EP0178963A1 - Stabilisation system for inflatable rafts - Google Patents

Stabilisation system for inflatable rafts Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0178963A1
EP0178963A1 EP85401749A EP85401749A EP0178963A1 EP 0178963 A1 EP0178963 A1 EP 0178963A1 EP 85401749 A EP85401749 A EP 85401749A EP 85401749 A EP85401749 A EP 85401749A EP 0178963 A1 EP0178963 A1 EP 0178963A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pocket
stabilization system
toroidal
raft
water
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
EP85401749A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0178963B1 (en
Inventor
Gilles Calandra
Jean-Claude Amichaud
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Safran Aerosystems SAS
Original Assignee
Aerazur EFA SA
Aerazur SAS
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Publication of EP0178963A1 publication Critical patent/EP0178963A1/en
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Publication of EP0178963B1 publication Critical patent/EP0178963B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/081—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like having compartments comprising elements which are filled with gas by deployment, e.g. sponge-like elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B39/00—Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movements; Apparatus for indicating vessel attitude

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to stabilization systems for inflatable liferafts made up of a toroidal water bag fixed to the periphery of the raft under the lower flotation flange and under the bottom.
  • toroidal water bag constituted by a toroidal chamber delimiting under the raft bottom a space open at its lower part.
  • the interior wall of the chamber is pierced with openings allowing communication between the central space and the chamber, this communication being prevented in the opposite direction by flaps.
  • Other openings, located on the outer wall of the chamber, allow water to enter and exit the chamber.
  • the forces transmitted between the water bag and the structure of the raft can reach very high levels in heavy weather. If the raft is carried out, as is the case for rafts for aeronautical use, with light fabrics therefore limited in mechanical strength, a rupture between the water bag and the raft proper may occur. In addition, stress concentrations may occur at the level of the water passage holes, which necessitates reinforcements of these zones.
  • the known stabilization device constituted by the water bag is more bulky in packaging than conventional devices. This is due to the use of waterproof coated fabrics and the use of rigid weights intended to facilitate deployment in the water of the toroidal chamber.
  • the invention proposes to produce the toroidal chamber with a geometry making it possible to remove the rectangular edges and to receive a flexible ballast.
  • the bottom of the toroidal pocket can have a cross-sectional shape in section, which makes it possible to eliminate the angular edges and to receive a flexible ballast allowing easy folding.
  • the toroidal pocket can have a vertical interior partitioning, of limited height, which makes it possible, in connection with the continuous nets carried by the walls, to facilitate evacuation. part of the water in the pocket.
  • provision may be made to equip the interior walls of the pocket with an inflatable frame.
  • FIG. 1 and 2 there is shown schematically an inflatable raft comprising two superimposed inflatable tubes 1, 2, the upper tube 1 serving as a support for a flexible roof 3 and the lower tube 2 being integral with the bottom 4 of the raft.
  • a water bag 5 made of flexible coated or uncoated waterproof fabric is fixed to the lower part of the tube 2.
  • the bag 5, forming a toroidal chamber consists of two vertical walls 6, 7 connected together by a bottom 8 which presents in section an arc shape.
  • the polygonal shape of the water pocket 5 is in agreement with that of the lower rod 2 of the raft.
  • the vertical walls 6, 7 of the pocket 5 are each continued by a continuous orifice around the entire periphery of these walls, this orifice being constituted by a mesh, respectively 9, 10.
  • Fastening elements 11 connect the pocket toroldale 5 to the structure of the raft that is to say lower auboudin 2 and the bottom 4.
  • the pocket 5 has, from its base 8 to the orifices 9, 10, a partition 12.
  • the number of partitions depends on the shape of the boat.
  • Each partition 12 is fixed by its periphery to the walls of the toroidal pocket and a flexible textile link 13 ensures the attachment to the flange 2 by a flexible connection reinforcing the partition 12 in its middle.
  • a hole 14 of suitable diameter allows emptying of the various compartments of the toroidal pocket 5 after lifting the boat without, however, in use, allowing the water to wobble from one compartment to the other.
  • the external 9 and internal 10 connecting nets which provide the connection between the toroidal pocket 5 and the structure of the raft, distribute the forces evenly and make it possible to avoid stress concentrations.
  • these nets act as a regulator by limiting the exchange of water between the pocket 5, the exterior and the central space 15 located under the bottom 4 of the raft. This results in effective damping of the transmission of water movements to the raft passengers.
  • the bottom 8 of the pocket 5 is rounded, which simplifies manufacture and makes it possible to ballast the pocket with a flexible ballast (not shown in the drawing), for example lines of lead grains.
  • the operation of the stabilization system is immediately understood from the above description.
  • the weighted pocket 5 is deployed while the water penetrates through the meshes of the nets 9, 10 and fills this pocket.
  • the raft In heavy and choppy sea the raft being subjected to movements, in particular vertical reciprocating, the surface of the nets 9, 10 makes it possible to eliminate a significant body of water during the upward movement of the boat, which leads to damping efforts increasing passenger comfort and particularly protecting the connection 11 of the pocket 5 on the float 2 of the raft from excessively high stresses.
  • the pocket 5 fills up again.
  • This frame consists of flexible tubing 16 made of coated fabric, plastic or other suitable gas-tight material.
  • the frame is flexibly connected to the float (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and at several points in the chamber 5. When the frame 16 inflates, it takes shape and, bearing on the float, it achieves almost immediate shaping of the pocket.
  • the inflation of the frame can be controlled automatically. cally, by means of known systems, either from the inflation of the main floats of the boat, or from the simple contact of the boat with water.
  • a bottle 17 containing a gas for example CO 2
  • the bottle 17 contains a sufficient quantity of gas for supply the armature 16 at a pressure sufficient for the efficiency of the system, and the volume of this armature is provided as small as possible so that on the one hand there is no buoyancy detrimental to the good functioning of the system and, on the other hand, to allow its operation from a reduced capacity of the bottle 17.
  • the control head 18 of the bottle 17 can be activated by a lever (not shown) to which one end of a halyard of sufficient strength is attached, the second end being fixed at a point on the boat which is not far away when that -this is folded.
  • a lever not shown
  • the length of the control halyard being constant, the extreme attachment points move away, which causes traction on the lever initiating the inflation of the frame 16.
  • the control head 18 of the bottle 17 can also be activated by a pusher under the action of a spring previously compressed and held in place by an intermediate piece having the property of disintegrating under the action of water. We then understand that, as soon as the boat falls into the water, the inflation of the frame 16 is initiated.
  • the maintenance of the toroidal pocket 5 is facilitated by providing for the fixing of this pocket to the raft structure by means of lacing strips 19, which can be replaced by any other suitable system allowing the standard exchange of the toroidal pocket 5.
  • Inspection windows 20, closed by lacing strips or any other suitable device, are also provided on the vertical walls 6, 7 of the pocket 5.

