DE3810546A1 - Rescue device for watercraft - Google Patents

Abstract

A rescue device for watercraft, consisting of at least one inflatable, elongated buoyancy body (1) which can be attached to the outer skin (3) of the watercraft (4), is mounted in a simple manner on the outer skin of the watercraft by a retaining rail (2) which extends over the length of the buoyancy body (1), can be attached to the outer skin (3) of the watercraft (4) or can be integrated in the outer skin (3), and has at least one guiding and retaining groove (5) arranged parallel to its extension direction and at least one elongated retaining element (8) which is fastened to the buoyancy body (1) and can be pushed into the guiding and retaining groove (5) from at least one front end. A strong connection is thereby obtained between the buoyancy body and the outer skin of the watercraft over the entire length of the buoyancy body without difficulties arising due to the rescue device during normal work at the watercraft such as launching and landing. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a rescue device for watercraft, consisting from at least one inflatable, on the outer skin of a what mountable elongated float.

Such rescue devices prevent the sinking of what watercraft in the event of an accident and are from several German Patent applications known (DE-OSen 34 21 904, 34 13 483, 32 27 348 and 31 05 427 and DE-AS 28 53 152).

From DE-OSen 34 21 904 and 34 13 483 are a rescue device cations of the type mentioned, in which the on inflatable float when not needed in one on the outside Skin of the watercraft attached box is jammed. in the If necessary, a pivot is hinged by means of hinges Open the flap of the box. With a predominantly bulbous shape ter outer skin of the watercraft, as in sailing yachts a conventional hinge technology cannot be used because the Hinge axes must align. At least in usually rounded bow and stern area of the water ride It is not possible to attach such boxes. Another disadvantage of these known rescue devices consists in the high installation effort, especially the bad ten manageability of the buoyancy body during assembly and the stability of the connection between the buoyancy body and the watercraft: in both cases one has to be virtually unsolvable bare connection between the buoyancy body and the storage box are produced or, as in DE-OS 34 13 483, Bolted connections used a seal for each Screw both in the area of the buoyancy body and in the loading richly requires the outer skin of the watercraft. In the end there is a high risk with such a hinge technology failure in the event of an emergency because the flaps and hinges are constantly exposed to sea water and therefore crust or  rust and become immobile.

From DE-OS 31 05 427 it is known a generic Rescue device through an essentially L-shaped profile Protect when not in use. This L-profile is on the ver binding edge fixed between hull and deck and in one mounted downward open position so that the underneath located floating body from above and the Side, but not from below, is protected. With this arrangement movable parts are eliminated, but the below, the arrangement of the L-profile is forced strengthen the buoyancy body on the outer skin of the water ride stuff even more difficult than with the ret processing devices; the merging and Stowing the buoyancy body below the L-profile is difficult, special means of security must be provided so that the float from the L-profile is not inadvertently falls out. Furthermore, the collapsed buoyancy body constantly exposed to the splashing sea water from below, leading to early embrittlement of the buoyancy body leads. Such fixed L-profiles protrude not maneuverably relatively far over the outer skin of the water ride stuff sideways; when putting the water ashore tension vehicle for overhaul work or for wintering the usual lifting straps therefore around the free profile leg of the L-profile; because of the considerable contact pressure of the lifting belts, the L-profile must therefore be dimensioned extremely stable, which in turn is necessary for the required elasticity to bend the L profile on the side of the side wall is cheap.

DE-OS 32 27 348 and DE-AS 28 53 152 are generic appropriate rescue devices known in which the buoyancy body in the event of an accident initially in the non-inflated Condition underneath or to the side along the hull of the water ride  be maneuvered and attached to the ends with ropes Need to become. Then the floats are inflated. These life-saving appliances from the ship's interior or from the deck too bring them to their place of work and professionally fertilize them there It often takes too long or becomes completely unstable when the sea is rough possible and endangers the crew when working outboard in unjustifiable way. In addition, these life-saving appliances also take part Not used on deck and in the ship's interior space or Storage space away and thus impair the normal life on board, at least on smaller yachts. Finally, the fasteners possibilities of such buoyancy bodies extraordinary poor, so that their stable position on the hull turns out to be extraordinarily difficult, and at sea the constant danger of slipping and related There are injuries to the buoyancy body.

