AU2017200654A1 - An Assembly for Securing and Transporting Cargo - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An assembly (10) for securing and transporting cargo (12) on a surface of a vessel (74), the assembly comprising a grillage (14) and one or more connection means (18), the grillage (14) being releasably coupled to the cargo (12), and the one or more connection means (18) being configured to releasably connect the grillage (14) to the surface of the vessel (74). (0 Figure 1

Description

“An Assembly for Securing and Transporting Cargo”

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for securing and transporting cargo. More particularly, the assembly of the present invention is intended for use in the transportation of that cargo on a surface of a vessel or a vessel deck. One particular application of the present invention provides an assembly for the secure transport of cargo to and from offshore locations.

Background Art [0002] Offshore operators regularly transport large and heavy cargo to and from offshore locations for maintenance and construction purposes. The cargo is typically secured to a surface of a vessel, such as a vessel deck or on a grillage. In instances were a grillage is used, the grillage is typically welded to the vessel deck and then the cargo is secured using straps, harnesses, welded connections or a combination thereof.

[0003] This arrangement presents challenges in terms of how quickly the cargo can be secured and removed from the vessel deck. There also exists potential occupational health and safety hazards when an operator has to use straps, harnesses and/or welding in order to secure the cargo to the vessel deck or the grillage. Furthermore, the grillage, when welded to the vessel deck, can only be used in a single application and/or for applications where the same type of cargo is being secured for transportation. This is wasteful in terms of materials, costs and labour.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for securing and transporting cargo on the surface of a vessel that overcomes substantially the abovementioned problems of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative thereto.

[0005] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. This discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0006] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure of the Invention [0007] In accordance with the present invention there is provided an assembly for securing and transporting cargo on a surface of a vessel, the assembly comprising a grillage and one or more connection means, the grillage being releasably coupled to the cargo, and the one or more connection means being configured to releasably connect the grillage to the surface of the vessel.

[0008] Preferably, the grillage is in the form of a frame comprising opposing side walls, a forward and rear wall, and an upper and lower surface, wherein the upper surface may be releasably coupled to the cargo and the lower surface may be configured to substantially rest on the surface of the vessel.

[0009] Still preferably, the grillage comprises a central channel that extends a length between the opposing side walls, such that a portion of the central channel receives a portion of the one or more connection means therein.

[0010] In one form of the invention, the grillage comprises a stop member, a portion of which is housed within the frame and a portion of which is moveable outwardly and horizontally from the or each of the opposing side walls. Preferably, the stop member comprises a pair of extendable portions comprising a roll stop.

[0011] Preferably, each of the extendable portions comprises a tube having a plurality of openings on an exterior surface. Still preferably, the pair of extendable portions is capable of moving the roll stop between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0012] The stop member may further comprise a locking arrangement. The locking arrangement may comprise a sling member, a locking pin or a combination of both.

[0013] Preferably, the sling member is releasably connected to and in between the roll stop and the grillage. In such an arrangement, the roll stop may be locked in the retracted position.

[0014] Preferably, the locking pin is capable of being received within one of the openings of the tube, such that the tube can not move when the locking pin is in said opening. In such an arrangement, the roll stop may be locked in the extended or retracted position.

[0015] The stop member may further comprise a first and second locking fastener each of which is disposed between the roll stop and the extendable portion. The first and second locking fasteners provide a further means of locking the roll stop in the extended position.

[0016] The or each roll stop may rest on a pair of spaced apart castors. The spaced apart castors further aiding in moving the roll stop between the extended and retracted positions.

[0017] Preferably, the grillage comprises a pair of spaced apart outriggers that may be attached to each of the forward and rear walls. Preferably, the pair of spaced apart outriggers on the forward wall is in alignment with the pair of outriggers on the rear wall.

[0018] Advantageously, the pair of spaced apart outriggers attached to each of the forward and rear walls act to stabilise the assembly of the present invention on the surface of the vessel.

[0019] In a one form of the invention, the assembly further comprises a skid means for releasably coupling the cargo to the grillage.

[0020] Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an assembly for transporting and securing cargo on a surface of a vessel, the assembly comprising a grillage, a skid means for releasably coupling the cargo to the grillage and one or more connection means, the one or more connection means configured to releasably connect the grillage to the surface of the vessel.

[0021] Preferably, the skid means comprising a top face and a bottom face, wherein the top face releasably engages with the cargo and the bottom face being configured to releasably connect to the grillage.