Abstract

1. Stabilisation system for rescue rafts, comprising a toroidal pouch (5) formed of flexible waterproof fabric affixed by connecting members (11) below the floating ring (2) and the raft floor (4) to form below said floor (4) a space (15) open in its lower portion, the vertical external (6) and internal walls (7) of said pouch having apertures for the passage of water, characterised in that the apertures formed in the walls (6, 7) of the pouch (5) are disposed in continuous manner round the entire circumference of these walls and comprise netting (9, 10) facilitating supply of water to the pouch.

Description

La présente invention concerne les systèmes de stabilisation pour radeau pneumatique de sauvetage oonstitués par une poche à eau de forme toroldale fixée à la périphérie du radeau sous le boudin de flottaison inférieur et sous le fond.The present invention relates to stabilization systems for inflatable liferafts made up of a toroidal water bag fixed to the periphery of the raft under the lower flotation flange and under the bottom.

Dans ce domaine, on a déjà proposé des systèmes de stabilisation par poche à eau toroidale constituée par une chambre toroïdale délimitant sous le fond de radeau un espace ouvert à sa partie inférieure. La paroi intérieure de la chambre est percée d'ouvertures permettant une communication entre l'espace central et la chambre, cette communication étant empêchée en sens inverse par des clapets. D'autres ouvertures, situées sur la paroi extérieure de la chambre, permettent à l'eau d'entrer et de sortir de la chambre.In this area, stabilization systems have already been proposed using a toroidal water bag constituted by a toroidal chamber delimiting under the raft bottom a space open at its lower part. The interior wall of the chamber is pierced with openings allowing communication between the central space and the chamber, this communication being prevented in the opposite direction by flaps. Other openings, located on the outer wall of the chamber, allow water to enter and exit the chamber.