Based on this, the invention is based on the object To create rescue device of the type mentioned, the known while avoiding the disadvantages listed above Constructions in a simple way on the outer skin of the water Vehicle is mountable, with a solid connection between between the buoyancy body and the outer skin of the watercraft is obtained over the entire length of the buoyancy, without that difficulties arise with the rescue device work on the watercraft, such as launching and surrendering to land.

This task is accomplished through a along the length of the buoyancy bar pers extending on the outer skin of the watercraft attachable or integrated support rail with at least one arranged parallel to their direction of extension and retaining groove and at least one attached to the buoyancy body, elongated, in the guiding and holding groove of at least one Retractable retractable holding element released.  

A rescue device according to the invention has i.a. the following Advantages:

• - It is also used on relatively heavily curved drop sides bar;
• - it can be retrofitted;
• - The buoyancy body is easy to assemble and removable, the holding rail ver as the side wall stiffening element with only a small depth permanently on the The watercraft remains mounted without being launched or hinder bringing ashore;
• - It is both for preventing the sinking of the watercraft in case of water ingress as well as preventive protection in special dangerous situations (heavy weather, hurricane, reef offer, drift ice fields) can be used and subsequently re-used stowable without impairing the functionality (Life rafts can only enter once on a trip be placed);
• - It is particularly advantageous for use on sails yachts, but generally also on all other objects attachable and as a lifesaving device to prevent sin kens can be used in an emergency;
• - Preventive protection against collision with driving Objects, thereby avoiding an emergency in advance can be.

The buoyancy bodies can consist of an elastically highly stretchable sheath as well as an essentially not or only slightly stretchable sheath. In the former case - according to a development of the invention - the elastically stretchable envelope in the uninflated state forms an elastic tube wall with a lateral spring action. The casing material in this case is comparatively thick-walled in the non-inflated state and therefore comparatively stable in shape, so that it has the effect of a fender extending along the outer skin of the watercraft in a substantially horizontal direction or a rubbing strip for protecting the outer skin during mooring and mooring maneuvers and in moored state of the watercraft takes over. In this embodiment, preferably highly stretchable materials, preferably consisting of elastomers, are used. In the uninflated state of such a buoyancy body, a escape of the remaining gas volume enclosed by the tube wall should be prevented by a check valve or the like, so that an air spring effect of the enclosed gas volume is added to the elastic spring effect of the pure shell material.

If, on the other hand, a relatively weakly stretchable, for example, fabric-reinforced casing material is used for the buoyancy body, as is known for inflatable dinghies and life rafts, the air can be almost completely removed from it. Then the casing material hangs limply. In this case, it is recommended - according to another development of the invention - to provide a cross-section approximately U-shaped, to the holding rail with its U-leg ends attachable profile piece made of elastic material for receiving the non-inflated buoyancy body. Due to its elasticity, this profile piece also adapts to curved hull shapes and permanently protects the buoyancy body from weather and seawater influences as well as mechanical damage; it also acts as a rubbing strake.

In both embodiments, the at least one can drive body with relatively little effort axially from the at least one guide and holding groove of the holding rail pulled out, e.g. for maintenance work on the float per, or to avoid lifting straps from lifting body mechanically load excessively. It is also possible to use the Hal teschiene initially only to be used as a rubbing strake, esp especially if a suitably shaped profile made of rubber or similar elastic material in the at least one guide and holding groove is inserted. The buoyancy bodies themselves can then retrofitted later or before the start of a comparison wise dangerous mission of the watercraft who assembled the.  

The rescue device according to the invention is attached to ships both long sides, possibly also at the rear. Using a holding rail with several, essentially parallel to mutually arranged guide and holding grooves can also additional devices for securing, recovering or lifting the Ship to be attached to the support rail, being a good one Force distribution on the outer skin of the watercraft achieved is cash.

The holding rail can in particular consist of metal, e.g. seawater resistant and / or anodized aluminum or rust free steel. But they are also plastics with a high fraction most, especially glass, carbon or metal fiber reinforced Plastics and (for relatively light wooden boats) also wood usable. The holding rail can be used when building the watercraft be integrated into the fuselage from the outset, in particular form part of the outer skin of the watercraft. E.g. it is possible for hulls built in negative forms fiber-reinforced plastic in the negative form in a suitable Easily attach the height of the keder-like profile body, which then when manufacturing the fuselage with the fiber reinforced Plastic are wrapped and after the fuselage has hardened be removed from the negative mold during demolding; successor This can be keder-shaped, especially of elastic Material existing profile body from the outside they enveloping guide and retaining grooves are separated. This process can optionally only take place if that Watercraft to be provided with the buoyancy body. It but can also be aligned with the drop side, pre manufactured support rails in the fuselage during its manufacture be installed, e.g. by laminating into fiber-reinforced Plastic hulls or welding into metal hulls or Gluing in wooden hulls.

