AU2015100782A4 - Switchable Magnet for Pilot Ladders - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Magnetic devices to secure pilot ladders to ship hulls for safety are known art. The most common of these devices uses permanent magnets wherein the very strong neodymium magnets are always activated. Such devices are removed from the ship hull or other steel surface by means of a lever and roller mechanism. Because the magnets cannot be turned off there are some inherent difficulties in the use of these pilot ladder magnets. The present invention makes the inventive step of using switchable permanent magnet device or devices which can be turned on and off and also feature a safety lanyard to prevent loss of the device into the sea.

Description

EDITORIAL NOTE Application No. 2015100782 There is 1 page of description Brief Description of the Drawing FIG.1 is a representation of the device wherein items A are switchable permanent magnetic clamps preferably but not limited to Magswitch Magsquare 1000 or 600 models fastened to spacer members Items B of typically but not limited to delrin or marine grade aluminium. The spacer member or members have an inverted V or U shaped cut-out section Item C and are secured to the parallel sides of the switchable magnets with preferably stainless steel or nylon bolts Items D passing though oversize holes in the spacer members and through rubber pads Items E between the spacer and the magnet and which permit a small amount of movement between the spacer members and the magnet blocks. Clearance holes for Item D bolts are on centres and of sizes to accommodate various sizes of switchable magnetic clamps. Item F comprises a lanyard of preferably but not limited to rubber secured to the device and having a carabiner type clip Item G at it remote end.

Claims (5)

1. A clamping mechanism comprising at least two switchable permanent magnets spaced apart by preferably two spacer members of rigid or semi-rigid material such as but not limited to polymer resin or nylon or aluminium with such spacer members being attached with preferably stainless steel bolts through relatively large clearance holes in said spacers into threaded holes in the parallel sides of the permanent switchable magnet devices.

2. A clamping mechanism as described in Claim 1 in which the spacer member or members include an inverted V or U cut-out section such that the cut out section can be positioned over typically a vertical rope of a ship's pilot ladder so as to retain said rope or ropes when the switchable permanent magnets are activated to clamp on a ship hull.

3. A clamping mechanism as described in Claims 1 and 2 having a rubber pad or washer between the said spacer members and the parallel sides of the switchable magnet devices which together with said clearance holes allow the magnet devices some movement with respect to the spacer members and each other to accommodate irregularities on the surface to which the device is clamped.

4. A clamping mechanism as described in all the above Claims wherein the said spacer members have a series of said clearance holes so as to allow fixture of various sizes of said switchable permanent magnet devices and having their upper edge recessed to allow ease of hand access to the switchable magnet on/off lever.

5. A clamping mechanism as described in all the above Claims having a preferably rubber safety lanyard attached preferably to one end of one of the permanent magnet devices such lanyard having a clip of preferably carabiner style at its remote end for attachment to the rope of the pilot ladder to prevent loss of the device in the sea.