Il s'ensuit la création d'un vide partiel sous le radeau conduisant à créer une force de résistance au mouvement de soulèvement du radeau hors de l'eau qui s'oppose par gros temps au risque de retournement du radeau en supprimant la possibilité au vent de passer sous le radeau et de le soulever.It follows the creation of a partial vacuum under the raft leading to create a force of resistance to the lifting movement of the raft out of the water which opposes in heavy weather the risk of overturning the raft by eliminating the possibility of wind to pass under the raft and to lift it.

Néanmoins, les efforts transmis entre la poche à eau et la structure du radeau peuvent atteindre par gros temps des niveaux très élevés. Si le radeau est réalisé, comme c'est le cas pour des radeaux à usage aéronautique, avec des tissus légers donc limités en tenue mécanique, une rupture entre la poche à eau et le radeau proprement dit risque de se produire. Par ailleurs, des concentrations d'effort peuvent se présenter au niveau des trous de passage de l'eau ce qui nécessite des renforcements de ces zones.However, the forces transmitted between the water bag and the structure of the raft can reach very high levels in heavy weather. If the raft is carried out, as is the case for rafts for aeronautical use, with light fabrics therefore limited in mechanical strength, a rupture between the water bag and the raft proper may occur. In addition, stress concentrations may occur at the level of the water passage holes, which necessitates reinforcements of these zones.

D'autre part, le dispositif de stabilisation connu constitué par la poche à eau est plus encombrant au conditionnement que les dispositifs classiques. Ceci est dû à l'emploi de tissus enduits étanches et à l'emploi de lests rigides destinés à faciliter le déploiement dans l'eau de la chambre toroldale.On the other hand, the known stabilization device constituted by the water bag is more bulky in packaging than conventional devices. This is due to the use of waterproof coated fabrics and the use of rigid weights intended to facilitate deployment in the water of the toroidal chamber.

La présente invention a pour objet d'éviter les inconvénients exposés ci-dessus et elle propose à cet effet un système de stabilisation pour radeaux pneumatiques dans lequel la liaison entre la chambre à eau toroïdale et l'embarcation est adaptée.:

  • - de façon à répartir au maximum les efforts entre la chambre toroldale et la structure du radeau et à supprimer les concentrations de contraintes au droit des trous d'alimentation de la poche,
  • - de façon à éviter un effet de succion trop important afin de créer un amortissement des mouvements relatifs du radeau par rapport à l'eau.
The object of the present invention is to avoid the inconveniences vénients exposed above and it proposes for this purpose a stabilization system for inflatable rafts in which the connection between the toroidal water chamber and the boat is adapted:
  • - so as to distribute the forces as much as possible between the toroidal chamber and the structure of the raft and to eliminate the concentrations of stresses in line with the supply holes in the pocket,
  • - so as to avoid an excessive suction effect in order to create a damping of the relative movements of the raft with respect to the water.

De plus, l'invention propose de réaliser la chambre toroldale avec une géométrie permettant de supprimer les arêtes rectangulaires et de recevoir un lest souple.In addition, the invention proposes to produce the toroidal chamber with a geometry making it possible to remove the rectangular edges and to receive a flexible ballast.

Selon l'invention, les parois verticales extérieure et intérieure de la poche toroldale présentent chacune, sur tout son pourtour, un orifice continu constitué par une résille. Ces résilles externe et interne ont un double rôle :

  • - un rôle mécanique en assurant la liaison entre la poche et la structure du radeau, la résille répartissant de façon homogène les efforts et évitant les concentrations de contraintes,
  • - un rôle régulateur en limitant les échanges d'eau entre la poche, l'extérieur et l'espace central situé sous le fond du radeau, sans toutefois emprisonner l'eau située dans l'espace central. Il en résulte un ancrage moins étroit du radeau à la surface de l'eau, ce qui permet d'amortir la transmission des mouvements de l'eau aux passagers du radeau, et également un effet de coupe vent efficace bien que le vent puisse passer à travers les mailles de la résille.
According to the invention, the outer and inner vertical walls of the toroidal pocket each have, over its entire periphery, a continuous orifice constituted by a mesh. These external and internal nets have a dual role:
  • - a mechanical role by ensuring the connection between the pocket and the structure of the raft, the fishnet distributing the forces homogeneously and avoiding stress concentrations,
  • - a regulatory role by limiting the exchange of water between the pocket, the exterior and the central space located under the bottom of the raft, without however trapping the water located in the central space. This results in a less tight anchorage of the raft on the surface of the water, which makes it possible to dampen the transmission of the movements of the water to the passengers of the raft, and also an effective windbreak effect although the wind can pass through the mesh of the fishnet.

