachment means for attaching same to a parent boat, which attachment means are arranged so that said platform is inclined downwardly and away from said parent boat or other structure. Preferably said attachment means is arranged so that said platform is pivotable between at least a first position whereat the platform is inclined downwardly and away from said parent boat or other structure to a second position whereat the platform is substantially horizontal. Preferably, said attachment means is arranged so that said platform is pivotable between said first position and a third position whereat the platform is inclined upwardly and away from a parent boat or other structure.

It will be understood from the above that when the platform is inclined downwardly and away from said parent boat a tender can be drawn up onto the platform clear of the water for storage when not in use and the tender can be lowered along the platform into the water when required. Thus, the arrangement or inclination of the platform with respect to for example the parent boat and hence the water facilitates launch and recovery of the tender whilst inclination of the platform substantially horizontally or inclined upwardly and away from the parent boat facilitates storage of the tender.

In a preferred embodiment, said platform is elongate and pivotable on or about an end region of the platform. Preferably said platform attachment means comprises a pivot, an axle or the like.

Alternatively, in yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said platform is elongate and is pivotally and slidably mounted to a selected part of said parent boat or other such structure whereby said platform can be slidably moved with respect to said parent boat so as to be extended and retracted and so pivoted so as extension and retractioa occurs the angle of the platform ,with respect to said parent boat may be adjusted. In this preferred embodiment of the invention there is ideally also provided a further mounting means comprising an extendible strut which is preferably at or towards an outermost end of said platform.

In a further preferred embodiment, as an addition or an alternative to a pivotable platform, said platform attachment means is adapted to raise or lower said platform in a substantially vertical direction with respect to a parent boat or other structure and hence the water in use. Preferably said attachment means comprises a hydraulic mechanism, a pulley system, a ratchet mechanism or the like for raising and lowering and/or pivoting the platform with respect to the parent boat or other structure.

More preferably still, said platform attachment means is coupled to a lever arrangement so as to increase the range through which said platform can be raised and lowered.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention said attachment means is rotatable so that the position of said platform with respect to said boat or other structure may be varied.

In a further preferred embodiment, said platform comprises two spaced and aligned runners. Advantageously, said runners are mounted to said boat so as to be slidable thereapart or theretogether. Preferably, an end region of said runner which end region is adjacent said parent boat or other structure is slidably mounted on said axle.

In a further preferred embodiment, said attachment means comprises one or more mounting members to which said platform can be attached and which in turn can be attached to said boat or other structure. Preferably, said one or more mounting members are releasable. Typically one or more mounting members will be associated with each runner. Advantageously, one or more additional mounting members are provided adjacent the one or more mounting members associated with one of the runners.

It will be appreciated that where said runners are mounted so as to be slidable thereapart and theretogether; or said mounting members are releasable and additional mounting members are provided adjacent mounting members associated with one runner, said runners can be moved theretogether so as to accommodate tenders of different sizes and/or to provide a more compact arrangement when said apparatus is not in use for launching, recovering or storing a tender so as to occupy less space and provide additional access to for example a swimming platform adjacent the apparatus.

In a further preferred embodiment, one or more bracing members are provided to brace the runners one against the other. Preferably, a bracing member is provided to brace the runners theretogther when positioned adjacent one another.

In a further preferred embodiment, said runners are sized, shaped and/or oriented to correspond to the tender to be accommodated. Preferably the runners are tilted inwardly at an angle with respect to the plane of the platform so as to accommodate the V-shaped hull of a tender. Advantageously, at least one and preferably two runners are pivotable about their longitudinal axis so as to be tiltable inwardly at an angle with respect to the plane of the platform.

In a further preferred embodiment said mounting member comprises at least one downwardly extending support member. Preferably said support member depends from a point on or about a mid portion of a runner. Advantageously, each runner is provided with at least one downwardly extending support member. Preferably, at least one support member is extensible so as to raise, lower or pivot the platform.

In a further preferred embodiment at least one runner is provided with a wheel or roller at an outermost end thereof. In a further preferred embodiment at least one runner is provided with a sliding surface for example by the provision of substantially friction free material thereon or substantially friction free blocks for example blocks made from PTFE or the like. Alternatively, or in addition, the runner is provided with one or more rollers along its uppermost surface.

In a further preferred embodiment, said apparatus is arranged so that when said runners are brought together, the uppermost surfaces thereof are substantially contiguous so as to provide a continuous platform which serves as a walkway.

In a further preferred embodiment, said platform comprises a panel provided between said spaced and aligned runners so as to provide a walkway. Preferably, said platform is collapsible to facilitate storage of same when the apparatus is not in use as a walkway or for launching or recovering or stowing a tender. Preferably, the platform is in two halves, which halves are pivotable about a transverse axis having regard to the longitudinal axis of the platform, part way along the length of the platform.

