EP1336560B1

EP1336560B1 - Marine lifesaving equipment

Info

Publication number: EP1336560B1
Application number: EP03250942A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Reid
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-16
Filing date: 2003-02-15
Publication date: 2008-06-18
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-15
Also published as: GB0203692D0; EP1336560A1; ATE398568T1; DE60321611D1

Abstract

Marine lifesaving equipment includes a container (10) having a rescue means (14) in the form of a net upon which a person to be saved from a body of water may rest, and a buoyancy means (16) in the form of a number of floats. The container (10) has at least one entry point (50) for the person to be saved. The buoyancy means (16) and the entry point (50) are arranged such that the entry point (50) is provided at or preferably below a surface of the water. A method of rescuing a person from a body of water is also described. <IMAGE>

Description

This invention relates to marine lifesaving equipment, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a recovery cage used to rescue a person who has fallen overboard a vessel.
When vessels travel on the sea, there is a high risk factor as the sea is susceptible to adverse weather conditions e.g. storms, gales, high waves and winds etc. There is no higher risk than that taken by fishermen who work daily in such extreme conditions. In fact, many fishermen have perished over the years due to such conditions. In light of this, there has long been a need for sea going vessels (not just fishing vessels) to be equipped with lifesaving equipment. Conventionally, such lifesaving equipment is in the form of liferafts or lifeboats and such a conventional liferaft is shown in UK Patent Number 3389 to Tabulo from 1913 which discloses a pair of longitudinally arranged floats which are pivotally attached to the liferaft. The person(s) to be rescued must climb up a ladder and over the floats to gain access to the rest area inside the liferaft.
This disclosure is considered to constitute the closest prior art.
Although commonly found on large passenger vessels, these are not practical for much smaller fishing vessels where space is limited. If a fishing vessel does have a liferaft or lifeboat then in the case of a man overboard, they will find it difficult to enter the liferaft or lifeboat when in the sea, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The lowering of the liferafts or lifeboats into the sea is time consuming and a man overboard may become susceptible to hypothermia.
In the absence of liferafts or lifeboats, alternative lifesaving equipment may be of the form of inflatable jackets or lifebelts. While providing buoyancy, such jackets may not provide protection against the sea conditions.
Some fishing vessels can be found with a net surrounding the perimeter of the vessel adjacent to the top of the deck. This acts to catch any persons who may have fallen overboard and prevent them from entering the sea. However, not all the perimeter of the vessel is equipped with a net, as this would hinder with trawling the fish.
An associated problem with a man overboard is hoisting them back to the deck of the vessel which can be three to five metres from sea level. A rope may be lowered to a man overboard to grab but this is awkward by virtue of the motion of the vessel and the motion of the man overboard in the sea, and there is the risk that the man overboard will suffer from fatigue and won't be able to grab the rope. In this instance, someone may put on an immersion suit and be lowered to assist the man overboard. However, this is not without risk to themselves.
Conventionally, an open-mouthed net is known and may be used. The open-mouthed net is in the form of a cube with an end removed which is intended to be an entry point for a man overboard. Floats are attached around the periphery of the removed end. In order for a man overboard to be rescued, the man overboard has to haul himself over the floats, which are attached to the net, and into the entry point. The man overboard can then be hoisted to safety. However, taking account of the sodden weight and bulk of clothing, a man overboard in the sea will have great difficulty entering the open-mouthed net and if unconscious will be unable to do so.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided marine lifesaving equipment which comprises:-