The holding rail can e.g. in the area of connecting the fuselage  and deck of the watercraft but also be in any other any height on the fuselage, preferably slightly above the Floating water line, the lower the Anbrin location, the greater the inflated drive body achievable swimming stability. In special cases len can also be attached below the Floating water line can be advantageous, e.g. B. as protection against loading Damage to the underwater ship due to underwater obstacles se, like icebergs and the like.

The non-inflated floats can be used against Witte influences are protected and as small as possible be stowed that they are closely together in a suitable form placed and then thin with a plastic material are covered, e.g. sealed in a shrink wrap or with silicone or similar Covered material when folded will. This protective film or this cover are on blow the buoyancy body destroyed and get lost ren.

Suitable as non-stretchable or only slightly stretchable buoyancy bodies Hoses made of natural or artificial rubber, PVC, etc. Plastics, especially with a fabric insert. In particular re with larger watercraft can besides that from the front tubing mounted in additional tubing in others Guide and stop grooves in case of distress to achieve a close block buoyancy are drawn. In the case of very stretchy open multi-chamber systems can also be used where the inflatable tube in its longitudinal extension has at least one partition, so that at least two pa parallel elongated chambers are created.

Known Sy can be used to inflate the float systems are used, such as in the above Publications, in particular DE-OS 31 05 427 be be written. So you can also  with pressure relief valves, filling valves, check valves, etc. be equipped and both by means of compressed gases Inflated gas bottles as well as hand or foot pumps will. Appropriate configurations of the subject matter of the invention, which in particular a versatile use of the rescue plan direction and in particular the holding rail and the best possible protection of the non-inflated buoyancy bodies last are included in further claims.

The aforementioned components to be used according to the invention lie in their size, shape, material selection and technical conception no special exceptions, so that the known in the respective field of application election criteria can be applied without restriction. Further Details, characteristics and advantages of the subject matter of the invention result from the following description of the accompanying drawing, in the preferred embodiments he rescue devices according to the invention have been shown. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1a shows a rescue device in cross section - accordingly section along the line Ia-Ia of FIG. 3;

FIG. 1b shows a similar embodiment of the rescue device according to Fig 1a (without buoyancy bodies, but again with protection profile).

Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a Rettungsvor direction in the same representation as in Figure 1a / b with a non-inflated buoyancy body.

Figure 3 is a side view of a watercraft with an attached rescue device in different work situations (view A of FIG. 1a).

4a shows the same water vehicle in cross-section - average length ent the line Ia-Ia of Figure 3 - with a rescue device in non-use situation..;

Figure 4b is a water vehicle in the same representation as in Figure 4a with the inflated buoyancy bodies on both side walls and, disposed under the fuselage further inflatable buoyant bodies..;

Fig. 4c another watercraft in the representation as in Fig. 4a / b with two inflated NEN floating bodies arranged in parallel on each side of the hull;

5a shows a fourth embodiment of a rescue device in the same view as in Figure 1a with the mounted state U- or C-shaped protective profile..;

Fig. 5b the protective profile of FIG 5a in the relaxed state.

Fig. 6a / b, a fifth embodiment of a rescue device with non-inflated buoyancy body in two Ar beitspositionen: a.) With still open and b) having already closed protective profile (representation as in Figure 1a);

FIG. 6c shows a rescue device similar to that in FIGS. 6a / b with expanded application options;

Fig. 7a / b, a seventh and eighth embodiment of a rescue device with a closed protective profile and Fig. 8a / b, a ninth and tenth embodiment of a rescue device - similar to Fig. 7a, but with an expanded scope.

