CN112805215A

CN112805215A - Rope processing system, special ship, use of rope processing system and guide rod

Info

Publication number: CN112805215A
Application number: CN201980035707.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚妮·阿尔托宁; 阿托·泰尼莱; 萨米·蒂泰尔涅米; 亨利·乌尔马宁; 彼得里·科特萨尔米; 阿基·伦皮宁
Original assignee: Kongsberg Maritime Finland Oy
Current assignee: Kongsberg Maritime Finland Oy
Priority date: 2018-03-29
Filing date: 2019-03-15
Publication date: 2021-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-15
Also published as: FI128398B; AU2019244313A1; EP3774515A4; EP3774515A1; CN112805215B; WO2019185984A1; FI20185301A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a rope handling system, characterized in that it comprises a guide lever (1) that is transitionable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration, the guide lever comprising a pivotable arm (11) forming a Y-shaped fork (12) in an extended position of the guide lever. The system further comprises a line engagement device (13) releasably attachable at the base (14) of the arm and connectable to the attachment line (3), wherein the line engagement device (13) comprises a line catch (131) for catching a monkey (51) of the line (5) when the line is guided from the vessel between the arms (11) of the Y-shaped fork (12). The disclosure also relates to a special vessel and a guide rod.

Description

Rope processing system, special ship, use of rope processing system and guide rod

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a rope handling system, a special vessel and a guide rod.

Background

Dedicated vessels can be used for various tasks at sea, in harbours and in inland waters. Tugboats, for example, are used to assist other vessels that often need to be manoeuvred in confined waters in various situations. The tug boat may tow or push the assisted vessel. When towed, the tug and the assisted vessel are typically connected by a tow line. The length of the tow rope can be adjusted by means of a tow winch on the tug boat. The tow line is connected to a bollard on the vessel being assisted. The tasks performed by a dedicated vessel may range from ice breaking to water maintenance, including various situations where a vessel may need to be attached to another vessel by a tether. Similar systems may also be used to moor a vessel at a berth.

A common way of connecting a vessel to a dedicated vessel or a berth is to throw a ripcord from the vessel to be attached on the deck or on the berth of the dedicated vessel, respectively. The crew on the dedicated vessel then picks up the line and ties it to the end of the tow line. The line and attached tow line are then launched into the vessel, released from each other, and the tow line is secured to the mooring bollard or other structure of the vessel. At the berth, the line cast may already be connected to the mooring line of the vessel, and the personnel in the mooring, also known as the lead man, pick up the line cast and cast the mooring line to the berth together with the line cast. The ripcords are then released from the mooring lines and the mooring lines are secured to mooring posts or other structures at the berth.

The manual arrangement has the disadvantage that, for example, crew members need to be present on the deck of the dedicated vessel. In inclement weather, the working conditions may be uncomfortable, or even dangerous. In addition, the ripcord has a weight attached to its end to facilitate throwing, and hitting by the weight may injure people on the deck or berth.

Document WO 2017/167892 discloses a tug boat of the following kind: the tug comprises a crane or a robot arm for handling the tug line, which crane or robot arm is provided with a gripping tool for gripping the tug line.

Document US 2006/0102060 a1 relates to an automatic system for retracting and maneuvering the connecting streamer between the tow vessel and the vessel being towed. The system includes a securing carriage that moves on guides around the deck of the tug.

Disclosure of Invention

The rope handling system according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the rope handling system comprises a guide bar which is convertible between an operating configuration and a storage configuration, the guide bar comprising a pivotable arm which forms a Y-shaped fork in the operating configuration of the guide and a rope engaging means which is releasably attachable at the base of the arm and connectable to an attachment rope. The line engaging means comprises a line catcher for catching a monkey fist of the line as it is guided between the arms of the Y-shaped fork from another vessel.

The special vessel according to the disclosure is characterized in that the special vessel comprises a rope handling system according to the disclosure.

Also disclosed is the use of a rope handling system according to the present disclosure for attaching a vessel to a dedicated vessel or a land structure.

The guide lever according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the guide lever is convertible between an operative configuration and a storage configuration, the guide lever comprising a pivotable arm forming a Y-shaped fork in the operative configuration of the guide lever and a structural part for releasably attaching a rope engaging means configured to capture a monkey at the base of the arm.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description help to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings:

fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a rope handling system according to the present disclosure, wherein the guide rods are in a storage configuration.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cord handling system according to the present disclosure in an operating configuration in which an attachment cord is attached to a cord engagement device.

