CA3085283A1 - Waterway protection apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A waterway protection apparatus and method for covering a gap between first and second structures located adjacent a waterway during a transfer of items between the structures, the apparatus comprising: a base for disposing on the first structure; a spool member rotatably mounted to the base, the spool member being rotatable about a longitudinal spool axis; a flexible panel having a proximal panel end secured to the spool member and a distal panel end connectable to the second structure, the flexible panel being movable between a storage position in which the flexible panel is spooled, and a deployed position in which the distal panel end is connected to the second structure such that it extends over the gap between the first and second structures; a resilient member connecting the spool member to the base to urge rotation of the spool member so as to create tension on the flexible panel.

Description

WATERWAY PROTECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
The technical field generally relates to waterway protection apparatuses and methods, and more specifically to waterway protection apparatuses and methods for covering a gap between two structures located in or adjacent a waterway during a transfer of items between the two structures.
BACKGROUND
Nautical ships such as container ships or bulk containers are widely used for the transport of goods. The ship is adapted to navigate on a waterway and once the ship has arrived at a desired location, the transported goods are transferred between the ship and another structure, typically a wharf in a port to thereby load or unload the ship. In addition to goods being transferred, it may also be necessary to transfer equipment and/or supplies for use on board the ship between the wharf and the ship.
To transfer goods between the ship and the wharf, the ship is generally positioned along the wharf. The transfer of goods to and from the ships is then usually performed using a goods transfer device such as a container crane which lifts the material and carries the suspended goods between the ship and the wharf over the gap between the ship and the wharf.
When the ship is positioned along the wharf, the ship does not fully abut the wharf, but is instead slightly spaced laterally from the wharf such that a gap is created between the ship and the wharf.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

2 SUMMARY
According to one aspect, there is provided a waterway protection apparatus for covering a gap between first and second structures located adjacent a waterway during a transfer of items between the first and second structures, each one of the first and second structure including a water-adjacent edge facing towards the other one of the first and second structures, the apparatus comprising: a base for disposing on the first structure proximal the water-adjacent edge thereof; a spool member rotatably mounted to the base, the spool member being elongated and having a longitudinal spool axis, the spool member being rotatable about the longitudinal spool axis; a flexible panel having a proximal panel end secured to the spool member and a distal panel end connectable to the second structure proximal the water-adjacent edge thereof, the flexible panel being movable between a storage position in which the flexible panel is spooled on the spool member such that the distal panel end is located adjacent the spool member, and a deployed position in which the distal panel end is located away from the spool member and is connected to the second structure such that the flexible panel extends over the gap between the first and second structures; and a resilient member connecting the spool member to the base to urge rotation of the spool member in a first rotation direction so as to create tension on the flexible panel when the flexible panel is in the deployed position.
In at least one embodiment, the first structure includes a wharf and the second structure includes a ship.
In at least one embodiment, the spool member includes a first spool end, a second spool end, an outer spool wall extending between the first and second spool ends and a central spool cavity located within the outer spool wall, the proximal panel end being secured to the outer spool wall.
In at least one embodiment, the elongated body is substantially cylindrical.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

3 In at least one embodiment, the base is elongated and has opposite first and second base ends.
In at least one embodiment, the base includes a base beam extending between the first and second base ends and a plurality of foot members extending transversely to the main base beam.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of foot members includes four foot members.
In at least one embodiment, the base includes first and second base ends, and further wherein the plurality of foot members include a first end foot located at the first base end, a second end foot located at the second base end and a pair of intermediate feet located centrally between the first and second end feet.
In at least one embodiment, the base further includes a first and second pillow block bearings extending upwardly from the base beam and away from the foot members, the first pillow block bearing being located at the first base end to rotatably receive the first spool end and the second pillow block bearing being located at the second base end to rotatably receive the second spool end.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a spool axle extending along the longitudinal spool axis and into the central spool cavity through the second spool end, the spool axle having an outer axle end located outside the spool member and an inner axle end located inside the central spool cavity, the spool axle being distinct from the outer spool wall to allow the outer spool wall to rotate about the spool axle.
In at least one embodiment, the resilient member includes at least one torsion spring housed within the spool member.
In at least one embodiment, the least one torsion spring includes a pair of torsion springs.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

4 In at least one embodiment, the torsion springs are spaced from each other to receive therebetween an outer wall connector secured to the outer spool wall, each torsion spring including an inner end located towards the outer wall connector and secured to the outer wall connector, and an outer end located away from the outer wall connector.
In at least one embodiment, the outer ends of the torsion springs are secured to the spool axle.
In at least one embodiment, the torsion springs are wound in opposite directions so as to both create torque in a same rotational direction when the outer wall connector is rotated relative to the spool axle.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a ratchet mechanism connecting the spool member to the base, the ratchet mechanism being movable between an engaged position in which rotation of the spool member is allowed in a first rotation direction and is prevented in a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction, and a disengaged position in which free rotation of the spool member relative to the base is allowed in both the first and second rotation directions.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel is substantially rectangular.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel includes a linear panel edge located at the proximal panel end, the proximal panel end being secured to the spool member such that the linear panel edge extends parallel to the longitudinal spool axis.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel further includes an attachment member located at the distal panel end, the attachment member being connectable to the second structure.
In at least one embodiment, the attachment member includes a rod and the flexible panel includes a rod pocket located at the distal panel end for receiving the rod, Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

5 the rod pocket being configured such that the rod extends parallel to the spool member when received in the rod pocket.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel is impermeable.
In at least one embodiment, the spool member is operatively connectable to an actuator for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an actuator connectable to the spool member for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transmission member for coupling the actuator to the spool member to increase an amount of torque provided by the actuator.
In at least one embodiment, the actuator includes a power tool.
According to another aspect, there is provided a waterway protection system comprising: a plurality of waterway protection apparatuses as defined hereinabove, the waterway protection apparatuses being disposed side-by-side and spaced apart along the water-adjacent edge of the first structure; an actuator selectively connectable to the spool member of each one of the waterway protection apparatuses for powered rotation of the spool member.
According to yet another aspect, there is provided a method for transferring items between first and second structures spaced apart from each other across a waterway, the method comprising: positioning a waterway protection apparatus substantially along a water-adjacent edge of the first structure, the waterway protection apparatus including a base, a spool member rotatably connected to the base and a flexible panel having a proximal panel end secured to the spool member and a distal panel end opposite the proximal panel end, the flexible panel being spooled around the spool member; deploying the flexible panel by moving the distal panel end towards the second structure for rotating the spool member in an unspooling rotation direction to unspool the flexible panel from the spool Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