Avantageusement, le fond de la poche toroïdale peut présenter en section une forme en arc de cercle, ce qui permet de supprimer les arêtes angulaires et de recevoir un lest souple autorisant un pliage facile. Egalement, la poche toroldale peut présenter un cloisonnement intérieur vertical, de hauteur limitée, qui permet en liaison avec les résilles continues portées par les parois de faciliter l'évacuation d'une partie de l'eau contenue dans la poche.Advantageously, the bottom of the toroidal pocket can have a cross-sectional shape in section, which makes it possible to eliminate the angular edges and to receive a flexible ballast allowing easy folding. Also, the toroidal pocket can have a vertical interior partitioning, of limited height, which makes it possible, in connection with the continuous nets carried by the walls, to facilitate evacuation. part of the water in the pocket.

Pour faciliter le déploiement de la poche toroïdale, lors du gonflage du radeau, on peut prévoir d'équiper les parois intérieures de la poche d'une armature gonflable.To facilitate the deployment of the toroidal pocket, during inflation of the raft, provision may be made to equip the interior walls of the pocket with an inflatable frame.

On peut aussi prévoir de relier les parois verticales de la poche toroïdale à la structure du radeau par un moyen de liaison démontable tel par exemple qu'une bande de laçage.One can also provide for connecting the vertical walls of the toroidal pocket to the structure of the raft by a removable connection means such as for example a lacing strip.

Pour bien faire comprendre le système de stabilisation selon l'invention on en décrira ci-après, à titre d'exemple sans caractère limitatif, une forme d'exécution préférée et des variantes, en référence au dessin schématique annexé dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en élévation d'un radeau pneumatique équipé d'un système de stabilisation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est, à plus grande échelle, une vue de détail de la figure 1 en coupe verticale montrant plus particulièrement le système de stabilisation ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue perspective, avec arrachement partiel, d'une variante de chambre à eau toroldale équipée d'une armature gonflable assurant le déploiement de cette chambre ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue partielle en coupe verticale de la chambre toroïdale de la figure 3 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue partielle en élévation d'un radeau pneumatique équipé d'une autre variante de chambre toroïdale amovible ; et
  • la figure 6 est une vue schématique en coupe verticale de la figure 5.
To make the stabilization system according to the invention clearly understood, a preferred embodiment and variants thereof will be described below, by way of example without limitation, with reference to the appended schematic drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 is an elevational view of a pneumatic raft equipped with a stabilization system according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is, on a larger scale, a detail view of Figure 1 in vertical section showing more particularly the stabilization system;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a variant of toroidal water chamber equipped with an inflatable frame ensuring the deployment of this chamber;
  • Figure 4 is a partial view in vertical section of the toroidal chamber of Figure 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a partial elevation view of a pneumatic raft fitted with another variant of a removable toroidal chamber; and
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view in vertical section of FIG. 5.

En référence aux figures 1 et 2, on a schématisé un radeau pneumatique comprenant deux boudins gonflables superposés 1, 2, le boudin supérieur 1 servant de support pour un toit souple 3 et le boudin inférieur 2 étant solidaire du fond 4 du radeau. Une poche à eau 5 en tissu souple imperméable enduit ou non enduit est fixée à la partie inférieure du boudin 2. La poche 5, formant une chambre de forme toroïdale, est constituée de deux parois verticales 6, 7 reliées ensemble par un fond 8 qui présente en section une forme en arc de cercle. En plan, la forme polygonale de la poche à eau 5 est en concordance avec celle du boudin inférieur 2 du radeau.Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown schematically an inflatable raft comprising two superimposed inflatable tubes 1, 2, the upper tube 1 serving as a support for a flexible roof 3 and the lower tube 2 being integral with the bottom 4 of the raft. A water bag 5 made of flexible coated or uncoated waterproof fabric is fixed to the lower part of the tube 2. The bag 5, forming a toroidal chamber, consists of two vertical walls 6, 7 connected together by a bottom 8 which presents in section an arc shape. In plan, the polygonal shape of the water pocket 5 is in agreement with that of the lower rod 2 of the raft.