a container member having a rescue means upon which a person to be saved from a body of water may rest, and a buoyancy means;
the container member further comprising at least one entry point for the person to be saved;
and a frame (12), wherein the buoyancy means (16) are secured to the frame (12), characterised in that
the buoyancy means and the entry point are arranged such that the entry point is adapted to be provided at or below a surface of the body of water, and wherein at least a portion of the buoyancy means (16) is rotatable with respect to the frame (12) such that the said portion of the buoyancy means (16) is adapted to act as a roller to aid removal of the container member from the water.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of rescuing a person from a body of water comprising lowering marine lifesaving equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention into the body of water, permitting the person to enter the entry point and rest upon the rescue means, and then raising the marine lifesaving equipment out of the body of water.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of rescuing a person from a body of water which comprises lowering marine lifesaving equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention into water, manoeuvring the marine lifesaving equipment via a guiding member such that the person is moved through the entry point and located upon the rescue means and lifting the marine lifesaving equipment out of the water.
Typically, the entry point is adapted to be provided below the surface of the body of the water.
Preferably, the marine lifesaving equipment comprises folding means which permit the equipment to be folded between an in use configuration and a stowed configuration. Typically, the folding means comprise one or more rotatable joints or hinges.
Preferably, at least a portion of the buoyancy means are provided vertically above the entry point in use of the equipment, such that the buoyancy means float on the surface of the body of water and the entry point is provided below the surface of the water.
Preferably, the buoyancy means are typically secured to first and second portions of the frame.
Preferably, the first portion of the frame is, in use of the equipment, located vertically above the second portion of the frame.
The buoyancy means secured to the first portion of the frame is adapted to prevent the equipment from capsizing in the body of water due to rolling of the equipment and the buoyancy means secured to the second and lower portion of the frame is adapted to float the equipment in the water.
Typically, a side restraining member is provided around one or more sides of the frame, preferably in the substantially vertical plane between the rescue means and the first portion of the frame, and more preferably is provided around three sides of the frame.
Typically, the rescue means is secured to an in use lowermost portion of the frame, which may be provided with apertures therein, such that water may enter the interior of the lowermost portion of the frame and also may exit therefrom when the equipment is removed from the water.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of marine lifesaving equipment in accordance with the present invention;
Figs. 2a and 2b are a side view and an end view respectively of the equipment of Fig. 1 in a first stowed configuration;
Figs. 3a to 3f are side views of the equipment of Fig. 1 at each stage of folding, and Fig. 3g is a side view of the equipment in a second stowed configuration;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating two methods of positioning the equipment of Fig. 1 in water;
Fig. 5 is a side view illustrating how a man overboard would use the marine lifesaving equipment of Fig. 1;
Figs. 6a, 6b and 6c is an end perspective view illustrating how a man overboard would use the marine lifesaving equipment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the equipment of Fig. 1 in use; and
Fig. 8 is an end view illustrating how the marine lifesaving equipment of Fig. 1 could be deployed.