6 member; attaching the distal panel end to the second structure; rotating the spool member in a spooling rotation direction opposite the unspooling rotation direction to create tension in the flexible panel; lifting and moving items laterally above the deployed flexible panel from one of the first and second structures to the other one of the first and second structures.
In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises providing a resilient member connecting the spool member to the base to urge rotation of the spool member in the spooling rotation direction so as to maintain tension in the flexible panel.
In at least one embodiment, rotating the spool member in the spooling rotation direction includes operatively connecting an actuator to the spool member and activating the actuator.
In at least one embodiment, the resilient member includes at least one torsion spring.
In at least one embodiment, the spool member includes an outer spool wall secured to the flexible panel and a spool axle extending coaxially to the outer spool wall, each torsion spring including a first end secured to the outer spool wall and a second end secured to the spool axle.
In at least one embodiment, rotating the spool member in the spooling rotation direction further includes: rotating the spool member in the spooling rotation direction until the outer spool wall is prevented from being further rotated in the spooling rotation direction due to the tension in the flexible panel; and rotating the spool axle relative to the outer spool wall in the spooling rotation direction such that the first and second ends of the at least one torsion spring are rotated relative to each other from an unloaded position to a loaded position.
In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises, after lifting and moving items: detaching the distal panel end from the second structure; and rotating the Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

7 spool member in the spooling direction for spooling the flexible panel around the spool member.
In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises, before detaching the distal panel end from the second structure, rotating the spool axle relative to the outer spool wall in the unspooling rotation direction such that the first and second ends of the at least one torsion spring are rotated relative to each other from the loaded position back to the unloaded position.
According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a waterway protection apparatus for covering a gap between first and second structures located adjacent a waterway during a transfer of items between the first and second structures, each one of the first and second structure including a water-adjacent edge facing towards the other one of the first and second structures, the apparatus comprising:
an elongated base having a first base end and a second base end located opposite the first base end; a flexible panel having a distal panel end connectable to the second structure proximal the water-adjacent edge thereof and a proximal panel end; a spool member having a first spool end rotatably connected to the first base end, a second spool end rotatably connected to the second base end and an outer spool wall extending between the first and second spool ends, the outer spool wall being secured to the proximal panel end, the spool member being selectively rotatable about a longitudinal spool axis in a spooling rotating direction for spooling the flexible panel on the spool member and in an unspooling rotation direction opposite the spooling rotation direction for unspooling the flexible panel from the spool member; and a resilient member connecting the spool member to the base to urge rotation of the spool member in the spooling rotation direction so as to create tension on the flexible panel when the flexible panel is unspooled from the spool member and the distal panel end is connected to the second structure.
In at least one embodiment, the first structure includes a wharf and the second structure includes a ship.
In at least one embodiment, the elongated body is substantially cylindrical.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

8 In at least one embodiment, the base is elongated and has opposite first and second base ends.
In at least one embodiment, the base includes a base beam extending between the first and second base ends and a plurality of foot members extending transversely to the main base beam.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of foot members includes four foot members.
In at least one embodiment, the base includes first and second base ends, and further wherein the plurality of foot members include a first end foot located at the first base end, a second end foot located at the second base end and a pair of intermediate feet located centrally between the first and second end feet.
In at least one embodiment, the base further includes a first and second pillow block bearings extending upwardly from the base beam and away from the foot members, the first pillow block bearing being located at the first base end to rotatably receive the first spool end and the second pillow block bearing being located at the second base end to rotatably receive the second spool end.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a spool axle extending along the longitudinal spool axis and into a central spool cavity defined within the outer spool wall through the second spool end, the spool axle having an outer axle end located outside the spool member and an inner axle end located inside the central spool cavity, the spool axle being distinct from the outer spool wall to allow the outer spool wall to rotate about the spool axle.
In at least one embodiment, the resilient member includes at least one torsion spring housed within the spool member.
In at least one embodiment, the least one torsion spring includes a pair of torsion springs.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

9 In at least one embodiment, the torsion springs are spaced from each other to receive therebetween an outer wall connector secured to the outer spool wall, each torsion spring including an inner end located towards the outer wall connector and secured to the outer wall connector, and an outer end located away from the outer wall connector.
In at least one embodiment, the outer ends of the torsion springs are secured to the spool axle.
In at least one embodiment, the torsion springs are wound in opposite directions so as to both create torque in a same rotational direction when the outer wall connector is rotated relative to the spool axle.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a ratchet mechanism connecting the spool member to the base, the ratchet mechanism being movable between an engaged position in which rotation of the spool member is allowed in a first rotation direction and is prevented in a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction, and a disengaged position in which free rotation of the spool member relative to the base is allowed in both the first and second rotation directions.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel is substantially rectangular.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel includes a linear panel edge located at the proximal panel end, the proximal panel end being secured to the spool member such that the linear panel edge extends parallel to the longitudinal spool axis.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel further includes an attachment member located at the distal panel end, the attachment member being connectable to the second structure.
In at least one embodiment, the attachment member includes a rod and the flexible panel includes a rod pocket located at the distal panel end for receiving the rod, Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

10 the rod pocket being configured such that the rod extends parallel to the spool member when received in the rod pocket.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible panel is impermeable.
In at least one embodiment, the spool member is operatively connectable to an actuator for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an actuator connectable to the spool member for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a transmission member for coupling the actuator to the spool member to increase an amount of torque provided by the actuator.
In at least one embodiment, the actuator includes a power tool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a partial perspective view of a ship disposed near a wharf and a waterway protection apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment, with the waterway protection apparatus extending between the wharf and the ship;
FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG.
1A, with the waterway protection apparatus still extending between the wharf and the ship;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2B is an enlarged portion of the perspective view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2A, taken from area 2B;
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