Vers le haut, les parois verticales 6, 7 de la poche 5 se continuent chacune par un orifice continu sur tout le pourtour de ces parois, cet orifice étant constitué par une résille, respectivement 9, 10. Des éléments de fixation 11 relient la poche toroldale 5 à la structure du radeau c'est-à-dire auboudin inférieur 2 et au fond 4.Upwards, the vertical walls 6, 7 of the pocket 5 are each continued by a continuous orifice around the entire periphery of these walls, this orifice being constituted by a mesh, respectively 9, 10. Fastening elements 11 connect the pocket toroldale 5 to the structure of the raft that is to say lower auboudin 2 and the bottom 4.

La poche 5 comporte, de sa base 8 jusqu'aux orifices 9, 10, un cloisonnement 12. Le nombre de cloisons dépend de la forme de l'embarcation. Chaque cloison 12 est fixée par son pourtour aux parois de la poche toroïdale et un lien textile souple 13 assure la fixation au boudin 2 par une liaison souple renforçant la cloison 12 en son milieu. Au bas de chaque cloison 12, un trou 14 de diamètre convenable permet une vidange des différents compartiments de la poche toroldale 5 après relevage de l'embarcation sans cependant, en utilisation, permettre un ballottement de l'eau d'un compartiment à l'autre.The pocket 5 has, from its base 8 to the orifices 9, 10, a partition 12. The number of partitions depends on the shape of the boat. Each partition 12 is fixed by its periphery to the walls of the toroidal pocket and a flexible textile link 13 ensures the attachment to the flange 2 by a flexible connection reinforcing the partition 12 in its middle. At the bottom of each partition 12, a hole 14 of suitable diameter allows emptying of the various compartments of the toroidal pocket 5 after lifting the boat without, however, in use, allowing the water to wobble from one compartment to the other.

Les résilles de liaison externe 9 et interne 10, qui assurent la liaison entre la poche toroïdale 5 et la structure du radeau, répartissent de façon homogène les efforts et permettent d'éviter les concentrations de contraintes. De plus, ces résilles agissent comme un régulateur en limitant les échanges d'eau entre la poche 5, l'extérieur et l'espace central 15 situé sous le fond 4 du radeau. Il en résulte un amortissement efficace de la transmission des mouvements de l'eau aux passagers du radeau.The external 9 and internal 10 connecting nets, which provide the connection between the toroidal pocket 5 and the structure of the raft, distribute the forces evenly and make it possible to avoid stress concentrations. In addition, these nets act as a regulator by limiting the exchange of water between the pocket 5, the exterior and the central space 15 located under the bottom 4 of the raft. This results in effective damping of the transmission of water movements to the raft passengers.

Le fond 8 de la poche 5 est arrondi, ce qui simplifie la fabrication et permet d'effectuer le lestage de la poche par un lest souple (non représenté au dessin), par exemple des lignes de grains de plomb.The bottom 8 of the pocket 5 is rounded, which simplifies manufacture and makes it possible to ballast the pocket with a flexible ballast (not shown in the drawing), for example lines of lead grains.

Le fonctionnement du système de stabilisation se comprend immédiatement d'après la description qui précède. Pendant la phase de gonflement de la structure du radeau, la poche lestée 5 se déploie tandis que l'eau pénètre à travers les mailles des résilles 9, 10 et remplit cette poche.The operation of the stabilization system is immediately understood from the above description. During the swelling phase of the raft structure, the weighted pocket 5 is deployed while the water penetrates through the meshes of the nets 9, 10 and fills this pocket.

L'air emprisonné dans l'espace central 15 sous le fond 4 du radeau tend, sous l'effet du poids des passagers, à s'éliminer vers l'extérieur a travers les résilles et permet ainsi l'ancrage correct du radeau sur la surface de l'eau.The air trapped in the central space 15 under the bottom 4 of the raft tends, under the effect of the weight of the passengers, to be eliminated towards the outside through the nets and allows thus the correct anchoring of the raft on the surface of the water.

Par mer forte et hachée le radeau étant soumis à des mouvements, en particulier verticaux alternatifs, la surface des résilles 9, 10 permet d'éliminer une masse d'eau significative lors du mouvement montant de l'embarcation, ce qui conduit à un amortissement des efforts augmentant le confort des passagers et protégeant particulièrement la liaison 11 de la poche 5 sur le flotteur 2 du radeau de contraintes trop élevées. Lors de la descente du radeau, la poche 5 se remplit à nouveau.In heavy and choppy sea the raft being subjected to movements, in particular vertical reciprocating, the surface of the nets 9, 10 makes it possible to eliminate a significant body of water during the upward movement of the boat, which leads to damping efforts increasing passenger comfort and particularly protecting the connection 11 of the pocket 5 on the float 2 of the raft from excessively high stresses. When the raft is lowered, the pocket 5 fills up again.

