DE29504024U1 - Collapsible signal cone for machine-driven and sailed watercraft - Google Patents

Description

The black cone as a signal body*

According to Rule 20 (d)+(e) of the KVR**, as well as Annex I/No.6 (a),6 (a)(ii),6 (c) and Rule 25 (e) of the KVR**, in accordance with Section 8, Paragraph 3 of the SeeSchStrO. ***

*Also known in common parlance as "machine cone".
**KVR = Collision Prevention Rule (formerly:

SeeStrO, Sea Route Regulations) ***SeeSchStrO = Sea Route Regulations.

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The premises: International maritime law concerning

The KVR on signal bodies:

Rule 20 (d): <The rules concerning signal shapes must be followed during the day .> In addition to this , SeeSchStrO §2 Abs.2/1:< The time from sunrise to sunset.> Rule 20 (e) : The signal shapes must comply with the provisions of Annex I to the COLREGs . In this regard, Annex I 6 (a) : Signal shapes must be black and have the following dimensions: 6 (a)(ii) A cone must have a base with a diameter of at least 0.6 metres and a height equal to its diameter. Annex I 6 (c) : On a vessel less than 20 metres in length, signal shapes of smaller dimensions appropriate to the size of the vessel may be used. (Note: Based on the old SeeStrO, it previously said = <For vessels less than 19.80 m long (65 feet), the dimensions of these body signs may be up to half smaller .> Furthermore, the SSchStrO states in §8 (visual signs of vessels) paragraph (3): The signal bodies prescribed in this regulation may be replaced by devices that have the same appearance as the prescribed signal body from a distance in all directions.****

Rule 25(e) of the COLREGs: A vessel under sail and simultaneously under engine power shall exhibit a cone in the forecastle, point downwards, where it can best be seen.

****This is where the new development described overleaf comes in!

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State of the art

The engine cone, which has been available to sailors to date to mark their craft as "engine-driven", consists of stiff, heavy plastic plates that are bulky and unwieldy. The plates must be removed from the locker and put together, and the halyard and the downhaul must be tied in (attached) in order to be able to hoist the cone.

When lowering the cone, repeat the same process in reverse order until it is stowed again in the locker.

All in all, this is a very cumbersome process, which unfortunately often causes the skipper to refrain from setting the cone as required, which is particularly the case in rough seas and heavy weather.

Another utility model, as described above, is not available on the market or commercially.

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Foldable signal cone for motor-driven and sail-powered vessels.

The new development: General description:

The engine cone as a visual signal for vessels running under sail and engine must be quick, easy and easy to set. It is therefore designed to be foldable and can be carried firmly in a quiver made of elastic plastic or strong tarpaulin cloth on the mast foot or shroud, which always ensures that the vessel can be set quickly and identified. From these positions of the quiver described, the cone can be set with a headsail halyard or with a flag line (port spreader). (Port because right-hand traffic is required in the fairways and therefore oncoming or overtaking vessels can identify the vessel so designated as "engine-driven".)

The advantages:

No more awkward retrieval from the locker.

No complicated storage.

Quick to set in all situations.

Particularly suitable for use on small yachts.

Particularly advantageous for small crew (married couple).

If the halyard is securely attached, it can also be set and lowered from the cockpit using a double-disk pulley block!

No trouble with the water police!

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Construction description :

The core piece is a central universal joint with four spreader arms that can be folded upwards at an angle of 90°. These open and fold down when pulled, and can be folded back up again when the pull is released. There is an eye (ring) above and below the universal joint. The upper eye sits on a central axis that sits perpendicular to the joint and is used to attach the halyard for pre-hoisting. The length of the central axis corresponds to the length of the spreader arms. The lower eye is used to attach a rubber strap as a counter-pull. In the unfolded position, the spreader arms also form an angle of 90° to each other. However, they cannot be pulled in any direction further than "abeam" (horizontally) as they are blocked by the lower plate of the universal joint.

The perforated cams (corners) of the spreader arms are connected to each other on the outside by approx. 2-3 mm thick sail thread. When unfolded, this sail thread is taut. This is also where the inverted pyramid-shaped covering is attached. It is made of black, durable sail cloth and ends in a doubling of the cloth in the lower area for stabilization.

A double loop made of 4 mm plastic sailing thread is sewn into the lower tip of the cone. One loop extends inwards into the cone to attach the rubber strap, the other loop extends outwards to attach the downhaul. A thimble (a brass ring rolled on both sides) is also punched into the lower doubled part of the cloth, which serves to carry the halyard and to drain water in the event of rain or high-flying spray.

-6-The function:

If the machine cone is pre-heated and the halyard is pushed through (tensioned), the mechanism folds apart. When pulling it down, the process is reversed, as the tension is released when the halyard is released and the spring tension in the cone allows the mechanism to fold together so that the cone can be effortlessly pulled into the tulip-shaped quiver.

The materials:

The joint body can be made of stainless steel, seawater-resistant aluminium or hard plastic. The same applies to the spreading arms.

The covering of the cone should be as lean-to as possible. The canvas market offers enough choice for this. This also applies to the plastic yarns to be used.

The pull to fold the cone can be done using so-called "trapezoidal rubber", as used on racing dinghies. It can be easily replaced if the tension decreases, as it only needs to be knotted.

The quiver:

The material for the quiver is made of elastic plastic, similar to the quivers for winch handles, as used on yachts, or of strong tarpaulin cloth.

The dimensions: (seen in the silhouette)

Minimum width: 30 cm (for yachts under 20m) Minimum height: 30 cm (ditto)

Summary:

The visual signal for motor-driven and sailing vessels as described overleaf should be an asset and a relief for all seagoing yachts.

A survey conducted among sailors has now confirmed this.

It will be a one-time purchase, as only durable material will be used.

There are no concerns regarding shipping police regulations, as the prescribed dimensions are complied with and these only concern the external dimensions (silhouette).

The type and design of the visual signals are not prescribed.

Considering how many yachts enter and leave ports every day during the season, moving in narrow fairways, river mouths and other sea routes under sail and engine, this new development is a welcome and valuable addition to the equipment of every seagoing yacht.

Claims (2)

*" : *··" ; " *"· Werner Kelp Schwarzer Weg 31224 Peine Protection claims 1.) Collapsible signal cone for engine-driven and sail-powered vessels, characterized, that it consists of a central universal joint made of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic with spreading arms and canvas covering. 2.) Signal cone according to protection claim retractable into an associated permanently mounted quiver.