11 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG.
1A, with the flexible panel removed to show details of the base and the spool member;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG.
3, still with the flexible panel removed;
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3, still with the flexible panel removed;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged portion of the cross-section view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5, taken from area 6;
FIG. 7 is a further enlarged portion of the cross-section view of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6, taken from area 7;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a distal end attachment member for the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 9 is an end elevation view of the distal end attachment member illustrated in FIG. 8; and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the waterway protection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1A, with the distal end attachment member attached to the ship.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

12 these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
For the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and are given for exemplification purposes only.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a first structure 50, a second structure 60 and a waterway protection apparatus 100, in accordance with one embodiment, which is shown in a deployed position between first and second structures 50, 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second structures 50, 60 are positioned adjacent each other to allow goods to be transferred between the structures 50, 60.
Still in the illustrated embodiment, the first structure 50 is a wharf 52 and the second structure 60 is a ship 62. For example, the ship 62 could include a cargo ship such as a container ship transporting goods or material in shipping containers or a bulk carrier transporting goods or material in bulk, or any other type of ship adapted to float on a body of water. Alternatively, the first structure 50 could be a ship and the second structure 60 could be a wharf. In yet another embodiment, the first structure 50 could be a first ship and the second structure 60 could be a second ship located adjacent the first ship. In other words, the waterway protection apparatus 100 could be used between two ships away from any wharfs or, more generally, away from shore.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

13 In the illustrated embodiment, the wharf 52 is located adjacent a waterway and the ship 62 is located in the waterway. It will be understood that the ship 62 floats on water in the waterway and therefore could also be said to be adjacent the waterway. The term "waterway" is used hereinafter to refer to any body of water on which a ship may float and circulate. The waterway could therefore include a harbor, a river, a lake, a sea, an ocean, a canal, a reservoir or any other body of water which can receive a ship. In an embodiment in which the two structures 50, 60 are two ships, the two ships would be located in the waterway and would float on water in the waterway.
It will be understood that even though the ship 62 is said to be adjacent the wharf 52 in the following description of the illustrated embodiment, the ship 62 is still slightly spaced from the wharf 52. More specifically, a side of the ship 62 facing the wharf 52 defines a water-adjacent edge 64 of the ship 62 and a side of the wharf 52 adjacent the water and facing the ship 62 defines a water-adjacent edge 54 of the wharf 52. The ship 62 and the wharf 52 are spaced from each other such that a gap G, shown in FIG. 1B, is defined between the water-adjacent edge 64 of the ship 62 and the water-adjacent edge 54 of the wharf 52.
When goods are transferred between the ship 62 and the wharf 52, the goods are usually lifted and moved laterally over the gap G, from the ship 62 towards the wharf 52 or from the wharf 52 towards the ship 62, using a goods transfer device such as a container crane or the like. The apparatus 100 is adapted to substantially cover the gap G between the ship 62 and the wharf 52 along a certain length of the wharf 52 corresponding to a width of the apparatus 100.
The term "goods" is used hereinafter to refer to any item transferred between the ship 62 and the wharf 52. The items may include cargo transported by the ship, equipment and/or supplies for use on board the ship or any other items which may be transferred between the ship 62 and the wharf 52.
In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a base 200 adapted to be placed on a top surface, or ground surface 56, of the wharf 52 and a spool Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

14 member 300 rotatably mounted to the base 200. The apparatus 100 further comprises a flexible panel 400 which has a proximal panel end 402 secured to the spool member 300 and a distal panel end 404 adapted to be connected to the ship 62 near the water-adjacent edge 64 of the ship 62.
In an operative or deployed position, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the base is positioned on the ground surface 56 proximal the water-adjacent edge 54 and the flexible panel 400 is unspooled from the spool member 300 and extends towards the ship 62. More specifically, the distal panel end 404 is connected to the ship 62 while the proximal panel end 402 remains secured to the spool member 300, such that the flexible panel 400 extends over the gap G between the ship and the wharf 52. The goods may then be transferred between the ship 62 and the wharf 52 by lifting the goods and moving the lifted goods laterally from the ship 62 to the wharf 52 or from the wharf 52 to the ship 62 above the flexible panel 400.
In one embodiment, the flexible panel 400 is a tarp or tarpaulin, and more specifically an impermeable tarpaulin. The impermeable tarpaulin may be made from a suitable material and/or using a fabrication technique which renders it impermeable. Specifically, the tarpaulin may be made of various materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other material that a skilled person would consider to be suitable. Alternatively, the tarpaulin may be coated or treated using one or more substances which would render the tarpaulin impermeable.
The term "impermeable" is used herein to refer to a tarpaulin which substantially prevents all fluids from passing through. It will be understood that could still be considered to be impermeable if a relatively small amount of fluid is still allowed to pass through. In another embodiment, the flexible panel 400 could instead be semi-permeable and allow certain fluids to pass through while preventing other fluids from passing through. For example, the flexible panel 400 could allow liquids with a relatively low viscosity to pass through while preventing liquids with a higher viscosity from passing through. In yet another embodiment, the flexible panel could instead be a permeable tarpaulin that could allow fluids to pass through while preventing solid particles from passing through.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

15 As best shown in FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 is further configured such that the flexible panel 400 is substantially maintained in tension when in the deployed position between the wharf 52 and the ship 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension provided in the flexible panel 400 is sufficient to maintain the flexible panel 400 in a substantially planar configuration, as opposed to a configuration in which the flexible panel 400 would be substantially sagging over the gap G between the ship 62 and the wharf 52. The expression "substantially planar" is used herein to refer to the flexible panel 400 extending substantially along a plane. It will be understood that the flexible panel 400 would still be considered to be substantially planar even if one or more portions of the flexible panel 400 extending over the gap G between the ship 62 and the wharf 52 were slightly curved instead of being fully planar.
As further shown in FIG. 1A, the ship 62 includes a rail 66 which is located generally on a periphery of the ship 62. The rail 66 includes a top edge 68 which extends substantially horizontally and which is located generally higher than the wharf 52. In other words, the ground surface 56 of the wharf 52 is generally planar and extends in a first horizontal plane, and the top edge 68 of the rail 66 extends in a second horizontal plane which is substantially higher than the first horizontal plane. The base 200 is further configured such that the spool member 300 is also lower than the top edge 68 of the rail 66. According to this configuration, when the flexible panel 400 is in the deployed position, the distal panel end 404 of the flexible panel 400 is therefore higher than the proximal panel end 402 such that the flexible panel 400 is angled upwardly from the wharf 52 to the ship 62.
Alternatively, the top edge 68 of the rail 66 may not be higher than the ground surface 56 of the wharf 52. Instead, the top edge 68 of the rail 66 could be substantially horizontally aligned with the ground surface 56 of the wharf 52, or even be positioned lower than the ground surface of the wharf 52. In yet another embodiment, the ship 52 may not include a rail and the distal panel end 404 of the flexible panel 400 may be connected to another portion of the ship 62 near the water-adjacent edge 64.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