As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, there is provided marine lifesaving equipment generally referred to herein as a rescue cage 10. Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 and 5, the rescue cage 10 comprises a frame 12, a base netting 14, horizontally arranged float supports 24a and 24c, a vertically arranged upper side netting 26 and floats 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j, 16k, 16l, 16m and 16n.
The frame 12 is provided with a horizontally arranged and generally rectangular upper frame 18 and a corresponding horizontally arranged and generally rectangular lower frame 20 (Fig. 5). Four vertical members 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d connect the upper frame 18 and the lower frame 20. The vertical members 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d are located adjacent to the respective corners of the upper and lower frames 18, 20. The frame 12 is made of aluminium tubing or fibre glass tubing but is not limited thereto. Similarly, the frame 12 can be made of any strong lightweight material which is not susceptible to rusting. Typically the frame 12 is approximately 1.9 metres in length, 1.2 metres in breadth and 1.1 metres in height, but is not limited thereto, since it may be desirable to have a larger or smaller rescue cage 10.
The base netting 14 is a net attached to the lower frame 20, preferably around the entire perimeter of the lower frame 20 with a mesh of spacing around 80mm to 100mm (not limited thereto). This will allow the base of the rescue cage 10 in use to be submerged in the sea and allow a man overboard to lie or stand on the base netting 14. The base netting 14 is made of rope (but is not limited thereto) and is normally weighted to prevent it from floating upwards and interfering with the man entering the rescue cage 10.
The float supports 24a and 24c are of the form of two horizontal members located between the vertical members 22a and 22c, and 22b and 22d respectively. The float supports 24a and 24c are made of aluminium tubing or fibre glass tubing, but not limited thereto, and are located intermediate between the upper frame 18 and the lower frame 20.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the upper side netting 26 and end netting 24b is attached between the float supports 24a, 24b and 24c and the lower frame 20, but as shown in Figs. 3a to 3g, the upper side netting can also be attached between the upper frame 18 and lower frame 20; that is the upper side netting 26 can extend the full height of the side of the cage 10. Also, it should be noted, as shown in Figs. 3a to 3g, the end netting 24b can be omitted. Preferably, the upper side netting 26 is made of rope or any such buoyant material, which forms a mesh of spacing which prevents a person within the rescue cage 10 from falling out.
As shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 6a to 6c, the floats 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d are attached to the upper frame 18. However, as shown in Figs. 3a to 3g, the floats 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d could be attached directly to the upper side netting 26 or to further float supports (not shown). The remaining floats 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j, 16k, 16l, 16m and 16n are attached to the float supports 24a and 24c.
Fig. 5 shows rotatable joints or hinges 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, and 74 are located on the upper and lower frames 18, 20 at the respective ends of the vertical members 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d. The rotatable joints 62, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 76 and 78 are adapted to allow the upper frame 18 to rotate about the lower frame 20 such that the upper and lower frames 18, 20 are adjacent to one another. In this first example of a collapsed or folded configuration, the rescue cage 10 can be stowed on board a vessel in a confined space.
Figs. 3c to 3g show how the rotatable joints or hinges 62, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 76 and 78 allow the cage 10 to be folded further to a second example of a collapsed or folded configuration. Fig. 3a shows the rescue cage 10 in its in-use configuration.
A force is then applied by an operator to the upper frame 18 in the direction of arrow 76 which rotates the upper frame 18 about the lower frame 20 before reaching a first folded position (Fig. 3c) as previously described. The vertical members 22b and 22d are then folded along with the upper frame 18 about a pivot axis defined by the side of the lower frame 20 which carries the rotatable joints 72 and 78, back towards the lower frame 20 in the direction indicated by arrow 80. Fig. 3f shows the rescue cage 10 in the second folded position.
The rescue cage 10 can then optionally be rotated to sit upright as shown in Fig. 3g depending upon the user preference or deck layout. In this second stowed configuration the cage 10 requires less storage space and is easier to handle on deck. When required, the reverse of the process previously described is performed prior to use.
In use, the rescue cage 10 is placed within the sea near to a man overboard. The rescue cage 10 can either be thrown into the sea to save time or can be lowered by using a power block or crane which are readily available on fishing vessels (Fig. 4). If thrown, the rescue cage 10 will initially be in a first stowed position, (Figs 2a and 2b), or can be unfolded once from a second stowed position, (Figs. 3f and 3g), to a first stowed position (Figs. 3c or 2a and 2b). When the rescue cage 10 comes into contact with the sea, the weight of the lower frame 20 will cause the rescue cage 10 to sink and open out. The floats 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d located on the upper frame 18 enable the rescue cage 10 to establish an upright position even if the rescue cage 10 lands on a side. The remaining floats 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j, 16k, 16l, 16m and 16n attached to the float supports 24a and 24c, enable the rescue cage 10 to float on the surface of the sea with the lower frame 20, base netting 14 and entry point 50 being submerged.
The man overboard then swims towards the rescue cage 10 and then enters the entry point 50 and rests on the base netting 14. The man overboard can either stay in a lying position or can stand up on the base netting 14.
The rescue cage is then hoisted to the ships deck by the heaving rope 28.
Guide ropes 30, 32 are attached to opposite ends of the upper frame 18 to reduce the effects of any vessel pitch or roll which could potentially harm the man overboard whilst in the rescue cage 10.
In an alternative use where a man overboard may be too weak to swim, the rescue cage 10 may be lowered by a power block or crane or jib 52 with a person inside, who is preferably wearing an immersion suit, to aid the man overboard into the rescue cage 10. Once the man overboard is safely inside the rescue cage 10, the rescue cage 10 can be hoisted back to the deck of the vessel. The guide ropes 30, 32 will aid to reduce the effects of any vessel pitch or roll which could potentially harm any persons in the rescue cage 10.
In a further use where the sea conditions prevent anyone from being lowered down along with the rescue cage 10, the rescue cage could be lowered down as before to the surface of the sea. In this position, the base of the frame 12, the base netting 14 and entry point 50 will be submerged in the sea. Subsequently, the guide ropes 30, 32 can be used to manoeuvre the rescue cage 10 underneath the man overboard thus 'scooping' the man overboard onto the base netting 14 of the rescue cage 10 and hoisting him back to the deck of the vessel.
It will be appreciated that the present invention can be stowed in either of a first (Figs. 2a and 2b) or second (Figs. 3f and 3g) a collapsible position taking up very little space on board a vessel. When the rescue cage 10 is in the sea, the rescue cage 10 provides a protective structure for a man overboard. Furthermore, the floats 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j, 16k, 16l, 16m and 16n cushion any jarring between the rescue cage 10 and the vessel when the rescue cage 10 is being hoisted on board since the said floats can preferably rotate within respect to the respective float support.
It will also be appreciated that when the man overboard is lying horizontal in the rescue cage 10, his chances of recovery if suffering from hypothermia are greatly increased. The rescue cage 10 has no rigid link to the vessel and is therefore unaffected by any roll and pitch of the vessel. If the rescue cage 10 had no buoyancy and was dependent on the vessel for its position in the sea, it would be almost impossible to keep the rescue cage 10 in the sea at the proper height conducive to allow the man overboard to enter.
It will be further appreciated that because the entry point 50 and base netting 14 of the rescue cage 10 are submerged under the surface of the sea, this makes it far easier for the man overboard to enter. Taking account of the sodden weight and bulk of clothing, a man overboard in the sea will have great difficulty boarding a liferaft or a lifeboat even with assistance.
The lower frame 20 will preferably be of a greater diameter of pipe than the upper frame 18, the lower frame 20 also preferably having holes 53 adapted to allow water to enter for increased stability. As the rescue cage 10 comes out of the sea the lower frame 20 will drain off the water making the frame 12 lighter and easier to handle on board the vessel.
The rescue cage 10 could be stowed on the side of a wheel house (not shown) or casing (not shown) with the heaving rope 28 and guide ropes 30, 32 stowed in such a way that all the crew need to consider is checking that the way is clear and casting the rescue cage 10 over the side of the vessel.
If a vessel had plenty of space but had no power block or crane available it would be straightforward to add a launch pad 50 to hold the rescue cage 10 with a simple manual or powered jib 52 close by.
It will be appreciated that the present invention as well as being applicable to seagoing vessels is also applicable to offshore rigs, rescue helicopters, and other fixed or flying structures.
Modifications and improvements may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, The rescue cage 10 could be stowed on a ramp 50 ready to slip into the sea at a moment's notice, (Fig. 8). A small jib 52 could be at hand to hoist the rescue cage 10 on board the vessel. The jib 52 could be operated manually or power driven.

