GB2208628A

GB2208628A - Self-righting boat

Info

Publication number: GB2208628A
Application number: GB8718979A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Townsend
Original assignee: Hoyle Marine Ltd
Current assignee: Hoyle Marine Ltd
Priority date: 1987-08-11
Filing date: 1987-08-11
Publication date: 1989-04-12
Also published as: GB8718979D0

Abstract

A self-righting inflatable boat preferably with one or more engines, including a device for righting the boat when capsized comprising a buoyancy means in the form of a buoyant body or inflatable member preferably normally inflated, said means being of sufficient buoyancy and mounted so as to be displaceable from a first position, which is either inboard to permit said buoyancy means to act as a seat or other inboard member or which is outboard and at or extending across the stern of the boat where it may provide additional buoyancy for the boat in use, into a second position below the boat, when in a capsized inverted position, so that when in such position in water the buoyancy means urges or causes the boat to be righted. Alternatively with a boat with a roll-over bar 7, the buoyancy means 11 may be located thereon. <IMAGE>

Description

SELF-RIGHTING 90AT The present invention relates to a device for righting a capsized boat and particularly, although not exclusively, for righting a capsized inflatable boat.

It is known for some inflatable inshore rescue boats, such as used by the RNLI,for a roll-over bar to be provided to protect the crew in the event of a capsize.

It is also understood to have been proposed to provide an inflatable device on the cross-piece of the roll-over bar which device in the event of a capsize may be inflated from a specially provided gas bottle. However, it has always to be ensured that such gas bottle has sufficient gas for required inflations and difficulties arise since the bottle is not always sufficient for two or three inflations. Furthermore, difficulties arise in subsequently travelling with the device in its inflated condition and difficulties can also be experienced in deflating and stowing the inflatable device.

It is sometimes found with inflatable boats such as naving a planar solid transom extending between the inflated side members, that a following - sea may break over the transom into the boat. Furthermore, water may flood over the transom when the boat is being driven in reverse.

According to the present invention a self-righting boat includes a device for righting the boat when capsized comprising buoyancy means mounted so as to be displaceable from a first position in or adjacent the boat to a second position spaced from and below the boat when in a capsized or inverted position so that when in such second position in water the buoyancy means urges or causes the boat to be righted.

The buoyancy means is preferably in the form of a buoyant body, such as foam filled tube or like member, or an inflatable member and will be of sufficient buoyancy so that in said second position it urges or causes said boat to be righted. The buoyancy means in said first position may be located either inboard to permit such buoyancy means to act as a seat or other inboard member or located outboard and at or extending across the stern of the boat where it may provide additional buoyancy for the boat in normal use and preferably to reduce the likelihood of pooping i.e.

flooding over the transom. In this case and with a boat with one or more outboard engines1 the buoyancy means is preferably located in said first position aft or outward of the engine(s) and may be coupled to the housing(s) thereof to pivot therewith when tilting the engines or spaced to provide clearance therefrom. The buoyancy means in said second position may be spaced from the stern or adjacent region thereto or may be located centrally or towards the bow to provide a greater turning movement relative to the engine(s).

The buoyancy means may be attached to the boat by one or more support arms pivotally or otherwise displaceably mounted on the boat (such as on the transom, the engine casing, deck or rigid hull part of an inflatable boat or on a roll-over bar thereof). Alternatively, various linkage arrangements such as a portagraph, or guide tracks or telescopic means may be provided to facilitate mounting and displacement.

Preferably displacing means are provided for displacing the buoyancy means and may comprise a pneumatic or hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement, spring means, mechanical means, electric drive means or a combination of these and which in the event of a capsize, is activated to displace buoyancy means into its righting position with the buoyancy being sufficient to raise the aft section of the boat out of the water into an unstable position so that it turns over, thus righting itself.

The displacing means may incorporate that used on the boat e.g. the hydraulic system for tilting outboard engines is modified with suitable valve means to enable the displacement of the means.

The boat incorporating the self-righting device is preferably an inflatable Activation of the device can be automatic such as by means of a mercury switch, or controlled by a lanyard preferably located so that its handle floats on the surface away from the boat.

Whilst when the buoyancy means is an inflatable member such will normally be inflated in use in both said first and second positions, it is envisaged that in said first position the inflatable member may be deflated and may be displaced into said second position prior to inflation thereof by suitable means, e.g. pressurised gas reservoir such as gas bottle, with suitable means normally or automatically operable for activation of the pressurisation means when said inflatable member is in the second position.

This arrangement will reduce the pressures otherwise required for submerging an inflated or other buoyant member. It is envisaged that in such arrangement a transverse stern additional buoyancy means may also be provided preferably on one or more arms, to reduce the risk of pooping. Further, once righted the inflated member may be deflated or displaced to the first position adjacent said transom buoyancy member.