16 Now referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the base 200 is elongated and has a first base end 202 and a second base end 204 located opposite the first base end 202. The spool member 300 is elongated as well and includes a first spool end 302 rotatably connected to the first base end 202 and a second spool end 304 rotatably connected to the second base end 204. The spool member 300 is configured to rotate about a longitudinal spool axis L of the spool member 300 which extends substantially through a center of the spool member 300. When the apparatus 100 is in use, the base 200 is positioned on the wharf 52 proximal the water-adjacent edge 54 and is oriented such that the longitudinal spool axis L is substantially parallel to the water-adjacent edge 54.
In the illustrated embodiment, the base 200 includes a main base beam 206 and a plurality of foot members 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d which extend transversely to the main base beam 206. The foot members 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d are spaced from each other and are disposed along the main base beam 206 between the first and second base ends 202, 204. Specifically, the base 200 includes a first end foot 208a located at the first base end 202, a second end foot 208b located at the second base end 204 and a pair of intermediate feet 208c, 208d located generally centrally between the first and second end feet 208a, 208b. Alternatively, the base 200 could include more or less than four foot members, and the foot members could be located at any other locations along the main base beam 206.
In one embodiment, the foot members 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d are secured to the main base beam 206 by welding, but alternatively, could be fastened to the main base beam 206 using fasteners such as rivets, bolt and the like.
It will be understood that the configuration of the foot members 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d described above is merely provided as an example, and that the foot members could have one of various other configurations. In another embodiment, the base 200 may not even include any foot members and the main base beam 206 may instead be configured to sit directly on the ground surface 56 of the wharf 52.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

17 In one embodiment, the base 200 could be adapted to rest on the ground surface 56 of the wharf 52 without being secured to the wharf 52. For example, the base 200 could be heavy enough to be able to remain motionless relative to the ground surface 56 during use of the apparatus 100. Alternatively, the base 200 could be weighted down using one or more external weights. In another embodiment, the base 200 could instead be removably secured to the wharf 52 using one or more connectors which may be adapted to interact with corresponding connectors on the ground surface 56 of the wharf 52. For example, the connectors could include bolts or similar fasteners, and the corresponding connectors could include threaded openings adapted to receive the bolts. This configuration would allow the apparatus 100 to be moved at another location along the wharf 52 or to be stored away when not is use. In yet another embodiment, the base 200 could instead be permanently secured to the wharf 52.
In the illustrated embodiment, the base 200 further includes first and second pillow blocks or pillow block bearings 210, 212 which extend generally upwardly from the main base beam 206 and away from the foot members 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d.
The first pillow block bearing 210 is located at the first base end 202 to rotatably receive the first spool end 302 of the spool member 300 and the second pillow block bearing 212 is located at the second base end 204 to rotatably receive the second spool end 304. In this configuration, the main base beam 206 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal spool axis L of the spool member 300.
Therefore, when the apparatus 100 is in use, the base 200 is positioned on the water-adjacent edge 54 of the wharf 52 such that the main base beam 206 is substantially parallel to the wharf 52 to ensure that the longitudinal spool axis L is also substantially parallel to the water-adjacent edge 54 of the wharf 52.
In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible panel 400 is substantially rectangular and includes a proximal panel edge, not shown, connected to the spool member 300, a distal panel edge 406 which extends generally parallel to the proximal panel edge and a pair of parallel lateral panel edges 408, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which extend generally perpendicular to the proximal and distal panel edges.
The Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

18 proximal panel edge is located at the proximal panel end 402 and the distal panel edge 406 is located at the distal panel end 404. In one embodiment, the proximal panel edge is generally linear and extends along the longitudinal spool axis L.
Alternatively, the flexible panel 400 may have any other suitable shape.
Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the spool member 300 is hollow and includes an outer spool wall 306 extending between the first and second spool ends 302, 304, and a central spool cavity 308 located within the outer spool wall 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer spool wall 306 is substantially cylindrical and has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the outer spool wall 306 could have any other shape that a skilled person would deem appropriate.
The spool member 300 further includes a panel attachment portion 310 adapted to receive the proximal panel end 402 of the flexible panel 400 and secure the proximal panel end 402 to the outer spool wall 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel attachment portion 310 includes a pair of elongated flat bars 312 which are disposed substantially end-to-end and extend generally parallel to the longitudinal spool axis L. The flat bars 312 are secured to the outer spool wall 306 using one or more fasteners and are adapted to hold the proximal panel end 402 of the flexible panel 400 against the outer spool wall 306. Alternatively, the panel attachment portion 310 may include a single flat bar extending substantially between the first and second spool ends 302, 304 instead of two flat bars, or even more than two flat bars. In yet another embodiment, the panel attachment portion 310 may not include flat bars 312 and could instead include any other types of attachments that a skilled person would consider to be appropriate.
In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 further includes a spool axle which extends coaxially to the outer spool wall 306 and into the central spool cavity 308 through the second spool end 304. More specifically, the spool axle 500 has an outer axle end 502 located outside the spool member 300 and an inner axle end 504 located inside the central spool cavity 308. The spool axle 500 further extends along the longitudinal spool axis L and is distinct from the outer spool wall 306 to allow the outer spool wall 306 to rotate about the spool axle 500.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