According to Fig. 1a, the rescue device consists of at least egg NEM elongated, in particular tubular buoyancy body 1 and a over the length of the buoyancy body 1 extending, on the outer skin 3 of a watercraft 4, not shown in detail, attachable or integrable into it ( Fig. 7a to 8b) holding rail 2 . In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1a, the holding rail 2 has a total of five identically designed guide and holding grooves 5 arranged parallel to one another and to the direction of extension of the holding rail 2 ; it can be connected to the outer skin 3 of the watercraft 4 permanently and stably by means of fastening bolts 7 which can be plugged through bores 6 and can also easily understand relatively strong bends in the outer skin.

The guide and holding grooves 5 have in approximately Ausfüh approximately examples (with the exception of Fig. 2 and 5a) on an approximately circular cross-section that goes in the input area 5 A of the guide and holding groove 5 in a bottle neck-shaped tapered opening. In this way, holding elements, in particular elongated holding elements, with a corresponding thickening of their cross-section, which is followed by a tapered material zone, can be inserted into the free ends of the guiding and holding grooves, ie retracted or inserted - like a dovetail or a piping guide. In the direction of the groove opening, that is to say transversely to the direction of extension of the groove, the holding elements cannot be pulled out of it. It is understood that the most diverse groove and holding element shapes serve this purpose.

Each buoyancy body 1 has at least one elongated holding element, which in the aforementioned sense can be inserted into a guide and holding groove 5 at least from one end, and is in particular keder-shaped.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, a differently shaped guide and holding groove 5 in cross-section and another holding element 8 that is also adapted to the shape fulfills the same purpose as in the other exemplary embodiments. Only in the exporting approximately example of FIG. 5a, the retaining element is not fitted forman 8 to the free cross-section of the guiding and holding-groove 5.

In most embodiments (. Except in Figures 2 and 4c) is a cross-section - at least in the assembled state - approximately U-shaped, of the support rail 2 with its U-limb ends 9 A / B attachable profile piece 9 (protective profile) of elastic Material, such as rubber, for receiving the uninflated drive body 1 is provided, at least one of the U-legs, preferably the lower U-leg end 9 A in the mounted position, is in one of the lower guide and holding grooves 5 of the holding rail 2 Can be inserted in the axial direction, such as the holding element 8 of the buoyancy body 1 . For this purpose, the U-leg end 9 A has a thickening 9 A ', which does not fill the guide and holding groove 5 in cross section, but is wider than the input area 5 A and therefore cannot be removed from the holding rail, ie not is lost. The overall smaller cross section of the thickening 9 A '(with respect to the cross section of the guide and retaining groove 5 ) allows in particular in connection with the material elasticity of the profile piece 9 and its elasticity in the area of the U-leg end 9 A a hinge-like after - Bottom flaps of the profile piece 9 - even in the case of a curved outer skin of the watercraft. The folded-down working position he gives itself from Fig. 1b and 6a. The free (inner) cross section of the profile piece 9 is chosen so that the completely vented buoyancy body 1 fits tightly rolled up or folded together. In the drawings, for the sake of clarity, the vented buoyancy body is less closely folded.

Both U-limb ends 9 A and 9 B of the profile piece 9 can catch elements 9 A '' and 9 B '' have, with which the profiled piece is locked to 9 with the support rail 2 after the breather ended float has been merged correspondingly. These locking elements can - but do not have to - be made of several individual elements spaced apart in the axial direction of the guide and holding grooves 5 or also extend continuously over the entire groove. In FIGS. 1a and 1b, the upper locking elements 9 B '' (for example) are shaped differently; the same applies to the cross section of the profile pieces 9 . The locking connection of the locking elements 9 A '' and 9 B '' is to provide the Pro filstück as tight and tight hold on the holding rail 2 , but on the other hand, can be easily opened, in particular if the buoyancy body 1 is inflated.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the buoyancy body 1 made of an elastically stretchable sheath 1 A, the state (illustrated) in the non-inflated elastic Rohrwan dung with lateral spring action (indicated by arrows) det bil. The holding member 8 is connected to the buoyancy body 1 over its entire length may be made of the same or a relatively less resiliently stretchable material as the sheath is 1 A.

In Fig. 3, the rescue device is shown both when not in use and in the inflated state.