Ideally, each half comprising the pair of runners and a panel mounted therebetween is a single preferably moulded unit. Advantageously, at least one runner is provided with means for attaching a hand rail thereto.

In a further preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises an extendable platform. Preferably the platform comprises an extension portion, which is ideally removable, for positioning at an end of the platform for extending same. Advantageously the extension portions is adapted to be stored underneath the platform when not in use. Ideally the platform comprises an articulated portion and an extension portion for positioning at an, in use, innermost end thereof. Ideally the articulated portion is provided with an aperture for accommodating an engine therein. Preferably a removable panel is provided for closing said aperture when not in use.

In a preferred embodiment, said platform is provided at its outermost end with at least one laterally extending wing member so as to extend the width of the platform. Preferably said wing member depends from a runner. Advantageously the wing member can be extended or retracted as required. Alternatively or in addition the wing member is detachable. Ideally the wing member is rotatably mounted to said runner. Preferably the wing member is sized and shaped and orientated to accommodate the hull of a tender. It will be apparent from the above that two wing members extending from opposite sides of the platform can be provided so as to in use support the transom of a tender mounted thereon.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shaped supporting member adapted to be mounted on an upper surface of said platform so as to provide a shaped upper surface of said platform for mounting a tender thereon.

In a further preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises urging means for urging a tender along the platform. Preferably said urging means comprising a rope for attachment to a tender, a rope and pulley arrangement, winch mechanism or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the urging means comprises a motorised mechanism.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises control means for controlling the pivoting, raising and lowering and/or extension and collapse of the platform.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying Figures.

Figures 1A and IB show perspective views of apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 2 A and 2B show side views of the apparatus in Figures 1 A and IB.

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional end view of the apparatus of Figures 1 A to 2B.

Figures 4A and 4B show perspective views of alternative apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 5A and 5B show side views of the apparatus seen in Figures 4A and 4B.

Figures 6A and 6B show cross sectional end views of the apparatus seen in Figures 4A to 5B. Figures 7A and 7B show perspective views of alternative apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 8A and 8B show side views of the apparatus seen in Figures 7A and 7B.

Figure 8C shows a side view of an alternative lifting apparatus.

Figure 8D shows an end view of the alternative lifting apparatus of Figure 8C.

Figures 9A and 9B shows cross sectional end views of the apparatus seen in Figures 7A to 8B.

Figures 10A and 10B show perspective views of alternative apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figures 11 A and 1 IB show side views of the apparatus seen in Figures 10A and 10B.

Figures 12 A, 12B and 12C show cross sectional end views of the apparatus as seen in Figures 10A to 1 IB.

Figures 13A and 13B show side views of the apparatus seen in Figures 10A to 12B when used as a walkway.

Figure 13C shows a side view of an alternative lifting apparatus.

Figure 14A and 14B show perspective and side views respectively of apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figure 15 shows a side view of yet an alternative lifting apparatus when accommodating a tender.

Figure 16 shows the lifting apparatus of Figure 15 when adjusted to receive a tender. Figure 17 shows the lifting apparatus of Figures 15 and 16 when used as a walkway.

Figure 18 shows a yet further alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 shows a yet further alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 20 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 19 when used to retrieve a tender.

Figure 21 shows the apparatus of Figures 19 and 20 when used as a walkway.

Referring firstly to Figures 1A and IB which show perspective views of a tender accommodating platform 1 with and without a tender or small boat 9 respectively, a parent boat 2 has a horizontally extending swimming platform mounted astern. Runners 4 A and 4B are spaced thereapart and attached to the rear of boat 2 by struts

5A, 5B and 5C Struts 5A, 5B and 5C are arranged so that runners 4A and 4B are inclined downwardly from the rear of boat 2 towards 7. Bracing struts 6 are provided between support struts 5 A. Rollers 8 are positioned adjacent an outermost end of struts 4A and 4B to facilitate launching and recovery of tender 9. As can be seen from Figure IB, tender 9, when stored on runners 4A and 4B is arranged so that its engine 10, which is typically the heaviest component of tender 9, is lowermost.

The uppermost surfaces of runners 4A may comprise relatively friction free material or a protective coating material to facilitate travel of tender 9 along runners 4A and 4B when launching or recovering tender 9. Alternatively, additional rollers are provided along runners 4A and 4B.

In the following Figures like referenced numerals refer to afore like referenced features.

Launch and recovery of tender 9 can be seen more clearly in Figures 2A and 2B.