19 The apparatus 100 further includes a resilient member 600 which connects the spool member 300 to the base 200. More specifically, the resilient member 600 connects the spool member 300 to the base 200 via the spool axle 500. The resilient member 600 is adapted to urge rotation of the spool member 300 in a first rotation direction corresponding to the flexible panel 400 being moved from the deployed position to the storage position. When the flexible panel 400 is in the deployed position, the resilient member 600 creates tension on the flexible panel 400 and thereby allows the flexible panel 400 to remain substantially planar during use of the apparatus 100, as described above.
In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient member 600 includes first and second torsion springs 602, 604 housed in the central spool cavity 308 of the spool member 300. In the illustrated embodiment, both torsion springs 602, 604 are generally located proximal to the second spool end 304. More specifically, the first torsion spring 602 is located towards the first spool end 302 and the second torsion spring 604 is located towards the second spool end 304.
Still in the illustrated embodiment, the torsion springs 602, 604 are spaced from each other to receive therebetween an outer wall connector 606 which is secured to the outer spool wall 306. Specifically, each torsion spring 602, 604 includes an inner end 608 located towards the outer wall connector 606 and secured to the outer wall connector 606, and an outer end 610 located away from the outer wall connector 606.
In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall connector 606 is secured to the outer spool wall 306 using fasteners extending through the outer spool wall 306.
Alternatively, the outer wall connector 606 could be secured to the outer spool wall 306 using any other suitable securing technique.
As best shown in FIG. 6, the spool axle 500 extends through the torsion springs 602, 604. More specifically, the inner axle end 504 is located longitudinally between the second torsion spring 604 and the first spool end 302 of the spool member 300. The outer ends 610 of the torsion springs 602, 604 are further Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

20 secured to the spool axle 500. In the illustrated embodiment, each torsion spring 602, 604 includes an outer end connector 612 which is secured to the outer end 610 and which is mounted around the spool axle 500 such that rotation of the outer end connector 612 relative to the spool axle 500 is prevented. For example, the outer end connector 612 could include fasteners such as set screws or the like which would engage the spool axle 500. Alternatively, the outer end connector could be secured to the spool axle 500 using a key engaging a keyway in the spool axle 500, or using any other securing technique that a skilled person would consider to be appropriate.
In the configuration described above, the outer end 610 of the torsion spring 602, 604 is therefore secured to the spool axle 500 while the inner end 608 is secured to the outer spool wall 306 via the outer wall connector 606. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the spool axle 500 extends through the outer wall connector 606 but is unconnected to the outer wall connector 606 such that the outer wall connector 606 and the outer spool wall 306 secured to the outer wall connector 606 are free to rotate relative to the spool axle 500. The torsion springs 602, 604 can therefore be rotated from an idle or unloaded position in which no rotational force is applied between the two ends 608, 610 of the torsion springs 602, 604 to a rotated or loaded position in which the two ends 608, 610 of the torsion springs 602, 604 are rotated relative to each other from the unloaded position. In the loaded position, energy stored in the torsion springs 602, 604 will urge the rotation of the torsion springs 602, 604 back towards the unloaded position. In this configuration, the spool axle 500 and the outer spool wall 306 can therefore be rotated relative to each other from an initial position in which the torsion springs 602, 604 are in the unloaded position and the torsion springs 602, 604 will urge the spool axle 500 and the outer spool wall 306 back to the initial position.
It will be appreciated that in an embodiment such as the illustrated embodiment in which the first structure 50 is a wharf 52 and the second structure 60 is a ship 62, the resilient member 600 may provide some play in the deployed flexible panel Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

21 account for the natural slight movements of the ship 62 floating on the waterway relative to the wharf 52.
It will be understood that in this embodiment, the torsion springs 602, 604 are wound in opposite directions so as to both create torque in the same rotational direction when the outer wall connector 606 rotates relative to the spool axle 500.
In another embodiment, instead of including two torsion springs 602, 604, the resilient member 600 could instead include a single torsion spring, or more than two torsion springs. Moreover, instead of being located towards the second spool end 304, the one or more torsion springs could instead be distributed generally evenly along the spool member 300 between the first and second spool ends 302, 304.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 2B and 7, the spool member 300 may further be connectable to an actuator 700 which provides powered rotation of the spool member 300 relative to the base 200 about the longitudinal spool axis L. The actuator 700 may include a rotary actuator, and more specifically a motor 702, connectable to the second spool end 304 of the spool member 300. Specifically, the motor 702 is adapted to be connected to the spool axle 500 to rotate the spool axle 500 relative to the base 200. Since the outer spool wall 306 is connected to the spool axle 500 via the resilient member 600, as explained above, the motor 702 also causes rotation of the outer spool wall 306, and therefore of the entire spool member 300, when rotating the spool axle 500.
Alternatively, the motor 702 could instead be connectable to the first end 302 of the spool member 300, or connectable selectively to one of the first and second spool ends 302, 304. In this embodiment, the motor 702 could be directly connected to the outer spool wall 306 rather than being connected to the spool axle 500.
It will be appreciated that the motor 702 can be used to retract the flexible panel 400 from the deployed position to the storage position. More specifically, the motor 702 is adapted to rotate the spool member 300 about the longitudinal spool axis L
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

22 in a first rotation direction or spooling rotation direction Ri which causes the flexible panel 400 to be spooled on the spool member 300. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, when looking at the second spool end 304 towards the first spool end 302, the flexible panel 400 is spooled around the spool member 300 by rotating the spool member 300 in a clockwise direction.
In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 702 is connected to the second spool end 304 by a transmission 750 which increases the amount of torque provided by the motor 702 while allowing the spool member 300 to be rotated at a rotation speed lower than a rotation speed of the motor 702. This enables the use of a motor which is adapted to rotate at a relatively high speed and which provides a relatively small amount of torque. For example, the rotary actuator may include a power tool such as a power drill or the like. It will be appreciated that power tools are widely available which may facilitate the use of the apparatus 100. Alternatively, the rotary actuator may include a dedicated motor which has been specifically manufactured for use with the apparatus 100 and which is specifically adapted to be used with the spool member 300.
It will be understood that the motor 702 may further be adapted to rotate the spool member 300 about the longitudinal spool axis L in a second rotation direction or unspooling rotation direction R2 which causes the flexible panel 400 to be unspooled from the spool member 300. This may facilitate the movement of the flexible panel 400 from the stored position to the deployed position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a ratchet mechanism 800 which connects the spool member 300 to the base 200. More specifically, the ratchet mechanism 800 is positioned between the transmission 750 and the outer axle end 502 and is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position using a handle 802 extending upwardly from the ratchet mechanism 800. When the ratchet mechanism 800 is in the engaged position, rotation of the spool member 300 is allowed in a first rotation direction and is prevented in a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction. When the ratchet mechanism 800 is in the disengaged position, free rotation of the spool Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