Claims

Marine lifesaving equipment comprising:-
a container member (10) having a rescue means (14) upon which a person to be saved from a body of water may rest, and a buoyancy means (16);

the container member (10) further comprising at least one entry point (50) for the person to be saved;

and a frame (12), wherein the buoyancy means (16) are secured to the frame (12), characterised in that

the buoyancy means (16) and the entry point (50) are arranged such that the entry point (50) is adapted to be provided at or below a surface of the body of water, and wherein at least a portion of the buoyancy means (16) is rotatable with respect to the frame (12) such that the said portion of the buoyancy means (16) is adapted to act as a roller to aid removal of the container member from the water.
Marine lifesaving equipment according to claim 1, wherein the buoyancy means (16) are provided vertically above the entry point (50) in use of the equipment, such that the buoyancy means (16) float on the surface of the body of water and the entry point (50) is provided below the surface of the water.
Marine lifesaving equipment according to either of claims 1 or 2, further comprising folding means (62, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78) which permit the equipment to be folded between an in use configuration and a stowed configuration.
Marine lifesaving equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyancy means (16) are secured to at least one of first (18) and second (20) portions of the frame (12).
Marine lifesaving equipment according to claim 4, wherein the first portion (18) of the frame (12) is, in use of the equipment, located vertically above the second portion (20) of the frame (12), and the buoyancy means (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) secured to the first portion (18) of the frame (12) is adapted to prevent the equipment from capsizing in the body of water due to rolling of the equipment and the buoyancy means (16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j, 16k, 16l, 16m, 16n) secured to the second and lower portion (20) of the frame (12) is adapted to float the equipment in the water.
Marine lifesaving equipment according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a side restraining member (26) is provided around one or more sides of the frame (12) in the substantially vertical plane between the rescue means (14) and one of the first (18) and second (20) portions of the frame (12).
Marine lifesaving equipment according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the rescue means (14) is secured to an in use lowermost portion (20) of the frame (12), and the rescue means (14) is provided with apertures therein, such that water may enter the interior of the lowermost portion (20) of the frame (12) and also may exit therefrom when the equipment is removed from the water.
Marine life saving equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyancy means (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) are spaced apart from the rescue means (14) by a fixed distance when the equipment is in the in use configuration.
A method of rescuing a person from a body of water comprising lowering marine lifesaving equipment according any of claims 1 to 8 into the body of water, permitting the person to enter the entry point (50) and rest upon the rescue means (14), and then raising the marine lifesaving equipment out of the body of water.
A method of rescuing a person from a body of water which comprises lowering marine lifesaving equipment according any of claims 1 to 8 into the body of water, manoeuvring the marine lifesaving equipment via a guiding member (30, 32) such that the person is moved through the entry point (50) and located upon the rescue means (14) and lifting the marine lifesaving equipment out of the water.