Rope or cable 11 attached to the underside of tender 9 is used to haul tender 9 onto platform 1 from the water or indeed even land for example if the parent boat is in dry dock. Typically, rope or cable 11 is a painter. Tender 9 can be raised clear of water 7 by hauling on rope or cable 11.

In a similar way, tender 9 can be lowered from platform 1 onto the water. A winch or motor can be used to facilitate launching or recovery of tender 9.

Tender 9 can be held on platform 1 by use of rope or cable 11 or canvas strapping for example or other restraining means as would be known to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to Figure 3, a cross sectional end view of apparatus 1 is shown. As can be seen from the Figure, tender 9 has a V-shaped hull 12. Runners 4A and 4B are angled with respect to the general plane of the platform so as to accommodate V- shaped hull 12 of tender 9.

Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, platform 1 here comprises support struts 5A, 5B and 5C which are dismountable at 13. Additional mounting members 14 and 15 are provided for respositioning support struts 5A, 5B and 5C.

Launch and recovery takes place in a similar way to the previous embodiment as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

Repositioning of support struts 5A, 5B and 5C can be seen more clearly in Figures 6A and 6B. Bracing bars 6 are removable so that the support members can be repositioned using mounting members 14 and 15 and a further shorter bracing bar 17. Mounting member 15 A which has previously formed a base to support struts 5 A and 5B is shrouded by a cover 18 to prevent damage to same and to reduce the risk of injury to individuals using swimming platform 3. By repositioning runner 4 A in this way, additional space is made available for use on swimming platform 3.

Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, an alternative platform 1 is shown. Here, runners

4A and 4B are pivotally and slidably mounted on rod 19 at pivot points 20. Furthermore, runners 4A and 4B are pivotally and slidably mounted on transverse track 21. Track 21 is supported by support members 23 and a hydraulic lifting mechanism 22.

Hydraulic mechanism 22 can be raised and lowered in order to pivot platform 1 about rod or axle 19 and thereby to ensure that tender 9 is clear of the water when mounted on platform 1. This can be seen clearly in Figure 8 A.

Turning to Figures 8A and 8B when lowering tender 9 into the water or raising same from the water, mechanism 22 can be lowered or raised so that the outermost end region of platform 1 is closer to the water and rope or painter 11 runs freely so as to lower tender 9 from platform 1 or draw tender 9 onto platform 1, respectively. In this particular embodiment, pivoting mechanism comprising rod 19 and pivots 20 could be replaced by an extensible and retractable member, so that mechanism 22 could be used to simply lift and lower platform 1 in a substantially vertical direction if required.

An alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 8C where it can be seen that mechanism 22 is connected to an articulated joint 22X comprising levers 22 Y and 22Z pivotally connected theretogether. This coupling of, ideally, a hydraulic lifting mechanism 22 with a leverage mechanism 22X extends the range of the lifting arrangement and thus allows the tender platform to be lifted or lowered by a greater amount.

Figure 8D represents a cross section through the lifting arrangement shown in Figure 8C. The lifting mechanism 22, which is ideally hydraulically powered, is attached centrally to the undermost part of lever 22Y so as to exert force thereon and thus bring about, in a first direction, raising of the tender platform attached to the upperside of lever 22Y.

Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, runners 4A and 4B are pivotally mounted about a longitudinal axis at 24. In this way, runners 4A and 4B can be tilted to accommodate the V-shaped hull 12 of tender 9. When runners 4A and 4B are slid towards and brought adjacent one another as seen in Figure 9B, runners 4A and 4B tilt against one another to form a substantially planar walkway 25. Typically, support members 23 are either extensible and retractable so as to be used in conjunction with mechanism 22 to bring walkway 25 into a substantially horizontal position, or struts 23 are removed when not required. A hand rail 29 is provided adjacent walkway 25 by attachments 30 on runner 4B.

Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, an alternative platform 1 according to the invention is shown. Here, spaced runners 4 A and 4B are fixedly joined theretogether by a panel 31. Runners 4 A and 4B and panel 31 are in two parts which pivot about transverse axis 26. In addition, runners 4A and 4B are shaped or bevelled adjacent axis 26 to facilitate pivoting about axis 26 and hence extension and retraction of runners 4A and 4B and panel 31. Platform 1 is supported on swimming platform 3 by extensible actuators within support members 27A and 27B which may be hydraulically controlled. In this particular embodiment, support strut 5C is mounted on top of a rear wall of boat 2. This is seen more clearly in Figures 11 A and 1 IB. In this way, when platform 1 is in use as a walkway, individuals have simply to step from boat 2 directly onto platform 1.