Fig. 3 shows the attachment rope pulled to the vessel.

Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present rope handling system with the guide rods in a storage configuration.

Fig. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the present rope handling system and guide rod, wherein the guide rod is in an operative configuration on the berth.

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a rope engagement device according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The following description discloses some embodiments with details that enable those skilled in the art to utilize the method and apparatus based on the present disclosure. Not all steps of an embodiment are discussed in detail, as many of the steps will be apparent to those of skill in the art based on this description.

For simplicity, reference numerals will be retained in the following exemplary embodiments where components are repeated.

In one aspect, the rope handling system is closed. In another aspect, a personal watercraft comprising an automated rope handling system according to the present disclosure is disclosed. In a further aspect, a use of a rope handling system for attaching a vessel to a dedicated vessel or a land structure is disclosed.

In yet another aspect, a guide rod for capturing a line cast is disclosed. The guide bar according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the guide bar is convertible between an operating configuration and a storage configuration. The guide rod includes: a pivotable arm forming a Y-shaped fork in the operative configuration of the guide rod; and a structural portion for releasably attaching the rope engagement means, wherein the rope engagement means is configured to capture a monkey fist at the base of the arm.

The rope handling system according to the disclosure is characterized in that the rope handling system comprises a guide lever which is convertible between an operating configuration and a storage configuration, the guide lever comprising a pivotable arm forming a Y-shaped fork in the operating configuration of the guide lever. The arm is typically mounted at the end of the guide rod which in use is designed as the upper end.

The line handling system further comprises a line engaging device releasably attachable at the base of the arm and connectable to an attachment line, wherein the line engaging device comprises a line catch for catching a monkey of the line as it is guided from the vessel between the arms of the Y-shaped fork.

The rope handling system may eliminate or reduce the need for crew on the deck of the dedicated vessel when the vessel is connected by the attachment ropes. The rope handling system is designed to capture a cast rope thrown from the vessel by the Y-shaped fork of the guide bar. The Y-shaped fork is thus positioned such that it can catch a line. The ripcord is the following cord or a suitable rope: the rope or suitable rope is thrown from the vessel to another vessel or land in order to move the rope (e.g., a tow rope or a mooring rope) between vessels or between land and vessels. The line is attached to the ripcord, and the ripcord is ripened towards the direction in which the line is intended to move. Typically, the attachment line is retrieved by a ripcord. The structure and positioning of the line engaging means may also allow the attachment line to be connected to the line throwing without the need for further means or manual steps.

In embodiments where the mooring line is moved from the vessel to be moored to land for mooring, the mooring line may first be attached to a ripcord. This attachment is made with appropriate distance from the end with the monkey punch, so that the monkey punch is thrown to the land on the Y-fork. For example, the attachment of the mooring line may occur at the end of the line opposite the monkey. When the ripcord is caught by the cord catcher, the ripcord may be released from the cord engagement device to be thrown to the land. In this embodiment, it is possible that the rope engagement means are not attached to the attachment ropes on the land side.

Alternatively, a winch may be used to wind the line. When the mooring line follows the line, the mooring line will then be properly positioned for attachment to a bollard or the like. In such embodiments, the system may include a winch with an attached line to wind the line. The winch may suitably be configured to accept the length of rope engaging means and the line throwing.

One of the advantages of the present system and dedicated vessel is that the hazards associated with connecting a vessel to another vessel or land structure may be reduced. The rope engaging means may hit persons catching the line throwing and thus injure them. In embodiments involving dedicated vessels, weather conditions may make the deck an unstable work area, thereby increasing the risk.

Another advantage of the system and its use is that many types of vessels can be connected to the system. No modifications to the assisted vessel are required to improve the efficiency of attachment to the dedicated vessel or berth attachment.

In this disclosure, the term "vessel" or "assisted vessel" is used to describe a marine vessel attached to a dedicated vessel such as a tug boat or a land structure such as a berth.

The term "attachment line" is used for tug lines or other lines for connecting a dedicated vessel, e.g. a tug, with a vessel to be assisted, and mooring lines for connecting the vessel to a land structure.

The guide rod being convertible between the storage configuration and the operating configuration means that the guide rod may be repeatedly transitioned between the storage configuration and the operating configuration.