[0022] The bottom face preferably comprises one or more skid apertures, each of which is adapted to receive a fastening element, wherein the fastening element is disposed on the upper surface of the grillage. The top face of the skid means may comprise one or more connectors, adapted to be releasably engage with the cargo. Preferably, the one of one or more connectors is operable between an open and closed position for releasably engaging the cargo.

[0023] Advantageously, when in use, the skid means acts as an interface between the grillage and the cargo.

[0024] In one embodiment, the skid means further comprises one or more bumper members, each of which is connectable along an outer edge of the top face. In another embodiment, the one or more bumper members are attached along the outside edge of the top face of the skid means.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises two connection means in a spaced apart arrangement.

[0026] Each of the connection means preferably comprises a connecting pin and a recess adapted to releasably receive a portion of the connecting pin therein.

[0027] Preferably, the recess extends a distance into the surface of the vessel.

[0028] The connecting pin preferably comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end releasably engages with the central channel and the second end is releasably received in the recess, thereby providing a means of releasably fastening the grillage to the surface of the vessel.

[0029] Advantageously, the assembly of the present invention provides a means of transporting cargo on a surface of the vessel, wherein the cargo and grillage are readily removable, thereby minimising the use straps, harnesses, welded connections or a combination thereof between the grillage and the vessel deck and/or the grillage and the cargo.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0030] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to one embodiment thereof and the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric and expanded view of an assembly for transporting and securing cargo on a surface of a vessel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the assembly of Figures 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a grillage of the assembly in Figures 1 or 2;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the grillage of Figure 3 showing a roll stop in a retracted and extended position;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a portion of a stop member of the grillage in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a side view of the stop member in Figure 6;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a skid means of the assembly in Figures 1 or 2;

Figure 8 is a side view of a connection means of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a side view of the grillage in Figure 1 or 2 attached to rigging for installation onto the surface of the vessel;

Figure 10 is a side view of a portion of the stop member of Figure 5 showing a first and second locking fastener;

Figure 11 is a side view of the installation of the skid means in Figure 7 installed onto the grillage of Figure 3; and

Figure 12 is a side view of the installation of the cargo in Figure 1 onto the skid means of Figure 11.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention [0031] In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown an assembly 10 for transporting and securing cargo 12 on a surface of a vessel (not shown), the assembly 10 comprising a grillage 14, a skid means 16 for releasably coupling the cargo 12 to the grillage 14 and one or more connection means 18, the one or more connection means 18 being configured to releasably connect the grillage 14 to the surface of the vessel.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 show the grillage in the form of a frame 14 comprising opposing side walls (20a, 20b), a forward and rear wall (22, 24), and an upper and lower surface (26, 28), wherein the upper surface 26 releasably couples to the skid means 16 and the lower surface 28 rests on the surface of the vessel. The grillage 14 further comprises a central channel 30 that extends a length between the opposing side walls (20a, 20b). A portion of the central channel 30 is adapted to receive a portion of the one or more connection means 18 therein.

[0033] The grillage 14 further comprises a stop member 32, wherein a portion the stop member 32 is housed within the grillage 14 and a portion of which is moveable outwardly and horizontally from the or each of the opposing side walls (20a, 20b), as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The stop member 32 comprises a pair of extendable portions (34a, 34b) and a roll stop 36, which are shown in in Figure 4. The extendable portions (34a, 34b) each comprise a tube 38 having a plurality of openings 40 on an exterior surface 42 thereof, as shown in Figure 5. In such an arrangement, the pair of extendable portions (34a, 34b) is capable of moving the roll stop 36 between a retracted position 44 and an extended position 46, which is also shown in Figure 4.

[0034] Figure 6 shows the stop member 32 comprising a locking arrangement 48. The locking arrangement 48 comprises a sling member 50, as shown in Figure 6, and a locking pin 52, which is shown in detail in Figure 5. The sling member 50 is releasably connected to and between the roll stop 36 and the grillage 14, such that when in use the sling member 50 locks the roll stop 36 in the retracted position 44. The locking pin 52 is receivable within one of the openings 40 of the or each tube 38, such that the tube 38 can not move when the locking pin 52 is in said opening 40. In such an arrangement, the roll stop 36 may be locked in the either the retracted position 44 or extended position 46.

[0035] Figure 6 also shows that the or each roll stop 36 rests on one or more castors 54 The one or more castors 54 further aiding in the movement of the roll stop 36 between the retracted 44 and extended position 46.