Use of platform 1 as a walkway is seen clearly in Figures 12A and 12C. Here, runners 4A, 4B and panel 31 are clearly shown in cross section to comprise a single moulded unit. Runners 4A and 4B are shaped at 28A to accommodate hull 12 of tender 9. Hand rail 29 is attached to runner 4B by attachments 30.

Referring now to Figure 12B, runners 4 A and 4B are substantially parallel to the plane of platform 1 at 28B and additional shaped support members 35A and 35B are mounted on the runners to provide a V-shaped upper surface 28C for accommodating a tender hull. Runners 4A and 4B need not be parallel with the platform, and, even if so arranged or not, runners 4A and 4B could be used either for supporting a tender or members 35A and 35B which in turn act as runners for supporting a tender.

Members 35A and 35B and runners 4A and 4B are provided with cooperating attachment means (not shown) as would be well understood by those skilled in the art. Members 35A and 35B which are typically removable can be of any appropriate shape for accommodating a tender. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of hulls of different shapes and sizes can be accommodated by the provision of appropriately shaped members 35A and 35B. Typically, members 35A and 35B will be generally triangular so as to accommodate a V-shaped hull. Where a hull is stepped in cross-section members 35A and 35B can be similarly stepped in cross- section (not shown). Furthermore steeper and/or shallower angles of hull can be accommodated.

Referring now to Figures 10A and 12 A, laterally extending wings 33 are provided depending from the outermost sides of runners 4 A and 4B. Typically wings 33 extend along platform 1 by approximately 20 cm. Wings 33 are rotatable for example around axis 34 in order to be retracted adjacent platform 1 when not in use. Alternatively wings 33 are detachable. Wings 33 can be a variety of shapes and sizes for example substantially rectangular in cross-section as in wing 33A or substantially triangular in cross section as in wing 33B. Wings 33 serve to support the weight of the engine mounted on the transom of a tender which is stowed on platform 1.

Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, boat 2 is moored astern adjacent jetty 32. Support strut 27 is extended so that platform 1 is substantially horizonal. In Figure 13 A, the outermost part of platform 1 is raised to prevent access to boat 2 from jetty 32. Typically, control means (not shown) are provided to raise and lower platform 1 on support members 27A and 27B and also to extend or retract the outermost part of panel 31 and runners 4 A and 4B. When platform 1 is fully extended as seen in Figure 13B, hand rail 29 can be attached.

Figure 13C shows an alternative arrangement where support members 27 A and 27B are attached to an articulated leverage system 27X comprising levers 27Y and 27Z pivotally linked theretogether.

As previously mentioned the coupling of a lifting arrangement such as a hydraulic lifting ram to a lever arrangement increases the range through which the tender platform can be raised and lowered.

Referring now to Figure 14A and 14B, platform 1 comprises three portions 38A, 38B and 38C. Portions 38B and 38C are articulated about a pivot at 26. Portion 38A is mountable to portion 38B at an, in use, inboard end thereof to provide extensions 36A and 36B to runners 4A and 4B respectively. Attachment means for mounting portion 38 A to portion 38B would be well understood by those skilled in the art and are not described herein. When not required portion 38 A can be stowed beneath portion 38B (not shown) and further attachment means can be provided for this purpose (not shown). In this way platform 1 can be extended and tenders of differing lengths can be accommodated. Alternatively, or in addition, a tender can be drawn further up platform 1 and hence further inboard of parent boat 2, so enabling portion 38C to be brought upright for mooring or passage. Portion 38B includes an aperture 39 having a removable cover panel mounted therein, for allowing engine 10 to be stored in an upright arrangement. Aperture 39 may comprise, for example, a through hole or a recess.

Referring now to Figures 15, 16 and 17 there is shown yet an alternative embodiment of the invention which comprises a platform 1 slidably and pivotally attached via slidable pivot 40 mounted on an upper rearward part of boat 2. In addition, platform 1 is further supported by a hydraulic lifting mechanism 22 attached, pivotally, at a first lowermost end to the outer edge of a swim platform of boat 2 and at a second uppermost end to the outermost end of platform 1. In Figure 15 the embodiment is shown with the tender in passage.

In Figure 16 the same arrangement is shown but in a position that facilitates the loading/unloading of the tender. Thus in Figure 16 platform 1 has been slid over mount 40 in a rearward direction and also pivoted about mount 40 so as to depend downwardly from the rear of boat 2. In addition, support 22, which is pivotally attached to the outermost end of the swim platform, is also pivoted so as to lie horizontal. In this position it is possible to facilitate the loading/unloading of the tender. It is also of note that rollers 8 are provided towards the outermost end of platform 1 with a view to facilitating the loading/unloading process.