The state when not in use also results from Fig. 4a, while in Fig. 4b and 4c rescue devices in use are shown. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4b, the holding rail 2 has additional guide and holding grooves 5 , as can be seen, for example, from FIGS . 6a / b, in particular below the profile piece 9 . In this, after inflating the buoyant body 1 as an additional rescue element, a web 10 made of elastic material is drawn in, which has keder-shaped elements 10 A at its opposite boundary edges. The web 10 is also an inflatable after pulling into the guide and holding grooves on the drive body and can serve, among other things, for leak sealing. From Fig. 4c it can be seen that additional buoyancy bodies parallel to the at least one buoyancy body 1 can be retracted into further guide and retaining grooves.

The protective profile for non-inflated buoyancy bodies can have an essentially U-shaped cross section even when not inserted into the holding rail. It is also possible, however, and shown in FIG. 5a / b, to use a profile which is approximately straight when not in use for the protective profile and which only assumes the U-shape in the position of use shown in FIG. 5a.

When using a protective profile, it is advantageous to watch at least three parallel guide and holding grooves 5 before ( Fig. 7a / b). Additional guiding and holding grooves accelerator as Fig 6c and 8 / b but enable a more diverse Ver applicability of the support rail 2, because this then both large and smaller floats or more buoyancy bodies used in parallel and -.. As shown in Figure 6c Darge provides - is also suitable for other life-saving appliances.

The holding rail 2 can form a U open to the outside if the protective profile 9 is to be kept particularly small ( FIG. 7b). The collapsed, uninflated buoyancy body per 1 can also be surrounded by a protective layer 11 that can be torn when inflated, which protects it from all weather influences and can make a protective profile unnecessary ( FIG. 7b).

In FIGS. 7a, 8a and 8b, different versions of integrated into the outer skin 3 of a watercraft holding slide are shown NEN, the embodiment shows a mold made of fiber-reinforced plastic with the hull of the water ride holding rail manufactured in one piece according to FIG. 7a, while in the embodiment 8a such as shown in FIG., the holding rail consists of an independent profile. B. consists of metal that is incorporated into the fiber-reinforced plastic body flush. The embodiment according to FIG. 8b shows a holding rail made of metal, which is welded as part of the side wall of a watercraft made of metal.

Claims (9)

Rescue device for watercraft, consisting of at least one inflatable, on the outer skin ( 3 ) of the watercraft ( 4 ) attachable, elongated buoyancy body ( 1 ), characterized by an over the length of the buoyancy body ( 1 ) which first on the outer skin ( 3 ) of the watercraft ( 4 ) to be brought in or integrated into the outer skin ( 3 ) integrable holding rail ( 2 ) with at least one guide and holding groove ( 5 ) arranged parallel to its direction of extension and at least one attached to the buoyancy body ( 1 ) elongated holding element ( 8 ) which can be inserted into the guide and holding groove ( 5 ) from at least one forehead. 2. Rescue device according to claim 1, characterized in that the buoyancy body ( 1 ) consists of an elastically stretchable sheath ( 1 A ) which forms an elastic tube wall with a lateral spring action in the non-inflated state. 3. Rescue device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a cross-section approximately U-shaped, on the support rail ne ( 2 ) with its U-leg ends ( 9 A and 9 B ) attachable profile piece ( 9 ) made of elastic material for receiving the not inflated float ( 1 ). 4. Rescue device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the U-leg ends ( 9 A , 9 B) in at least one further guide and holding groove ( 5 ) of the holding rail ( 2 ) can be inserted axially or laterally. 5. Rescue device according to claim 4, characterized in that in the at least one further guide and retaining groove ( 5 ) axially insertable or laterally lockable leg end ( 9 A ) in a first working position, a pivoting of the profile piece ( 9 ) downwards or Allowed above and in a second working position, in which such pivoting is not possible, can be laterally locked. 6. Rescue device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holding rail ( 2 ) has at least ei ne further guide and holding groove ( 5 ) for receiving further or differently sized rescue elements and / or supporting profile pieces ( 9 ) . 7. Rescue device according to claim 6, characterized by a web ( 10 ) made of elastic material which can be pulled under the water vehicle and at opposite limiting edges in each case a guide and retaining groove ( 5 ) from at least one front end insertable or retractable holding elements ( 10 A ). 8. Rescue device according to claim 7, characterized in that the web ( 10 ) made of elastic material is an inflatable buoyancy body. 9. Rescue device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the non-inflated, formge quite folded buoyancy body ( 1 ) is surrounded by a tearable protective layer ( 11 ) when inflated.