The present rope handling system may be used by first extending or pivoting the guide bar to a sufficient height and opening the arms of the Y-shaped forks. At this time, the rope engagement means is positioned at the base of the arm of the guide rod and attached to the attachment rope. At this position, when the line is thrown from the vessel towards the Y-shaped forks, the monkey of the line will pass through or over the Y-shaped forks and the line will fall on either of the arms and slide down to the base of the arm. When the line is pulled taut, a monkey fist at the end of the line will move upward and be guided into a line catch of the line engaging means. The line engagement means is releasably attached to the Y-shaped fork such that when the line is pulled further, the line engagement means becomes disconnected from the guide bar and follows the line to the vessel.

When the line is pulled back to the vessel, the line engaging means is released from the guide rod and is pulled to the vessel together with the attachment line attached to the line engaging means, wherein the attachment line may be attached to the vessel.

A rope handling system according to the present disclosure includes a guide rod and a rope engaging device, but may also include additional components.

For example, the winch may be responsible for releasing the attachment line so that the attachment line is thrown to the vessel. The winch may also wind the attachment line to a suitable length for towing or mooring. The winch may maintain the attachment line at a desired length during towing or other connection of the dedicated vessel with the assisted vessel. The winch may reel the attachment line back to the dedicated vessel at the end of towing. In embodiments where the rope handling system is located on a land structure, the winch may be movable or fixed. The attachment line may be disconnected from the winch so that a conventional bollard may be used for long term mooring of the vessel.

The drawworks may be covered by a housing that protects the drawworks. A winch may comprise one or two drum drums. If the winch comprises two drums, each of the drums may be covered by its own housing, or the two drums may share a housing. The winch housing may additionally be formed as or comprise the following structural elements: the structure helps properly align the attachment cords for use with the other components of the present cord handling system.

Attachment cords may also be included in systems according to the present disclosure. Many designs for attachment cords are known to the skilled person, who is able to select an appropriately configured attachment cord for different applications. The attachment line usually has a loop or another type of attachment device at the free end of the attachment line in order to attach the attachment line to a vessel connected to the dedicated vessel or a land structure. In addition, the deck structure of the dedicated vessel may be designed to support or cooperate with the rope processing system according to the present disclosure. For example, the main deck may include support structures for guide rods.

In the operating configuration, the guide rod extends above the support surface. By support surface is meant a solid surface surrounding the guide rod in the operative configuration. The guide rod may be attached to the support surface. Alternatively, the guide rod may be attached to other structures, in particular structures located below the support surface. The support surface may be, for example, the deck of a dedicated vessel, a winch housing or an extension thereof. The support surface may also be a berth, dock or other solid surface available in a port or elsewhere on land.

A guide rod according to the present disclosure may be retractable/extendable. In one embodiment, the guide rod is convertible between the operating configuration and the storage configuration by retracting and extending the guide rod relative to the support surface. The guide rod is retractable/extendable in the sense that the portion of the guide rod in contact with the line may be moved vertically relative to the support surface between a retracted position and an extended position. According to an embodiment, the entire guide rod may be movable, for example in case the guide rod is made of one rigid piece. For example, the leg portions of the guide rod may be rigid. Alternatively, the portion of the guide rod that is in contact with the line of the throw (i.e., the upper portion) may move vertically while some portions of the guide rod remain stationary. For example, the guide rod may be telescopic. The upper end of the guide rod is higher in the extended position than in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the guide rod may be located entirely below the support surface. However, in some embodiments, the guide rod may be designed to remain partially above the support surface also in the retracted position. In one embodiment of the system, the guide rod is capable of being fully retracted below the support surface.

The support surface may be the deck of a dedicated vessel, or the surface of a land structure. The deck of the dedicated vessel refers herein to the outer surface of the dedicated vessel above which other structures, such as a deckhouse, are positioned. Depending on the details of the dedicated vessel, the deck may comprise a surface at a single elevation. Alternatively, the deck may comprise a surface at more than one height. The entire plane of the deck is usually substantially horizontal, but deviations are often present for practical reasons, such as to improve the outflow of water from the deck. When the guide rod according to the present disclosure is retracted below the deck, this means that the guide rod is retracted below any portion of the deck. Alternatively, the guide rods may be retracted below the main deck, which means the deck of the overall height.

In embodiments involving land structures, the support surface may be a surface present in a port, such as a berth, dock, or the like. The support surface may contain additional structures, such as a metal plating, for attaching the guide bar to the support surface. The system can additionally be used outside a port. For example, the present rope treatment system may be utilized in a channel, particularly at a water box. The system can also be used for various smaller scale landing places where personnel are not always present.