In Figure 17 there is shown yet a further use of the apparatus of Figures 16 and 17. Once again, platform 1 has been slid rearwardly about mount 40, but in this instance support 22, which essentially comprises a hydraulic ram mechanism, has been activated so as to increase the effective length of support 22 and so allow selective modulation of the angular position of platform 1 with respect to boat 2. Thus it can be seen in Figure 17 that platform 1 has been extended rearward of boat 2 and made to depend downwardly at a gentle angle so as to make contact with a further structure such as a jetty 50 or the like. When in this position a handrail 29 is attached to platform 1.

Figure 18 shows a simplified embodiment of the invention which essentially comprises a platform 1 fixedly mounted to a swim platform, or some other convenient site of a boat 2. Platform 1 is provided with a retractable extension portion 3 which is pivotally mounted thereto. Thus in use, portion 3 can be extended or retracted to facilitate the loading/unloading of tender onto platform 1.

Figure 19 shows yet an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein platform 1 is attached to the swim platform of a boat, or some other suitable structure, via a removable support strut 61 and a rotatable and pivotal mount 60. Platform 1 is provided in two, and in this example, unequal parts, which are pivotally attached theretogether and supported at their attachment site by mount 60. Mount 60 comprises an upstanding support means 62 to which the two parts of platform are pivotally attached. Either side of support means 62 are provided lifting attachments 64 and 65, essentially in the form of hydraulic rams. Selective activation of rams 64 and 65 alters the respective positioning of the associated parts of platform 1. Thus as shown in Figure 20 when hydraulic ram 65 is moved to a retracted position so as to pull the associated part of platform 1 downwardly one is provided with a downwardly depending ramp onto and off which a tender can be hauled. Moreover as also shown in Figure 20 the downwardly depending part of platform 1 may be provided with an extension means 68 so as to extend the length of the downwardly depending part of platform 1.

In Figure 21 it can be seen that mount 60 has been rotated through 90 degrees and the support 61 has been removed so that the longest portion of platform 1 is positioned rearwardly of boat 2. In addition, ram 64 has been extended so as to raise this extended part of platform 1 upwardly. In this way a walkway is provided to facilitate passage to and from boat 2. When the walkway has been erected it is often preferred to attach a handrail 29 thereto.

Alternative embodiments of the invention can be envisaged by those skilled in the art and these are intended to be within the scope of this application. In particular, whilst the specific embodiments have been described having regard to use of the invention in relation to a parent boat, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that this invention could equally be used on other support structures such as jetties etc.

It can be seen from the above that the apparatus of the invention provides a simple and variable means of launching, recovering and stowing a tender or other small boat such as lift raft. Furthermore, such apparatus is adapted for use in conjunction with a swimming platform without unduly limiting the use of same. In addition, the apparatus provides for a walkway to gain access to and from the parent boat or from a jetty land as required. This is all achieved in a relatively simple and easy to manufacture apparatus.

Claims

1. Apparatus for launching, recovering or stowing a tender comprising a tender accommodating platform adapted for launching, recovering and storing a tender and arranged to support a tender, when in use, on an upper side thereof and further adapted to be mountable to a boat or jetty.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said platform is pivotally mounted so as to be positioned between a plurality of selected positions.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said platform is slidably and pivotally mounted so as to be extendable and retractable with respect to said mounting.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platform is provided with adjustable support means whereby the height of same with respect to said mounting can be varied.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said support means is attached to a lever arrangement so as to increase the range through which said platform can be raised or lowered.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platform comprises a plurality of spaced and aligned runners.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said runners are adapted to be slidably mounted thereapart and/or theretogether.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platform is provided with removable support means.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least a part of said platform is adapted to receive the hull of the tender.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said part is suitably shaped having regard to said tender.

11. Apparatus according to claims 9 or 10 wherein said part is adapted to be tilted so as to accommodate said tender.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platform is provided at an outermost end thereof, with relatively friction-free means to facilitate loading/unloading of the tender.

13. Apparatus according to claims 6 to 12 wherein said platform is adapted to receive a panel between said runners so as to provide a walkway.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platform is collapsible.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said platform comprises a plurality of parts which are pivotally linked theretogether.

16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platform comprises an extendable and retractable portion so as to vary the length of said platform.

17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platform is provided, at a selected part thereof, with at least one wing member so as to extend, in the region of said wing member, the width of said platform.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said wing member is extendable and retractable.

19. Apparatus according to claims 9 to 11 wherein said platform is adapted at least one selected part thereof to receive adaptation means whereby the shape of said platform can be altered so as to accommodate different shaped tenders.

20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said mounting is rotatable.