23 member 300 relative to the base 200 is allowed in both the first and second rotation directions. Specifically, the ratchet mechanism 800 is configured such that when it is in the engaged position, the spool axle 500 can still be rotated in a spooling rotation direction Ri but may no longer be rotated in the unspooling rotation direction R2.
In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a locking bar 850 pivotally mounted to base 200 proximal to the ratchet mechanism 800. The locking bar 850 can engage the handle 802 to prevent the ratchet mechanism 800 from moving to the engaged position. This may be desirable to prevent the ratchet mechanism 800 to be accidentally moved to the engaged position when the flexible panel 400 is being unspooled. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 may not comprise a locking bar.
Now referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the flexible panel 400 further includes a distal end attachment member 900 located at the distal panel end 404. Specifically, the distal end attachment member 900 is connectable to the ship 62 to secure the distal panel end 404 to the ship 62 when the flexible panel 400 is in the deployed position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end attachment member 900 includes an elongated attachment rod 902 which is received in a rod pocket 903 defined in the flexible panel 400 at the distal panel end 404. The rod pocket 903 may be formed by folding the distal panel edge 406 back towards the proximal panel end 402 and securing the distal panel edge to the flexible panel 400 so as to form a loop at the distal panel end 404. According to this configuration, when the attachment rod is received in the rod pocket 903, the attachment rod 902 extends substantially parallel to the spool member 300.
In another embodiment, the flexible panel 400 may not include a rod pocket and the attachment rod 902 may be secured to the distal panel end 404 of the flexible panel 400 using fasteners or any other suitable securing means.
In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment rod 902 further extends across the entire width of the flexible panel 400. More specifically, the attachment rod Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

24 includes first and second rod ends 906, 908 which are each located substantially adjacent a corresponding one of the lateral panel sides 408 of the flexible panel 400. In this configuration, the attachment rod 902 therefore ensures that the distal panel edge remains generally straight when the flexible panel 400 is deployed to thereby facilitate the handling of the flexible panel 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment rod 902 is hollow so as to define a tubular configuration. Alternatively, the attachment rod 902 could instead be solid.
In yet another embodiment, the distal end attachment member 900 may not include an attachment rod but may instead include any other suitable attachment member.
The distal end attachment member 900 further includes a plurality of panel attachment fasteners 904 extending outwardly from the outer spool wall 306, generally perpendicular to the attachment rod 902 and substantially away from the proximal panel end 402 of the flexible panel 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panel attachment fasteners 904 includes a plurality of the eyebolts which are configured to be connected to the rail 66 of the ship 62 using cables, chains or any other suitable linking members. Specifically, the flexible panel may extend from the spool member 300 over the top edge 68 of the rail 66 and then bend downwardly to attach the attachment rod 902 to the rail 66 below the top edge 68 using the panel attachment fasteners 904. Alternatively, the panel attachment fasteners 904 may instead include hooks or other types of fasteners adapted to engage the rail 66 of the ship 62. In yet another embodiment, the panel attachment fasteners 904 may include any other type of fasteners that a skilled person would consider to be suitable.
To use the apparatus 100 during the transfer of goods between the ship 62 and the wharf 52, the base 200 is first positioned on the ground surface 56 of the wharf 52 proximal the water-adjacent edge 54 of the wharf 52. Specifically, the base is oriented such that the longitudinal spool axis L is substantially parallel to the water-adjacent edge 54 of the wharf 52.
In this initial configuration, the flexible panel 400 is in the storage position. The flexible panel 400 may be moved to the deployed position by moving the distal Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

25 panel end 404 towards the ship 62 to thereby unspool the flexible panel 400.
As further explained above, the motor 702 could be used to rotate the spool member 300 in the unspooling rotation direction R2 to facilitate the unspooling of the flexible panel 400.
As stated above, the locking bar 850 could be moved to engage the handle 802 of the ratchet mechanism 800 to prevent the ratchet mechanism 800 from being moved to the engaged position.
Once the flexible panel 400 has been unspooled such that the distal panel end is proximal the ship 62, the distal panel end 404 can then be attached to the ship 62 using the distal end attachment member 900.
In one embodiment, the ratchet mechanism 800 could then be moved to the engaged position. Specifically, the locking bar 850 could be moved away from the handle 802 and the ratchet mechanism 800 can be moved to the engaged position using the handle 802.
In one embodiment, the spool member 300 may then be rotated in the spooling rotation direction Ri to thereby create tension on the flexible panel 400.
Specifically, the motor 702 may be connected to the spool axle 500 and the motor 702 could be activated to rotate the spool axle 500 at least slightly in the spooling rotation direction Ri. It will be understood that since the outer spool wall 306 is connected to the spool axle 500 via the resilient member 600, the entire spool member 300, including the outer spool wall 306 and the spool axle 500, is thereby rotated in the spooling rotation direction Ri.
In one embodiment, the spool axle 500 could even be rotated in the spooling rotation direction Ri until the outer spool wall 306 is prevented from being further rotated in the spooling rotation direction Ri due to the tension in the flexible panel 400, and then be rotated further at least slightly in the spooling rotation direction Ri such that the spool axle 500 is rotated relative to the outer spool wall 306. It will be understood that this would cause the inner ends 608 of the torsion springs 602, 604 to rotate relative to their outer ends 610 and thereby create torque opposing Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