In one embodiment of the system, the guide rod is convertible between the operating configuration and the storage configuration by tilting the guide rod. It may be advantageous to tilt the guide rods below the support surface, especially in situations where space below the deck of the dedicated vessel is limited. Such a situation may arise, for example, when a system according to the present disclosure is retrofitted to existing dedicated vessels. Designing the balustrade to include a support structure for the guide bar may be advantageous in inclined embodiments, for example in situations where it is not possible to attach the guide bar sufficiently rigidly to or below the support surface.

The tilting may be performed at or above the base of the leg portion. The leg portion may include more than one inclined position.

In one embodiment of the system, the guide rod comprises a leg portion having a base end and a distal end, and the pivotable arms are attached to the distal end opposite each other, and wherein the arms extend in the same direction as the leg portion in the storage configuration, and the arms open away from each other when the guide rod is converted into the operative configuration.

In embodiments where the guide rod is on a dedicated vessel, the guide rod may typically be operated from the bridge of the dedicated vessel, such that a crew on deck is not required to provide a line handling system for receiving a line cast according to the present disclosure. On land, such as in a harbour, the configuration of the guide rod can be changed over from an independent control. The control may be fixed or portable. On land, the guide bar can be manually switched, since the working environment is more sheltered and stable than a dedicated vessel. In one embodiment of the system, the configuration of the guide rod is remotely convertible. Remotely switchable configuration of the guide rod means in this disclosure a guide rod which can be operated from outside the craft or by at least a part of the wireless system. This embodiment may be implemented as part of a remotely controllable dedicated vessel or as part of an autonomous dedicated vessel. In one embodiment, the parent vessel according to the present disclosure is remotely controllable or autonomous.

Guide rods according to the present disclosure may include rigid leg portions. The guide rod may comprise metal, such as aluminium or steel. The guide rod may also be at least partially made of a composite material, such as plastic, plastic composite, carbon fiber, and the like. The leg portions and arms may be constructed from different materials, each of which may be independently selected from materials having suitable properties. For example, the leg portions may be made of metal such as steel, and the arms may include carbon fiber.

The leg portion may be attached to a mechanism that allows the guide bar to move up and down relative to the support surface. The leg portion may include structure that participates in converting the configuration of the guide rod. For example, in extendable and retractable embodiments, rack and pinion type engagement between the guide rod and the lifting machine is contemplated. In embodiments where the guide rod is tiltable, there may be a hinge with a locking mechanism.

The conversion between the operating configuration and the storage configuration can be achieved by means of an electric motor, a hydraulic system. Other types of systems are also known in the art. An engine or a separate motor, such as an electric motor, on a dedicated vessel may be used to power the conversion of the configuration of the guide rods.

The lifting mechanism may allow the guide rod to be rotated about its longitudinal axis. The lifting machine itself may be used to rotate the guide rod. Alternatively, the guide bar may be rotatable independently of the lifting machine. Such an embodiment may be advantageous in facilitating the aiming of a line from a vessel. A rotatable guide rod may be used to properly position the Y-shaped fork relative to the boat. This may be particularly advantageous in a fixed embodiment. The possibility of turning the guide rods may also be advantageous in embodiments on special vessels. In particular in bad weather, it may be useful to be able to turn the guide rods in addition to or instead of adjusting the position of the special vessel.

The leg portion may include a base end portion that is a lower end portion of the guide bar when the guide bar is mounted on the support surface. The leg portion may further include a distal end that is an upper end of the guide rod when the rod is mounted on the support surface. When the guide rod is converted into the operating configuration, the base end can be lifted to the level of the support surface or even above the support surface. However, the base end may remain below the support surface even in the operative configuration of the guide rod. The level to which the base end reaches depends on the particular embodiment in question, for example on the machinery used to convert the guide bar between the operating and storage configurations.

The guide rod includes a pivotable arm. When the arms are pivoted away from each other, the arms form a Y-shaped fork. This is called opening of the arm. The arm may comprise two ends, an attached end and a free end. The arm is in contact with the leg portion through the attachment end. The arm may be connected to the leg portion by a pivot means. The pivoting means may be a hinge designed to allow the arms to pivot away from each other to a predetermined extension such that a desired angle of the Y-shaped fork is achieved. The pivoting means may be a separate guide rod or an integral part of the guide rod. The pivot means is located at or near the base of the arm, which is where the rope catch is located.