Selon une variante représentée aux figurés 3 et 4 on assure, pendant la phase de gonflement de la structure du radeau, un déploiement actif de la chambre toroidale 5. En effet, en plus du rôle d'ancrage en vue d'empêcher le retournement de l'embarcation, la poche à eau a un autre rôle important qui est de limiter la dérive de l'embarcation sous l'action du vent, en particulier lors d'un naufrage au moment de la mise à l'eau de l'embarcation (bien que celle-ci soit attachée à l'aéronef naufragé, cet amarrage peut céder sous l'action du vent ou du fait que l'appareil naufragé sombre avant que ses passagers aient pu embarquer à bord de l'embarcation de sauvetage qui se trouve ainsi libérée) ou lorsque l'embarcation de sauvetage est parachutée à des naufragés.According to a variant shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, active deployment of the toroidal chamber 5 is ensured during the inflation phase of the raft structure. In fact, in addition to the role of anchoring in order to prevent the overturning of the water pocket has another important role which is to limit the drift of the boat under the action of the wind, in particular during a sinking at the time of launching the boat (although it is attached to the wrecked aircraft, this mooring may fail under the action of the wind or the fact that the wrecked aircraft sinks before its passengers have been able to board the lifeboat which is found freed) or when the lifeboat is parachuted to shipwrecked.

Dans le cas d'une poche à eau qui se remplit sous la simple action du lest, le remplissage même partiel peut prendre un certain temps d'autant que l'embarcation est inoccupée Celle-ci peut en conséquence dériver fortement durant ce laps de temps, rendant son accès d'autant plus difficile, voir impossibleIn the case of a water bag which fills under the simple action of the ballast, even partial filling can take a certain time as long as the boat is unoccupied This can consequently drift sharply during this period of time , making access all the more difficult, or even impossible

Le déploiement actif de la chambre toroidale 5, palliant cet inconvénient, s'obtient au moyen d'une armature gonflable disposée à l'intérieur de cette chambre. Cette armature est constituée par une tuyauterie souple 16 en tissu enduit, en matière plastique ou autre matériau approprié étanche aux gaz. L'armature est reliée de façon souple au flotteur (non représenté aux figures 3 et 4) et à plusieurs points de la chambre 5. Lorsque l'armature 16 se gonfle, elle se met en forme et, prenant appui sur le flotteur, elle réalise la mise en forme pratiquement immédiate de la poche.The active deployment of the toroidal chamber 5, which overcomes this drawback, is obtained by means of an inflatable frame placed inside this chamber. This frame consists of flexible tubing 16 made of coated fabric, plastic or other suitable gas-tight material. The frame is flexibly connected to the float (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and at several points in the chamber 5. When the frame 16 inflates, it takes shape and, bearing on the float, it achieves almost immediate shaping of the pocket.

Le gonflage de l'armature peut être commandé automatiquement, au moyen de systèmes connus, soit à partir du gonflement des flotteurs principaux de l'embarcation, soit à partir du simple contact de l'embarcation avec l'eau. A cet effet, une bouteille 17 contenant un gaz (par exemple du CO2) est disposée dans la poche à eau 5 et sa tête dé commande 18 est reliée à l'armature gonflable 16. La bouteille 17 contient une quantité suffisante de gaz pour alimenter l'armature 16 à une pression suffisante pour l'efficacité du système, et le volume de cette armature est prévu aussi petit que possible de manière d'une part à ce qu'il n'y ait pas une flottabilité préjudiciable à la bonne marche du système et, d'autre part, à permettre son fonctionnement à partir d'une capacité réduite de la bouteille 17.The inflation of the frame can be controlled automatically. cally, by means of known systems, either from the inflation of the main floats of the boat, or from the simple contact of the boat with water. For this purpose, a bottle 17 containing a gas (for example CO 2 ) is placed in the water bag 5 and its control head 18 is connected to the inflatable frame 16. The bottle 17 contains a sufficient quantity of gas for supply the armature 16 at a pressure sufficient for the efficiency of the system, and the volume of this armature is provided as small as possible so that on the one hand there is no buoyancy detrimental to the good functioning of the system and, on the other hand, to allow its operation from a reduced capacity of the bottle 17.