26 the rotation of the outer spool wall 306 relative to the spool axle 500, which in turn would create further tension within the flexible panel 400.
Items or goods can then be lifted and moved laterally above the deployed flexible panel 400 from the wharf 52 to the ship 62 or from the ship 62 to the wharf 52.
Once the items or goods have been transferred, the distal panel end 404 can be detached from the ship 62 and the flexible panel 400 can be spooled around the spool member 300 by rotating the spool member 300 in the spooling rotation direction Ri opposite the unspooling rotation direction R2.
In one embodiment, before detaching the distal panel end 404 from the ship 62, the spool axle 500 is rotated back in the unspooling rotation direction R2 relative to the outer spool wall 306 such that the inner and outer ends 608, 610 of the torsion springs 602, 604 are no longer rotated relative to each other and no torque remains between the outer spool wall 306 and the spool axle 500. Specifically, the motor 702 may be connected to the spool axle 500 and the handle 802 may be moved to set the ratchet mechanism 800 in the disengaged position. The motor 702 may then be actuated so as to rotate the spool axle 500 relative to the outer spool wall 306 in the unspooling rotation direction R2 until the outer spool wall 306 and the spool axle 500 are no longer rotated relative to each other. The distal panel end 404 may then be safely detached from the ship 62.
When the flexible panel 400 is completely or partially spooled on the spool member 300, the apparatus 100 can then be moved elsewhere along the wharf 52 to transfer goods to or from the same ship 62 or another ship located next to the wharf 52, or can be moved into storage until needed.
It will further be appreciated that the apparatus 100 can be part of a waterway protection system including a plurality of apparatuses similar to the apparatus 100.
In this embodiment, the apparatuses could be disposed side-by-side and spaced apart along the water-adjacent edge 54 of the wharf 52. In this configuration, the waterway protection system could cover a greater width of the gap along the wharf 52 than a single apparatus 100 would.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

27 While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

Claims (58)

28

1. A waterway protection apparatus for covering a gap between first and second structures located adjacent a waterway during a transfer of items between the first and second structures, each one of the first and second structure including a water-adjacent edge facing towards the other one of the first and second structures, the apparatus comprising:
a base for disposing on the first structure proximal the water-adjacent edge thereof;
io a spool member rotatably mounted to the base, the spool member being elongated and having a longitudinal spool axis, the spool member being rotatable about the longitudinal spool axis;
a flexible panel having a proximal panel end secured to the spool member and a distal panel end connectable to the second structure proximal the water-adjacent edge thereof, the flexible panel being movable between a storage position in which the flexible panel is spooled on the spool member such that the distal panel end is located adjacent the spool member, and a deployed position in which the distal panel end is located away from the spool member and is connected to the second structure such that the flexible panel extends over the gap between the first and second structures; and a resilient member connecting the spool member to the base to urge rotation of the spool member in a first rotation direction so as to create tension on the flexible panel when the flexible panel is in the deployed position.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first structure includes a wharf and the second structure includes a ship.

3. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the spool member includes a first spool end, a second spool end, an outer spool wall extending between the first and second spool ends and a central spool cavity Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02 located within the outer spool wall, the proximal panel end being secured to the outer spool wall.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the elongated body is substantially cylindrical.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the base is elongated and has opposite first and second base ends.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base includes a base beam extending between the first and second base ends and a plurality of foot members extending transversely to the main base beam.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of foot members includes four foot members.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base includes first and second base ends, and further wherein the plurality of foot members include a first end foot located at the first base end, a second end foot located at the second base end and a pair of intermediate feet located centrally between the first and second end feet.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the base further includes a first and second pillow block bearings extending upwardly from the base beam and away from the foot members, the first pillow block bearing being located at the first base end to rotatably receive the first spool end and the second pillow block bearing being located at the second base end to rotatably receive the second spool end.

10. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9, further including a spool axle extending along the longitudinal spool axis and into the central spool cavity through the second spool end, the spool axle having an outer axle end located outside the spool member and an inner axle end located inside the central spool cavity, the spool axle being distinct from the outer spool wall to allow the outer spool wall to rotate about the spool axle.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the resilient member includes at least one torsion spring housed within the spool member.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the least one torsion spring includes a pair of torsion springs.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the torsion springs are spaced from each other to receive therebetween an outer wall connector secured to the outer spool wall, each torsion spring including an inner end located towards the outer wall connector and secured to the outer wall connector, and an outer end located away from the outer wall connector.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outer ends of the torsion springs are secured to the spool axle.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the torsion springs are wound in opposite directions so as to both create torque in a same rotational direction when the outer wall connector is rotated relative to the spool axle.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a ratchet mechanism connecting the spool member to the base, the ratchet mechanism being movable between an engaged position in which rotation of the spool member is allowed in the first rotation direction and is prevented in a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction, and a disengaged position in which free rotation of the spool member relative to the base is allowed in both the first and second rotation directions.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flexible panel is substantially rectangular.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the flexible panel includes a linear panel edge located at the proximal panel end, the proximal panel end being secured to the spool member such that the linear panel edge extends parallel to the longitudinal spool axis.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the flexible panel further includes an attachment member located at the distal panel end, the attachment member being connectable to the second structure.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the attachment member includes a rod and the flexible panel includes a rod pocket located at the distal panel end for receiving the rod, the rod pocket being configured such that the rod extends parallel to the spool member when received in the rod pocket.

21. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the flexible panel is impermeable.

22. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the spool member is operatively connectable to an actuator for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.

23. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising an actuator connectable to the spool member for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.

24. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 22 and 23, further comprising a transmission member for coupling the actuator to the spool member to increase an amount of torque provided by the actuator.

25. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the actuator includes a power tool.

26. A waterway protection system comprising:
a plurality of waterway protection apparatuses as defined in any one of claims 1 to 22, the waterway protection apparatuses being disposed side-by-side and spaced apart along the water-adjacent edge of the first structure;
an actuator selectively connectable to the spool member of each one of the waterway protection apparatuses for powered rotation of the spool member.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

27. A method for transferring items between first and second structures spaced apart from each other across a waterway, the method comprising:
positioning a waterway protection apparatus substantially along a water-adjacent edge of the first structure, the waterway protection apparatus including a base, a spool member rotatably connected to the base and a flexible panel having a proximal panel end secured to the spool member and a distal panel end opposite the proximal panel end, the flexible panel being spooled around the spool member;
deploying the flexible panel by moving the distal panel end towards the second structure for rotating the spool member in an unspooling rotation direction to unspool the flexible panel from the spool member;
attaching the distal panel end to the second structure;
rotating the spool member in a spooling rotation direction opposite the unspooling rotation direction to create tension in the flexible panel;
lifting and moving items laterally above the deployed flexible panel from one of the first and second structures to the other one of the first and second structures.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising providing a resilient member connecting the spool member to the base to urge rotation of the spool member in the spooling rotation direction so as to maintain tension in the flexible panel.