The pivoting means may act passively, i.e. such that the weight of the arm causes the opening of the arm. The pivoting means may comprise resistance means to facilitate smooth and controlled opening of the arm, thereby avoiding undesired rapid opening of the arm. The pivoting means may alternatively be actively active, i.e. such that the arms open and close only when needed. The actively acting arms open and close independently of the extension and retraction of the guide rods. Thus, in an actively acting embodiment of the pivoting means, the arms can remain closed even when the guide rod is extended, and the arms only open when the pivoting means is actuated. In other words, the operating configuration may end independently of the lifting leg portion.

The free end of each arm may include an additional component. For example, a light may be mounted on the free end of the arm to improve visibility of the Y-shaped fork in foggy or dark conditions.

The arm forms an extension of the leg portion when the arm extends in the same direction as the guide bar. In other words, the arms fold side by side against each other.

The arms form a Y-shaped fork in the operative configuration. The angle of the prongs may vary and may be in the range of 50 to 120 degrees. For example, angles of 60 to 100 degrees, such as 60, 70, 80, or 90 degrees, may be used.

The length of the leg portions and arms depends on the size and typical use of the system according to the present disclosure. The practical aspect determines the appropriate length and the ratio between the length of the leg parts and the length of the arms. In some embodiments, the arms may have different lengths. For example, the height of the guide rod in the operating configuration may measure 2m to 4m, such as 3m or 3.5 m. Alternatively, the leg portion of the guide bar may measure a height of 2m to 4m, such as 3m, in the operative configuration. The ease of use of the system may benefit from a taller guide bar, but the available space below or above the support surface may limit the size of the guide bar.

In one embodiment of the system, the guide rods are mounted on the deck of the dedicated vessel. The system according to the present disclosure may increase the versatility of such a dedicated vessel. The system may also be retrofitted to existing vessels to improve the availability of existing vessels.

In one embodiment of the system, the guide rod is positioned on the bow side of the towing winch. In the case of more than one winch, an alternative is for the guide rod to be positioned on the bow side of at least one of the winches. It is also possible to position the guide rods on the bow side of all winches.

By dedicated vessel is meant in this disclosure any vessel that can assist other vessels by towing. The primary task of a dedicated vessel is not necessarily to assist other vessels. There are many types of specialized vessels used for various tasks. In one embodiment, the dedicated vessel is a port tug, a cruise tug, an ocean-going tug, an ice breaker, a supply vessel, an anchor handler, or a construction vessel. The specialized vessel according to the present disclosure may have the following advantages: the special vessel can automatically make the connection between the ripcord and the attachment rope without the increase of deck personnel. The specialized vessel may thus be capable of being used for more diverse tasks and may also involve personnel, machinery or cargo present on the deck. This is due to the guide rods being hidden under the deck or stowed to the side of the deck in the stowed configuration. Also, the lowered guide rods do not hinder the visibility of the bridge of the dedicated vessel.

In one embodiment of the system, the guide rods are mounted on a land structure, such as a berth. This may improve the efficiency of mooring the vessel. The number of people present, in particular in a port, can be reduced. Additionally, by properly positioning more than one of the systems according to the present disclosure, a vessel may be attached at a corresponding number of locations simultaneously.

The entire cord management system according to the present disclosure may be concealed beneath a support surface. Such an embodiment would provide the benefit of automation without increasing the obstacles to work at the port, such as loading and unloading a ship.

A cord treatment system according to the present disclosure also includes a cord engagement device. The rope engaging means is capable of contacting both the attachment rope and the cast rope. In other words, the line engaging means comprises a structure to catch the ripcord, and a connection to the tow line. The line engaging means further comprises an element for positioning it appropriately to receive a line in order to capture the line. The cord engagement device may be releasably attachable to the guide rod. As the projectile slides down on the lowest position between the pivotable arms, i.e. at the base of the arms, also at a suitable position for the rope engaging means, once it falls on the Y-shaped fork of the guide bar.

Line throwing refers to a line used to retrieve an attachment line from a dedicated vessel or berth by throwing the attachment line from the vessel. The line throwing may include a weight at the end of travel to the dedicated vessel or berth to increase the throwing distance and improve the aiming accuracy of the line throwing. Such a thrown weight may be referred to as a monkey fist. The weight may be a bulbous knot of the same name or an object of any suitable size and weight attached to the end of the line, such as a sandbag. The monkey may be from 5cm to 15cm in diameter, for example from 1cm to 10 cm.