According to a more specific definition of the present invention a self-righting inflatable boat preferably with one or more engines, includes a device for righting the boat when capsized comprising a buoyancy means in the form of a buoyant body or inflatable member preferably normally inflated, said means being of sufficient buoyancy and mounted so as to be displaceable from a first position, which is either inboard to permit said buoyancy means to act as a seat or other inboard member or which is outboard and at or extending across the stern of the boat where it may provide additional buoyancy for the boat in use, into a second position below the boat, when in a capsized or inverted position, so that when in such position in water the buoyancy means urges or causes the boat to be righted.

In a further modification of the inventive concept of the invention, the boat has at least one engine mounted at or towards the stern and the buoyant body or inflatable member is mountable or mounted towards the bow of the boat or displaceable into a righting position towards the bow so that a more effective turning moment or effect is achieved because the leverage effect at a greater distance from the weight of the engine(s) at the stern of the vessel.

In a broader aspect according to the present invention, a device for righting a capsized boat comprises a buoyant body or inflatable body or member mounted on support means connectable to said boat or parts and fittings therefor, such as an outboard engine(s), and means for displacing said buoyant body or inflatable member from a first position to a second position whereat said second position the body or member and support means are such that with the boat in a capsized condition in water the body or member acts to urge the boat into the righted position.

The above definition is intended to cover the device on its own suitable as an attachment to an existing boat or to the motor(s) thereof although the device will normally be incorporated during the construction of the boat or engine(s) or during the installation of such engine or engines as hitherto defied in this respect.

In a deviation somewhat from the main inventive concept, in an inflatable boat with roll-over bar, an inflatable member is securedly mounted on said roll-over bar and inflatable by suitable means, e.g. pump or gas bottle, with the boat in capsized condition so as to urge the boat into a righted position; guide means being provided or the inflated member being removable to permit said inflated member to be displaced either into said boat for deflation, repacking and secured relocation on said roll-over bar or to a stowed position astern, possibly adjacent further auxiliary buoyancy means located transverse of the stern to reduce the risk of the boat being pooped.

Alternatively, instead of said guide means said inflated member may supply the removable and deflatable to be replaced or be replaceable by at least one further deflated inflated which may be stored in the boat or at least one further deflated, inflatable member with inflation means may be provided on said roll-over bar.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a self-righting inflatable boat with a schematic illustration of a self-righting device in a first position providing additional buoyancy for the stern of the boat; Fig. 2 is an elevation of the boat of Fig. 1 in its normal right position but with the self-righting device in a sectional position adjacent a roll-over bar of the boat as it would adopt in the capsized position prior to righting.

An inflatable boat 1 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 having a rigid hull 2, inflatable 3 a steering wheel 4, seat 5, and two outboard engines 6 tiltable iii known manner, e.g. by hydraulical piston and cylinder arrangement (not shown) from an inoperative position to an operative position as shown. A roll-over bar or frame 7 is provided adjacent the stern and shown partly in broken line in Fig. 1.

A self-righting device 8 may be schematically illustrated comprising two rigid,metal tubular support arms q pivotally mounted on the transom 10 and possibly also joined to the roll-over bar 7 or its mounting for reinforcement.

An additional buoyancy means 11 in the form of an inflated tubular member is mounted at the end of arms 9 and is normally inflated during normal use of the boat as illustrated in Fig. 1 and in broken lines in Fig. 2.

The arms 9 are connected to suitable displacement means which is schematically illustrated are trunnions 12 joining with the outboard motor housings or the engine mount such that when the engines are tilted into the inoperative position (Fig. 2) the arms 9 are pivoted into a position away from the stern and in which position (the second position), adjacent the roll-over bar 7 which may act as a step or support, the buoyancy means 11 acts to right the boat in the capsized position of the boat in water. Suitable linkage means such as a bell crank lever (not shown) may be provided to amplify the movement of the engines into the tilted position of Fig. 2 or the engine tilt means may be modified to effect greater tilting movement when in the capsized position suitably accessible control means will be provided to activate the hydraulic or other displacement system of the engines which will remain operable in the capsized position.

It will be appreciated that any of the previously mentioned or other specially provided displacement means for the buoyancy means 11 may be provided and may even operate as a power take-off from the hydraulic or pneumatic displacement system of the engines. It is even envisaged that a manually operable winch or pulley and tackle system may be connected to the roll - over bar and the arms pulled towards such to effect righting.

Claims

CLAIIS

1. A self-righting boat including a device for righting the boat when capsized comprising buoyancy means mounted so as to be displaceable fran a first position in or adjacent the boat to a second position spaced from and below the boat when in a capsized or inverted position so that when in such second position in water the buoyancy means urges or causes the boat to be righted.