La tête de commande 18 de la bouteille 17 peut être activée par un levier (non représenté) auquel on attache une extrémité d'une drisse de résistance suffisante, la seconde extrémité étant fixée en un point de l'embarcation qui est peu éloigné lorsque celle-ci est pliée. Lors du gonflement de l'embarcation, la longueur de la drisse de commande étant constante, les points d'attache extrêmes s'éloignent ce qui provoque une traction sur le levier initiant le gonflage de l'armature 16.The control head 18 of the bottle 17 can be activated by a lever (not shown) to which one end of a halyard of sufficient strength is attached, the second end being fixed at a point on the boat which is not far away when that -this is folded. When the boat is inflated, the length of the control halyard being constant, the extreme attachment points move away, which causes traction on the lever initiating the inflation of the frame 16.

La tête de commande 18 de la bouteille 17 peut aussi être activée par un poussoir sous l'action d'un ressort préalablement comprimé et maintenu en place par une pièce intermédiaire ayant la propriété de se désagréger sous l'action de l'eau. On comprend alors que, dès que l'embarcation tombe à l'eau, le gonflage de l'armature 16 est initié.The control head 18 of the bottle 17 can also be activated by a pusher under the action of a spring previously compressed and held in place by an intermediate piece having the property of disintegrating under the action of water. We then understand that, as soon as the boat falls into the water, the inflation of the frame 16 is initiated.

Selon une autre variante, représentée aux figures 5 et 6, on facilite la maintenance de la poche toroidale 5 en prévoyant la fixation de cette poche à la structure de radeau au moyen de bandes de laçage 19, pouvant être remplacées par tout autre système adéquat permettant l'échange standard de la poche toroldale 5. Des fenêtres de visite 20, fermées par bandes de laçage ou tout autre dispositif convenable, sont également prévues sur les parois verticales 6, 7 de la poche 5.According to another variant, represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, the maintenance of the toroidal pocket 5 is facilitated by providing for the fixing of this pocket to the raft structure by means of lacing strips 19, which can be replaced by any other suitable system allowing the standard exchange of the toroidal pocket 5. Inspection windows 20, closed by lacing strips or any other suitable device, are also provided on the vertical walls 6, 7 of the pocket 5.

On comprendra que la description ci-dessus a été donnée à simple titre d'exemple, sans caractère limitatif, et que des adjonctions ou des modifications constructives pourraient y être apportées sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications qui suivent.It will be understood that the above description has been given by way of example, without limitation, and that additions or constructive modifications could be made to it. be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims which follow.

Claims (10)