The line engaging means comprises a line catcher, which is a structure that catches a monkey fist. When the line cast resting on the Y-shaped harpoon is pulled towards the vessel, or conversely, if the distance between the special vessel or berth and the vessel increases, the monkey-punch will move substantially upwards along the leg portion of the guide bar towards the base of the Y-shaped harpoon (and thus towards the line engaging means) and will eventually be caught by the line catch of the line engaging means.

The rope handling system according to the present disclosure may be capable of being used in a wide range of height differences between a dedicated vessel or berth and a ship. In case the line is received by the Y-shaped fork from a similar height, the line will travel substantially horizontally between the Y-shaped fork and the vessel, and the line naturally is located at the base of the Y-shaped fork. For example, in the case where the vessel is a large container ship, the ripcord is thrown from a position far above the Y-shaped fork. In this case, the direction of the line cast may deviate significantly from the horizontal direction, and even approach the vertical direction, as it is pulled towards the vessel. In this case, however, adjusting the distance between the Y-shaped fork and the vessel may be used to adjust the direction of travel of the line. Alternatively, the height of the leg portions or the angle between the arms of the guide bar may be adjustable. Further, the shape of the rope catch may be adjusted so that the angle of the rope cast may be taken into account.

The rope catch may be constructed in many ways. For example, the rope catch may comprise a partially closed channel having an opening extending along the length of the channel, the opening being wider in the direction of approach of the monkey to the rope catch, such that the monkey will enter the channel. At the end of the channel, the opening is small enough that the monkey cannot exit the channel, but the projectile fits through the opening. The channel may be funnel-shaped so as to taper towards the end of the channel.

In one embodiment of the system, a line catcher for catching a monkey fist of a line cast includes a recess for receiving the monkey fist and a slot leading to the recess for guiding the line cast.

The line throwing may also be secured in place in the line catch by a locking device. In one embodiment of the system, the rope catch comprises a locking device for releasably securing the monkey fist to the rope catch. This avoids accidental release of the monkey when the attachment line is launched into the vessel in the event that the launch line or attachment line slackens and the orientation of the line engagement means relative to the attachment line and/or launch line changes. Various one-way doors and clips directed to this effect are known in the art.

The cord engagement device is releasably attached to the base of the Y-shaped prong. When a rope handling system according to the present disclosure is ready to receive a line cast, the rope engaging device attaches to the guide rod with the rope catch positioned to catch a monkey of the line cast. When the line throwing is pulled after the line has been caught by the line catch, the line engaging means is released from the guide rod and the line throwing continues to be pulled towards the assisted vessel. Since the attachment line is also attached to the line engaging means, the attachment line will also be followed towards the assisted vessel.

The release of the rope engagement means from the guide rod may be passive, i.e. the release does not require any structural changes in the rope engagement means or in the guide rod structure to which the rope engagement means has been attached. In one embodiment, the line engaging means is attached to a hook that opens in the direction in which the line is pulled. Alternatively, the rope engagement means and/or the guide rod may comprise a structure that resists release of the rope engagement means from the guide rod. In this case, for example, a reversible change in shape may be required to release the rope engagement means from the guide rod. This can be achieved by various bendable lip or recess solutions. Also an electronic release mechanism is possible.

In one embodiment, a personal vessel according to the present disclosure includes two or more rope handling systems. In many cases, the personal watercraft according to the present disclosure includes a rope handling system. However, two or more rope handling systems are possible. An advantage of having more than one rope handling system on one dedicated vessel is that more than one riprap can be received simultaneously, allowing for the simultaneous attachment of more than one attachment rope. The differently positioned guide rods may also allow the dedicated vessel to approach other vessels from all directions even if only one attachment line is attached at a given time, thereby providing greater flexibility and efficiency to the dedicated vessel.

Detailed description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the present rope handling system when the guide rod 1 is in the storage configuration. In the embodiment of fig. 1, the guide rod 1 is retractable and extendable. This embodiment comprises two guide rods 1, and a winch comprising two drums, each provided with an attachment rope 3 and each corresponding to each guide rod. The winch is located below the winch housing 4 and is therefore not visible in the figure.

Fig. 1 shows a rope handling system according to the present disclosure positioned in a bow portion of a tug. The deck 21 of the tug is partially visible. The deck 21 has two heights, the main deck being below the support surface 2 on which the guide rods 1 are mounted. In its retracted position (i.e. in the storage configuration), the guide rod 1 is hidden under the support surface 2. Such an arrangement may be advantageous, for example, in the case where the rope handling system is retrofitted to be used in an existing dedicated vessel. A structure with a continuous winch housing 4 and support surface 2 as in fig. 1 can also be used in embodiments with only one guide rod 1.