[0036] The stop member 32 further comprises a first and second locking fastener (56a, 56b) each of which is disposed between the or each roll stop 36 and the or each extendable portions (34a, 34b), as shown in Figure 6. The first and second locking fasteners (56a, 56b) provide a fine adjustment means for locking the roll stop 36 in the extended position 48.

[0037] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the grillage 14 further comprises a pair of spaced apart outriggers (58a, 58b) attached to each of the forward and rear walls (22, 24), wherein the pair of spaced apart outriggers (58a, 58b) on the forward wall 22 is in alignment with the pair of outriggers (58a, 58b) on the rear wall 24. The pair of spaced apart outriggers (58a, 58b) act to stabilise the assembly 10 of the present invention on the surface of the vessel and, in particular stabilises the assembly from pitching motion [0038] As shown in Figure 7, the skid means 16 comprises a top face and bottom face (60, 62), wherein the top face 60 releasably engages with the cargo 12 and the bottom face 62 being configured to releasably connect to the grillage 14. The bottom face 62 comprises one or more skid apertures (not shown), each of which is adapted to receive a fastening element 66 disposed on the upper surface 26 of the grillage 14. The top face 60 of the skid means 16 comprises one or more connectors 68, adapted to releasably engage with the cargo 12. The one of one or more connectors 68 being operable between an open and closed position for releasably engaging the cargo 12.

[0039] Additionally, Figure 7 shows that the skid means 16 comprises one or more bumper members 70, each of which is connectable to an outer edge 72 of the top face 60 of the skid means 16.

[0040] Turning to Figure 8, there is shown one or more connection means 18 on the surface of the vessel 74 (which are now shown in Figure 8). The or each of the connection means 18 comprises a connecting pin 76 and a recess 78 adapted to releasably receive a portion of the connecting pin 76 therein. As shown in Figure 8, the recess 78 extends a distance into the surface of the vessel 74. The connecting pin 76 comprises a first end 80 and a second end 82, such that the first end 80 releasably engages with the central channel 30 of the grillage 14, and the second end 82 is releasably received in the recess 78, thereby providing a means of releasably fastening the grillage 14 to the surface of the vessel 74.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises two connection means 18 in a spaced apart arrangement on the surface of the vessel 74, as shown in Figure 9.

[0042] In use, the assembly 10 of the present invention is assembled by first locating the or each recesses 78 on the surface of the vessel 74. Using a mechanical lifting aid, such as rigging equipment 84, the or each connecting pin 76 is then lowered onto the or each recess 78 and then rotated by about 90 degrees, such that the first end 80 of the connecting pin 76 extends some distance above the surface of the vessel 74 and the second end 82 of the connecting pin 76 is securely received in the or each recess 78. In such an arrangement, the connecting pin 76 is securely fastened in the or each recess 78 in a substantially fixed position.

[0043] Following the installation of the connecting means 18 on the surface of the vessel 74, the grillage 14 is then installed. Flowever, prior to installing the grillage 14, the outriggers (58a, 58b) are first connected to the grillage 14 and the or each roll stop 36 is locked in the fully retracted position 44 as shown in Figure 4. Using the mechanical lifting aid, the grillage 14 is lowered towards the or each connection means 18, such that the first end 80 of each connecting pin 76 is received within the central channel 30 of the grillage 14. In such an arrangement, the grillage 14 is releasably fastened to the surface of the vessel 74.

[0044] The or each locking pin 52 of the or each stop member 32 is then removed from the opening 40 of the tube 38 and set aside. The or each sling member 50 is disconnected from the or each roll stop 36, but may be left connected to the grillage 14. The or each of the roll stop 36 is then moved towards a vessel side wall (not shown) and into the fully extended position 46 (as shown in Figure 10), using mechanical, manual or any other means known in the art. The or each roll stop 36 is considered to be in the extended position 46 when there exists about a 190 mm gap between the vessel side wall. The or each roll stop 36 is then locked in the extended position 46 by passing the locking pin 52 through the opening 40.

[0045] Referring to Figure 10, the first locking fastener 56a, is rotated clockwise, thereby moving the roll stop 36 further towards the vessel side wall 86. Once the roll stop 36 is firmly and evenly in contact with the vessel side wall 86, the first locking fastener 56a rotated clockwise in a screwing action and is then struck, at least three times, with a hammer or the like (as shown in Figure 10(a)) thereby forcing the roll stop 36 against the vessel side wall. The second locking fastener 56b is then rotated clockwise, again in a screwing action, towards the first locking fastener 56b (as shown in Figure 10(b) and struck, at least three times, with the hammer or the like, thereby ensuring that roll stop 36 is locked in the extended position 46 or secured against the vessel side wall.