29. The method as claimed in any one of claims 27 and 28, wherein rotating the spool member in the spooling rotation direction includes operatively connecting an actuator to the spool member and activating the actuator.

30.
The method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the resilient member includes at least one torsion spring.

31. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the spool member includes an outer spool wall secured to the flexible panel and a spool axle Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02 extending coaxially to the outer spool wall, each torsion spring including a first end secured to the outer spool wall and a second end secured to the spool axle.

32. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein rotating the spool member in the spooling rotation direction further includes:
rotating the spool member in the spooling rotation direction until the outer spool wall is prevented from being further rotated in the spooling rotation direction due to the tension in the flexible panel; and rotating the spool axle relative to the outer spool wall in the spooling rotation direction such that the first and second ends of the at least one torsion spring are io rotated relative to each other from an unloaded position to a loaded position.

33. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising, after lifting and moving items:
detaching the distal panel end from the second structure; and rotating the spool member in the spooling direction for spooling the flexible 1 5 panel around the spool member.

34. The method as claimed in claim 33, further comprising, before detaching the distal panel end from the second structure, rotating the spool axle relative to the outer spool wall in the unspooling rotation direction such that the first and second ends of the at least one torsion spring are rotated relative to each other 20 from the loaded position back to the unloaded position.

35. A waterway protection apparatus for covering a gap between first and second structures located adjacent a waterway during a transfer of items between the first and second structures, each one of the first and second structure including a water-adjacent edge facing towards the other one of the first and second 25 structures, the apparatus comprising:
an elongated base having a first base end and a second base end located opposite the first base end;
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02 a flexible panel having a distal panel end connectable to the second structure proximal the water-adjacent edge thereof and a proximal panel end;
a spool member having a first spool end rotatably connected to the first base end, a second spool end rotatably connected to the second base end and an outer spool wall extending between the first and second spool ends, the outer spool wall being secured to the proximal panel end, the spool member being selectively rotatable about a longitudinal spool axis in a spooling rotating direction for spooling the flexible panel on the spool member and in an unspooling rotation direction opposite the spooling rotation direction for unspooling the flexible panel from the .. spool member; and a resilient member connecting the spool member to the base to urge rotation of the spool member in the spooling rotation direction so as to create tension on the flexible panel when the flexible panel is unspooled from the spool member and the distal panel end is connected to the second structure.

36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the first structure includes a wharf and the second structure includes a ship.

37. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 and 36, wherein the elongated body is substantially cylindrical.

38. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the base is elongated and has opposite first and second base ends.

39. The apparatus as claimed in claim 38, wherein the base includes a base beam extending between the first and second base ends and a plurality of foot members extending transversely to the main base beam.

40. The apparatus as claimed in claim 39, wherein the plurality of foot .. members includes four foot members.

41. The apparatus as claimed in claim 40, wherein the base includes first and second base ends, and further wherein the plurality of foot members include Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02 a first end foot located at the first base end, a second end foot located at the second base end and a pair of intermediate feet located centrally between the first and second end feet.

42. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 41, wherein the base further includes a first and second pillow block bearings extending upwardly from the base beam and away from the foot members, the first pillow block bearing being located at the first base end to rotatably receive the first spool end and the second pillow block bearing being located at the second base end to rotatably receive the second spool end.

io 43. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 42, further including a spool axle extending along the longitudinal spool axis and into a central spool cavity defined within the outer spool wall through the second spool end, the spool axle having an outer axle end located outside the spool member and an inner axle end located inside the central spool cavity, the spool axle being distinct from 1 5 the outer spool wall to allow the outer spool wall to rotate about the spool axle.

44. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein the resilient member includes at least one torsion spring housed within the spool member.

45. The apparatus as claimed in claim 44, wherein the least one torsion 20 spring includes a pair of torsion springs.

46. The apparatus as claimed in claim 45, wherein the torsion springs are spaced from each other to receive therebetween an outer wall connector secured to the outer spool wall, each torsion spring including an inner end located towards the outer wall connector and secured to the outer wall connector, and an 25 outer end located away from the outer wall connector.

47. The apparatus as claimed in claim 46, wherein the outer ends of the torsion springs are secured to the spool axle.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

48. The apparatus as claimed in claim 47, wherein the torsion springs are wound in opposite directions so as to both create torque in a same rotational direction when the outer wall connector is rotated relative to the spool axle.

49. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 48, further comprising a ratchet mechanism connecting the spool member to the base, the ratchet mechanism being movable between an engaged position in which rotation of the spool member is allowed in the spooling rotation direction and is prevented in the unspooling rotation direction, and a disengaged position in which free rotation of the spool member relative to the base is allowed in both the spooling and unspooling rotation directions.

50. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 49, wherein the flexible panel is substantially rectangular.

51. The apparatus as claimed in claim 50, wherein the flexible panel includes a linear panel edge located at the proximal panel end, the proximal panel end being secured to the spool member such that the linear panel edge extends parallel to the longitudinal spool axis.

52. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the flexible panel further includes an attachment member located at the distal panel end, the attachment member being connectable to the second structure.

53. The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the attachment member includes a rod and the flexible panel includes a rod pocket located at the distal panel end for receiving the rod, the rod pocket being configured such that the rod extends parallel to the spool member when received in the rod pocket.

54. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 53, wherein the flexible panel is impermeable.

55. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 54, wherein the spool member is operatively connectable to an actuator for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02

56. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 54, further comprising an actuator connectable to the spool member for powered rotation of the spool member relative to the base.

57. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 55 and 56, further comprising a transmission member for coupling the actuator to the spool member to increase an amount of torque provided by the actuator.

58. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 57, wherein the actuator includes a power tool.
io Date Recue/Date Received 2020-07-02