The attachment rope 3 is shown running from the opening of the winch housing 4 to the guide rod 1. The rope engagement means 13 is positioned at the end of the attachment rope 3 adjacent to the guide bar 1.

Fig. 2 shows the rope handling system according to the present disclosure when one guide rod 1 is in the extended position. The Y-shaped fork 12 is ready to receive the projectile 5. In other words, the guide rod 1 is in the operating configuration. The guide bar 1 comprises a leg portion 16, and a base end 161 and a distal end 162 of the leg portion 16 are visible. The leg portion 16 is a rigid member that moves up and down relative to the support surface 2.

With the guide rod in the operating configuration, in fig. 2, the pivotable arm 11 has been opened. The arms 11 are positioned such that they pivot away from each other when the guide rod 1 is in the operating configuration. The arm attachment ends 111 are close to each other at the base 14 of the arm and are connected to the distal end 162 of the leg portion by a pivot means 15. The free ends 112 of the arms form boundaries between which the ripcord 5 falls to be captured by the cord engaging means 13 (not visible in fig. 2).

The attachment rope 3 remains connected with the rope engagement means 13 and the attachment rope 3 has been pulled outwards when the guide rod 1 has been extended.

Figure 2 also shows a line 5 launched from a vessel (not shown). A monkey fist 51 can be seen at the end of the line 5. The monkey fist 51 will fall on the tug. The line 5 will be pulled until the monkey fist 51 is caught in the line catch 131 of the line engaging means 13.

Fig. 3 depicts the rope handling system of fig. 1 and 2, wherein the rope catch 131 of the rope engagement device 13 has caught the monkey punch 51 (not visible) of the ripcord 5. The line 5 pulls the line engaging means 13 and the attachment line 3 together with the line 5 towards the vessel. In this case the tug is relatively close to the larger vessel (not shown) being assisted, since the attachment line 3 is pulled upwards almost directly by the riprap 5. The figure shows how the opening of the winch housing 4 is formed to smoothly guide the attachment rope 3.

The guide rods 1 are simultaneously retracted. This means that the guide rod 1 has returned to the storage configuration. The base end 161 of the leg portion 16 has been located below the support surface 2 and the distal end 162 is lowered towards the support surface 2. The Y-shaped forks 12 are still open, but the arms 11 will close, i.e. pivot back towards each other, when the guide rod 1 is moved under the deck 21.

In fig. 4, another exemplary embodiment of a rope handling system according to the present disclosure is depicted. The system of fig. 4 comprises two tiltable guide rods 1 schematically depicted. The attachment cord 3 has been omitted. In fig. 4, two guide rods 1 positioned parallel to each other on a support surface 2 are in a storage configuration. They may be supported by a railing 6, which railing 6 may have adaptations to receive and hold the guide bar 1. The tiltable guide bar 1 can be lifted automatically so that the tiltable guide bar 1 can be operated, for example, from the deck of a special ship. The tiltable guide bar 1 can also be lifted manually, in which case the tiltable guide bar 1 is locked in place.

The guide rod 1 in fig. 4 comprises a leg portion 16 having a base end 161 and a distal end 162. A pivot means 15 for the arm 11 is shown. When the tiltable guide bar 1 has been lifted, the arms 11 can be opened manually or automatically to bring the guide bar 1 into the operating configuration.

Fig. 5 depicts a rope handling system according to the present disclosure located on land in a port. The system comprises two guide rods 1, each comprising a pivoting device 15 and an arm 11 as described above. The first guide lever 1 is in the operating configuration with the arm 11 open and the line 5 is thrown into the Y-shaped fork 12. The second guide rod 1 is in the storage configuration. The guide rod 1 is extendable and retractable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration.

The winch or in this case the attachment line 3 as a mooring line is not shown. However, the system may function similarly to the devices presented in connection with fig. 1 to 3, and the construction of these devices is within the knowledge of the skilled person.

The system according to fig. 5 may alternatively be used such that the mooring line comes from the vessel being moored and the mooring line is attached to the end of the jettison line 5 opposite the monkey 51. The monkey punch 51 may be manually released from the rope engagement means 13. As is known in the art, the throw may be performed manually or by a device such as a winch or vehicle.

The guide bar 1 comprises a leg portion 16, the leg portion 16 being attached to the support surface 2 from a base end 161 of the leg portion 16. The support surface 2 is a raised assembly on the dock 22. In this embodiment, the distal end 162 of the guide rod and the pivoting means 15 remain above the support surface 2 in the retracted position, i.e. in the storage configuration.