[0046] The skid means 16 is then installed onto the grillage 14. Using the mechanical lifting aid, the skid means 16 is lowered onto the grillage 14 such that the plurality of skid apertures align (not shown) with the plurality of fastening pins 88 disposed on the upper surface 26 of the grillage 14, as shown in Figure 11. In this arrangement the skid means 16 is connected to the grillage 14. Alternatively, the skid means 16 may be pre-installed onto the grillage 14 and, more specifically, prior to the grillage 14 being installed on the surface of the vessel.

[0047] Following installation of the skid means 16 to the grillage, the cargo 12 is then installed onto the skid means 16. The one or more connectors 68 on the top face 60 of the skid means 16 are first provided in an open position for receiving the cargo 12. Using the mechanical lifting aid, the cargo is then lowered to the skid means 16. The one or more connectors 68 are then moved into the closed position, thereby securing the cargo 12 to the skid means 16.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the assembly 10 of the present invention is adapted to transport one or more items of cargo 12 on the surface of the vessel 14. In a preferred embodiment the assembly of the present invention is adapted to transport one or two items of cargo 12 on the surface of the vessel 14.

[0049] It will be appreciated that the grillage 14 may be substantially rectangular, substantially square or any other shape adapted to fit the surface of the vessel.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the skid means 16 may be adapted to house different types of cargo 12 of various sizes and shapes.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications.

Claims (1)

1. Claims An assembly for securing and transporting cargo on a surface of a vessel, the assembly comprising a grillage and one or more connection means, the grillage being releasably coupled to the cargo, and the one or more connection means being configured to releasably connect the grillage to the surface of the vessel. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the grillage is in the form of a frame comprising opposing side walls, a forward and rear wall, and an upper and lower surface, wherein the upper surface is releasably coupled to the cargo and the lower surface is configured to substantially rest on the surface of the vessel. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grillage comprises a central channel that extends a length between the opposing side walls, such that a portion of the central channel receives a portion of the one or more connection means therein. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grillage comprises a stop member, a portion of which is housed within the frame and a portion of which is moveable outwardly and horizontally from the or each of the opposing side walls. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein the stop member comprises a pair of extendable portions comprising a roll stop. The assembly according to claims 5, wherein the pair of extendable portions is capable of moving the roll stop between an extended position and a retracted position. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the or each extendable portion comprises a tube having a plurality of openings on an exterior surface. The assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the stop member may further comprise a locking arrangement. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a sling member, a locking pin or a combination of both. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the sling member is releasably connected to and in between the roll stop and the grillage, whereby the roll stop can be locked in the retracted position. The assembly according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the locking pin is capable of being received within one of the openings of the tube, such that the tube can not move when the locking pin is in said opening, and whereby the roll stop can be locked in the extended or retracted position. The assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the stop member further comprises a first and second locking fastener each of which is disposed between the roll stop and the extendable portion. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first and second locking fasteners provide a further means of locking the roll stop in the extended position. The assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the or each roll stop rests on a pair of spaced apart castors, wherein the spaced apart castors further aid in moving the or each roll stop between the extended and retracted positions. The assembly according to any one of claims any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grillage comprises a pair of spaced apart outriggers attached to each of the forward and rear walls. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the pair of spaced apart outriggers on the forward wall is in alignment with the pair of outriggers on the rear wall. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the assembly further comprising a skid means for releasably coupling the cargo to the grillage. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein the skid means comprising a top face and a bottom face, wherein the top face releasably engages with the cargo and the bottom face being configured to releasably connect to the grillage. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein the bottom face comprises one or more skid apertures, each of which is adapted to receive a fastening element, wherein the fastening element is disposed on the upper surface of the grillage. The assembly according to claims 18 or 19, wherein the top face of the skid means comprises one or more connectors, adapted to be releasably engage with the cargo, wherein the one of one or more connectors is operable between an open and closed position for releasably engaging the cargo. The assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the skid means further comprises one or more bumper members, each of which is connectable along an outer edge of the top face. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises two connection means in a spaced apart arrangement. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection means preferably comprises a connecting pin and a recess adapted to releasably receive a portion of the connecting pin therein. The assembly according to claim 23, wherein the recess extends a distance into the surface of the vessel. The assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the connecting pin comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end releasably engages with the central channel and the second end is releasably received in the recess, thereby providing a means of releasably fastening the grillage to the surface of the vessel.