2. A boat as claimed in claim 1, in which the buoyancy means is in the form of a buoyant body, such as foam filled tube or like member, or an inflatable member and is of sufficient buoyancy so that in said second position it urges or causes said boat to be righted.

3. A boat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the buoyancy means in said first position is located either inboard to permit such buoyancy means to act as a seat or other inboard member or located outboard and at or extending across the stern of the boat where it provides additional buoyancy for the boat in normal use and preferably to reduce the likelihood of pooping i.e. flooding over the transom.

r;. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the boat has one or more outboard engines, and the buoyancy means is located in said first position aft or outward of the engine(s) and is coupled to the housing(s) thereof to pivot therewith when tilting the engines or is spaced to provide clearance therefrom.

5. A boat as claimed in claim 4, in which the buoyancy means in said second position is spaced from the stern or adjacent region thereto or is located centrally or towards the bow to provide a greater turning movement relative to the engine(s).

6. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, in which the buoyancy means is attached to the boat by one or more support arms pivotally or otherwise displaceably mounted on the boat (such as on the transom, the engine casing, deck or rigid hull part of an inflatable boat or on a roll-over bar thereof).

7. A boåt as claimed in claim 6, in which, alternatively, linkage arrangements such as a pentagraph,or guide tracks or telescopic means are provided to facilitate mounting and displacement.

8. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, in which displacing means are provided for displacing the buoyancy means and comprise a pneumatic or hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement, spring means, mechanical means, electric drive means or a combination of these or other means and which in the event of a capsize, is activated to displace buoyancy means into its righting position with the buoyancy being sufficient to raise the aft section of the boat out of the water into an unstable position so that it turns over, thus righting itself.

9. A boat as claimed in claim 8, in which the displacing means incorporates displacing means used on the boat such as modification with a suitable valve means of the hydraulic system for tilting outboard engines to enable the displacement of the means.

10. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, in which the boat incorporating the self-righting device is an inflatable boat.

11. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, in which activation of the device is made automatic such as by means of a mercury switch, or is controlled by a lanyard preferably located so that its handle floats on the surface away from the boat.

12. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, in which when the buoyancy means is an inflatable member such is normally inflated in use in both said first and second positions.

13. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, in which in said first position the inflatable member is deflated and is displaceable into said second position prior to inflation thereof by suitable means, e.g. pressurised gas reservoir such as gas bottle, with suitable means normally or automatically operable for activation of the pressurisation means when said inflatable member is in the second position.

14. A boat as claimed in claim 13, in which a transverse, stern additional buoyancy means is provided preferably on one or more arms, to reduce the risk of pooping.

15. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, in which once righted the inflated member may be deflated or displaced to the first position adjacent said transom buoyancy member.

16. A self-righting inflatable boat preferably with one or more engines, including a device for righting the boat when capsized comprising a buoyancy means in the form of a buoyant body or inflatable member preferably normally inflated, said means being of sufficient buoyancy and mounted so as to be displaceable from a first position, which is either inboard to permit said buoyancy means to act as a seat or other inboard member or which is outboard and at or extending across the stern of the boat where it may provide additional buoyancy for the boat in use, into a second position below the boat, when in a capsized or inverted position, so that when in such position in water the buoyancy means urges or causes the boat to be righted.

17. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, in which at least one engine is mounted at or towards the stern of the boat and the buoyant body or inflatable member is mountable o'r mounted towards the bow of the boat or displaceable into a righting position towards the bow so that a more effective turning moment or effect is achieved because the leverage effect at a greater distance from the weight of the engine(s) at the stern of the boat.

18. A device for righting a capsized boat comprises a buoyant body or inflatable body or member mounted on support means connectable to said boat or parts and fittings therefor, such as an outboard engine(s), and means for displacing said buoyant body or inflatable member from a first position to a second position whereat said second position the body or member and support means are such that with the boat in a capsized condition in water the body or member acts to urge the boat into the righted position.

19. In an inflatable boat with roll-over bar, an inflatable member is securedly mounted on said roll-over bar and inflatable by suitable means, e.g. pump or gas bottle, when the boat is in capsized position so as to urge the boat into a righted position; guide means being provided or the inflated member being removable to permit said inflated member to be displaced either into said boat for deflation, repacking and secured relocation on said roll-over bar or to a stowed position astern.

20. A boat as claimed in claim 19, in which the inflated member is displaceable astern to adiacent further auxiliary buoyancy means located transverse of the stern such as to reduce the risk of the boat being pooped.

21. A boat as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, in which instead of guide means for displacement, said inflated member is simply removable and deflatable to be replaced or be replaceable by at least one further deflated inflated which may be stored in the boat.

22. A boat as claimed in claim 19, in which the first mentioned inflatable member is removable and at least one further deflated, inflatable member with inflation means is provided on said roll-over bar.

23. A boat subtantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.