In the embodiment of fig. 5, the support surface 2 comprises for each guide rod 1 a guide rod cover 23 extending over the support surface 2. The guide rod 1 can be retracted below the support surface 2. The guide rod cover 23 may extend through the support surface 2 as a single piece or as a separate piece. The guide rod cover 23 may protect the guide rod 1 from weather conditions, rope entanglement or possible collision by a vessel.

Fig. 6 depicts an embodiment of the rope engagement means 13 in more detail. The attachment cord 3 is attached at one end of a cord engagement device 13. The line catch 131 is formed as a recess 1311 and the slot 1312 opens into this recess and guides the line 5 appropriately.

In fig. 6, a monkey punch 51 is shown positioned at the entrance to recess 1311. The rope engagement means 13 is attached to the guide rod 1 by means of a contact means 132. In the embodiment of fig. 6, the contact means 132 are notches located on both sides of the rope engaging means 13. The guide rod 1 is equipped with a container shape that can receive the contact means 132 of the rope engaging means 13. In other words, the contact means 132 is designed to correspond to the shape of the container on the guide rod 1 to releasably attach the rope engaging means 13 to the guide rod 1.

In addition to the features visible in fig. 6, the rope engagement means may also include additional guiding aids, such as additional grooves or recesses, to help guide the monkey 51 into the rope catch 131.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the basic idea, specialized vessel and use of the rope handling system can be implemented in various ways. Thus, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples; rather, the embodiments may vary within the scope of the claims.

The embodiments described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the embodiments may be combined together to form another embodiment. The rope handling system, dedicated vessel or use in connection with the present disclosure may comprise at least one of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A rope handling system, comprising:

-a guide rod (1), the guide rod (1) being transitionable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration, the guide rod comprising a pivotable arm (11), the pivotable arm (11) forming a Y-shaped fork (12) in the operating configuration of the guide rod;

-a rope engagement means (13), which rope engagement means (13) is releasably attachable at the base (14) of the arm and connectable to an attachment rope (3); wherein

-the line engaging means (13) comprises a line catch (131), the line catch (131) for catching a monkey fist (51) of the line (5) when the line is guided from the vessel between the arms (11) of the Y-shaped fork (12).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the guide rod (1) is transitionable between the operating configuration and the storage configuration by retracting and extending the guide rod (1) with respect to a support surface (2).

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the guide rod (1) is retractable completely below the support surface (2).

4. System according to claim 1, wherein the guide rod (1) is transformable between the operating configuration and the storage configuration by tilting the guide rod.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration of the guide rod (1) is remotely convertible.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide bar (1) comprises a leg portion (16), the leg portion (16) having a base end (161) and a distal end (162), and the pivotable arms (11) being attached to the distal end opposite each other, and wherein the arms extend in the same direction as the leg portion in the storage configuration and open away from each other when the guide bar is converted into the operative configuration.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the string catcher (131) for catching the monkey (51) of the projectile string (5) comprises a recess (1311) for receiving the monkey and a slot (1312) leading to the recess for guiding the projectile string.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the string trap (131) comprises a locking device for releasably securing the monkey fist (51) to the string trap.

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide rod (1) is mounted on a land structure, such as a berth (21).

10. The system according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the guide rod (1) is mounted on the deck (22) of the dedicated vessel.

11. System according to claim 10, wherein the guide rod (1) is positioned at the bow side of a towing winch (4).

12. Specialized vessel (6) comprising a rope handling system according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The specialized vessel (6) according to claim 12, comprising two or more rope handling systems.

14. The dedicated vessel (6) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the dedicated vessel is a tug such as a harbour tug, a convoy tug, an ocean-going tug, or an icebreaker, a supply vessel, an anchor handler or a construction vessel.

15. The specialized vessel (6) according to any of claims 12-14, wherein the specialized vessel is remotely controllable or autonomous.

16. Use of a rope handling system according to any of claims 1-11 for attaching a vessel to a dedicated vessel or a land structure.

17. Guide rod (1) for catching a line (5), characterized in that it is transitionable between an operating configuration and a storage configuration, comprising:

-a pivotable arm (11), said pivotable arm (11) forming a Y-shaped fork (12) in the operative configuration of the guide rod; and

-a structure for releasably attaching a string engaging device (13), the string engaging device (13) being configured to capture a monkey fist (51) at the base (14) of the arm.