1. Système de stabilisation pour radeaux pneumatiques constitué par une poche toroldale (5) en tissu souple imperméable fixée par des éléments de liaison (11) sous le boudin de flottaison (2) et le fond (4) du radeau en délimitant sous ce fond (4) un espace (15) ouvert à sa partie inférieure, les parois verticales extérieure (6) et intérieure (7) de ladite poche présentant des ouvertures pour le passage de l'eau, caractérisé par le fait que les ouvertures ménagées dans les parois (6, 7) de la poche (5) sont disposées de façon continue sur tout le pourtour de ces parois en étant constituées par des résilles (9, 10) facilitant l'alimentation en eau de la poche.1. Stabilization system for inflatable rafts consisting of a toroidal pocket (5) of flexible waterproof fabric fixed by connecting elements (11) under the flotation tube (2) and the bottom (4) of the raft, delimiting under this bottom (4) a space (15) open at its lower part, the outer (6) and inner (7) vertical walls of said pocket having openings for the passage of water, characterized in that the openings formed in the walls (6, 7) of the pocket (5) are arranged continuously around the entire periphery of these walls, being formed by nets (9, 10) facilitating the supply of water to the pocket. 2. Système de stabilisation selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que le fond (8) de la poche (5) présente en section une forme en arc de cercle.2. Stabilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom (8) of the pocket (5) has in section a shape in an arc. 3. Système de stabilisation selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait que la poche toroldale (5) est chargée par un lest souple, continu ou discontinu, facilitant le déploiement de la poche et autorisant un pliage facile.3. Stabilization system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the toroidal pocket (5) is loaded with a flexible ballast, continuous or discontinuous, facilitating the deployment of the pocket and allowing easy folding. 4. Système de stabilisation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la poche toroldale (5) comporte un cloisonnement vertical (12) limité en hauteur qui permet, en liaison avec les orifices déterminés par les résilles (9, 10), de faciliter l'évacuation d'une partie de l'eau contenue dans la poche.4. Stabilization system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toroidal pocket (5) comprises a vertical partition (12) limited in height which allows, in connection with the orifices determined by the nets (9, 10), to facilitate the evacuation of part of the water contained in the pocket. 5. Système de stabilisation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la poche toroidale (5) comporte intérieurement, fixée de façon souple à ses parois et au boudin de floraison, une armature (16) dont le gonflage assure le déploiement actif de la poche.5. Stabilization system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toroidal pocket (5) has internally, flexibly fixed to its walls and to the flowering rod, a frame (16) whose inflation ensures active deployment of the pocket. 6. Système de stabilisation selon la revendication 5, caractérisé par le fait que l'armature gonflable (16) est constituée par une tuyauterie souple.6. Stabilization system according to claim 5, characterized in that the inflatable frame (16) is constituted by a flexible pipe. 7. Système de stabilisation selon la revendication 5 ou la revendication 6, caractérisé par une bouteille de gaz (17) disposée à l'intérieur de la poche toroïdale (5) et reliée à l'armature gonflable (16) pour assurer sélectivement le gonflage de celle-ci.7. Stabilization system according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized by a gas bottle (17) disposed inside the toroidal pocket (5) and connected to the inflatable frame (16) to selectively ensure inflation of it. 8. Système de stabilisation selon la revendication 7, caractérisé par des moyens associés à la tête de commande (18) de la bouteille de gaz (17) pour commander automatiquement le gonflage de l'armature (16) à partir du gonflement des flotteurs principaux ou du simple contact du radeau avec l'eauo8. Stabilization system according to claim 7, characterized by means associated with the control head (18) of the gas cylinder (17) for automatically controlling the inflation of the frame (16) from the inflation of the main floats or from the simple contact of the raft with the eauo 9o Système de stabilisation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la liaison entre la poche toroïdale (5) et la structure du radeau (2, 4) est assurée par un moyen détachable tel qu'une bande de laçage (19).9 o stabilization system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the toroidal pocket (5) and the structure of the raft (2, 4) is provided by a detachable means such as a strip of lacing (19). 10. Système de stabilisation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la poche toroïdale (5) comporte au moins une fenêtre de visite à fermeture par bande de laçage (20) ou moyen équivalent.10. Stabilization system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toroidal pocket (5) comprises at least one inspection window closed by lacing strip (20) or equivalent means.
EP19850401749 1984-09-10 1985-09-09 Stabilisation system for inflatable rafts Expired EP0178963B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8413830A FR2570047B1 (en) 1984-09-10 1984-09-10 IMPROVED STABILIZATION SYSTEM FOR PNEUMATIC RAILS
FR8413830 1984-09-10

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EP0178963A1 true EP0178963A1 (en) 1986-04-23
EP0178963B1 EP0178963B1 (en) 1988-02-24

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EP19850401749 Expired EP0178963B1 (en) 1984-09-10 1985-09-09 Stabilisation system for inflatable rafts

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EP (1) EP0178963B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3561641D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2570047B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9573666B2 (en) 2014-06-17 2017-02-21 Zodiac Aerosafety Systems Longitudinal scoops for rolling stability
KR101803555B1 (en) * 2016-08-12 2017-11-30 장지환 Not upside down tube

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3449777A (en) * 1966-05-24 1969-06-17 Hosoya Kako Co Ltd Automatic inflating floating device
US4065888A (en) * 1976-03-19 1978-01-03 Reinhard Hans Napierski Fluid inflatable spatially expandable hollow body construction
FR2416160A1 (en) * 1978-02-02 1979-08-31 Switlik Richard LIFE RAFT

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3449777A (en) * 1966-05-24 1969-06-17 Hosoya Kako Co Ltd Automatic inflating floating device
US4065888A (en) * 1976-03-19 1978-01-03 Reinhard Hans Napierski Fluid inflatable spatially expandable hollow body construction
FR2416160A1 (en) * 1978-02-02 1979-08-31 Switlik Richard LIFE RAFT

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9573666B2 (en) 2014-06-17 2017-02-21 Zodiac Aerosafety Systems Longitudinal scoops for rolling stability
KR101803555B1 (en) * 2016-08-12 2017-11-30 장지환 Not upside down tube

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2570047B1 (en) 1989-12-15
FR2570047A1 (en) 1986-03-14
DE3561641D1 (en) 1988-03-31
EP0178963B1 (en) 1988-02-24

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